Philadelphia 76ers: Maurice Cheeks is heading to the Hall of Fame
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojarnowski, former Philadelphia 76ers great Maurice Cheeks will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this year.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame just got a good one.
Former Philadelphia 76er player and coach Maurice Cheeks is set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for 2018, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski noted that Cheeks will join a “starry” group comprised of former All-Stars Grant Hill, Jason Kidd and Steve Nash for this year’s class. He also added that the formal announcement will come during the upcoming NCAA Final Four weekend, while the induction ceremony will be held September 7th.
The 2018 induction adds to Cheeks’ already stacked resume. Along with a championship in 1982-83, Cheeks is the Sixers all-time leader in assists, steals, assists per game and steal percentage, according to Basketball-Reference.
Fittingly, during the 1994-95 season, Cheeks’ number 10 was retired and thus stamped into Sixers history, as shown on the team’s website.
By the Numbers
Cheeks played 11 seasons with the Sixers and averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 assists and three rebounds in Philly. The 6-foot-1 guard from West Texas A&M University was part of the 1982-1983 Sixers championship squad. Cheeks played a total of 16 seasons in the NBA.
In addition to his impressive tenure as a player, Cheeks also served as the teams Head Coach from 2005-2009, finishing his tenure in South Philly with a 122-147 record. Cheeks coached the Sixers to the playoffs in the 2007-08, where the Sixers fell to the Detroit Pistons 4-2 in the first round.
Cheeks’ record as a head coach sits 305-315, with stops with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Pistons to boarder his time in Philadelphia.
Currently, Cheeks serves as an Assistant Coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Look to see Cheeks on the sidelines this postseason, as the Thunder (44-31) possess the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoff picture.
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Beyond his stellar numbers, Cheeks is famous for his soft-spoken and kind, yet respected demeanor that transcends beyond his basketball prowess.
Perhaps one of his most lasting moments came as a Head Coach of the Blazers when Cheeks helped a young girl sing the national anthem. Watch the heart-warming video here.
A talented player, strong leader of men and a warm-hearted human is ready to carve his rightful spot in basketball glory.
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Congrats Mo, you deserve it.