Maurice Cheeks can't think of anywhere else he'd rather be. After playing 11 years for the 76ers and spending seven seasons with the organization as an assistant coach, Cheeks has had his contract extended for one year twice in the past seven months. The last time was on Sept. 9 and it will keep Cheeks as the Sixers' head coach for at least two more years.
"I always wanted to be here," Cheeks said. "I played here for so long. To come back and have the opportunity to coach and to be competitive (is) where it all starts. You want to accomplish something here and have it work." Cheeks guided the Sixers to a 40-42 record in 2007-08, as well as the first playoff berth in his three years as head coach. Several current Sixers say that it's easy to play for him.
"I feel like he respects the opinions of his players when we make suggestions during practices or games," Andre Iguodala said. "Many coaches have the motto: 'my way or the highway.' That motto can hold players back from their full potential. Mo has the laid-back, 'keeping it real' mentality that every player has to respect. (He) treats every player with the same respect, whether a rookie or superstar."
Expectations have increased with the signing of free agent power forward Elton Brand, in addition to re-signing restricted free agents Iguodala and Lou Williams. Throw in veteran reserves Theo Ratliff, Kareem Rush, Royal Ivey and Donyell Marshall and it's understandable that some folks think the Sixers could win 50 games.
Cheeks, for his part, welcomes the increased expectations and can't wait for the Sept. 30 start of training camp at Penn State.
"I think the whole dynamic has changed a little bit from last year to now," Cheeks said. "You think about what we accomplished last year -- we have a chance to have a good basketball team. I always put a challenge on myself to help the team be the best you can be."
