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[Saba Sports] Tom Thibodeau is adding a seasoned assistant coach to his staff. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday that the Knicks plan to hire Maurice Cheeks. The 67-year-old Cheeks spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls under Billy Donovan.
Cheeks was a standout player for the Philadelphia 76ers and four other NBA teams, including a stint with the Knicks from 1990-91. He made four All-Star teams, earned five All-Defensive nods, and was the starting point guard on the 76ers’ 1983 NBA championship team. His No. 10 jersey was retired by the 76ers, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Cheeks has also had a lengthy coaching career, serving as an NBA head coach for nine seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, the 76ers, and the Detroit Pistons, compiling a 305-315 (.492) record with three playoff berths. He then became an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder for nine seasons before joining Donovan with the Bulls in 2020.
The Knicks, featuring All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, present an appealing opportunity. Thibodeau’s staff has openings, as his associate head coach may leave for another team.