Wednesday, September 10, 2008

76ers, Cheeks agree on extension

PHILADELPHIA (AP)—The Philadelphia 76ers revamped their roster this summer with key signings. Now, they’ve made sure their coach will be there, too.

The 76ers gave Maurice Cheeks his second contract extension in seven months Tuesday, capping a busy summer highlighted by the addition of free agent forward Elton Brand. Cheeks previously signed a one-year extension on Feb. 20. Terms of the latest deal were not disclosed.

“I always wanted to be here, no matter what,” Cheeks said during a conference call.

Cheeks led the team to the playoffs last season, where the 76ers lost in the first round to the Detroit Pistons. After an 18-30 start, Philadelphia won 18 of its next 23 games and wound up at 40-42 and the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

“I had a little luck on my side,” Cheeks said.

Cheeks will have a lot more talent on his roster in 2008-09, with the addition Brand and free agents Donyell Marshall,Theo RatliffRoyal Ivey and Kareem Rush. The 76ers also re-signed restricted free agent forward Andre Iguodala and guard Lou Williams, in addition to drafting first-round pick Marreese Speights from Florida.

Since coming to Philadelphia in May 2005, Cheeks has a 113-133 record. He also coached at Portland, and his career coaching mark is 275-272. Cheeks played 15 seasons in the NBA, the first 11 with Philadelphia. He retired as a player in 1993.

Cheeks was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team five times, played in four All-Star games and was a member of the 76ers’ championship team in 1982-83.

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