Detroit, MI

The Detroit Pistons have named former All-Star playmaker Maurice Cheeks as new head coach, signing him to a multi-year deal.

Cheeks, the 29th head coach in Detroit franchise history, will replace Lawrence Frank, who was fired in April after the Pistons finished last season with a 29-53 record.

"The leadership and player development qualities he brings as a former player and coach blends nicely with the roster we are building for the future," Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said.

"He's won an NBA championship, coached in two NBA Finals as an assistant coach and mentored some of the top young players in the NBA," Dumars added.

Cheeks, who worked as assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the past four seasons, impressed Pistons owner Tom Gores during his third interview.

"After spending some time with Maurice, I was very impressed not only with his basketball knowledge but his communication and leadership skills," said Gores.

"We are very excited to have someone of his experience and talent help take this franchise into the future," Gores added.

Cheeks has a career mark of 284-286 in stints coaching the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers, with three first-round playoff exits in his six full seasons as a head mentor.

Aside from Cheeks, the Pistons also interviewed former Blazers coach McMillan, Hawks coach Larry Drew, former Suns coach Lindsey Hunter, Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer, and New York Knicks assistant Darrell Walker.

 

iHaveNet.com