76ers, Cheeks Agree On Terms Of Contract Extension

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) ― The Philadelphia 76ers revamped their roster this summer with a number of key signings.

Now, they've made sure their coach will be there, too.

The Sixers 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 on a teleconference.

Cheeks led the team to the playoffs last season, where they lost in the first round to the Detroit Pistons. Despite an 18-30 start, Philadelphia rallied to win 18 of its next 23 games and wound up with a 40-42 record 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 Ratliff, Royal Ivey and Kareem Rush. The Sixers also re-signed restricted free agent forward Andre Iguodala and guard Lou Williams, in addition to drafting first-round pick Marreese Speights from the University of Florida.

"You had a lot of things going on this summer, so it took a little time," Cheeks said of the second extension. "I'm excited about it."

Since coming to Philadelphia in May 2005, Cheeks has a 113-133 record. His career coaching mark is 275-272 with the Portland Trail Blazers and Sixers.

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 Sixers championship team in 1982-83.