Maurice Cheeks was born on August 8, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes, a tough housing project in Chicago. Despite facing challenges growing up, Maurice discovered his love for basketball at a young age.
After a successful college basketball career at West Texas State University, Maurice Cheeks was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 1978 NBA Draft. Known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and defensive prowess, Maurice quickly made a name for himself in the NBA.
Throughout his 15-year NBA career, Maurice Cheeks was a four-time NBA All-Star and helped lead the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA Championship in 1983. He was known for his unselfish play and ability to control the tempo of the game.
After retiring as a player, Maurice Cheeks transitioned into coaching. He served as the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers from 2001 to 2005 and then coached the Philadelphia 76ers for three seasons. Maurice found success as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2009 to 2013, where he played a key role in developing star forward Kevin Durant.
Off the court, Maurice Cheeks has always been a family man. He raised two children with his wife and prioritized spending time with his loved ones.
Throughout his career, Maurice Cheeks was known for his humility, leadership, and dedication to the game of basketball. He left a lasting impact on the NBA as both a player and a coach, inspiring future generations of players and coaches.
Today, Maurice Cheeks remains involved in the basketball community, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring players and coaches.
His legacy as a player and coach continues to be celebrated, and he is regarded as one of the all-time greats in the NBA.
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