Mo Cheeks Gets My Vote For NBA Coach Of The Year
Mo has the Sixers playing well at both ends of the floor
Picked by anyone with an NBA soapbox to finish last in the Eastern Conference, it’s safe to say that the Philadelphia 76ers have been reading their press clippings - thus proving the so-called experts wrong. The 76ers are currently tied for the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference.
In the middle of the basketball revival on Broad Street is former Sixers great Maurice Cheeks, who in three seasons has dealt with the issues of coaching Allen Iverson, the trade of Iverson and life after Iverson — the sum of which hasn’t been as bad as predicted.
Once Iverson was jettisoned to Denver for point guard Andre Miller and Joe Smith; all signs pointed to Miller being trade bait this season and the franchise gaining draft picks to solidify the re-building process.
But a funny thing happened on the way to the NBA Lottery.
In a surprising development, GM Billy King was fired on December 4, 2007 and replaced by former New Jersey Nets GM Ed Stefanski.
Since then each player has been playing like their job is on the line. Stefanski became more of a calming presence as the trade deadline approached saying that the team would not be a seller (i.e. trading Miller) and trade personnel just to make a move. Kyle Korver was traded to Utah to free up cap space for free agents this summer as the 76ers look to be an active player for the first time in almost a decade.
One of the best in the league
The catalyst for the 76ers this season has been point guard Andre Miller, Miller is enjoying his best all-around season in years giving us a scoring threat not seen from the point guard position since…Iverson.
Looking at the overall roster the Sixers are an athletic team, that chooses to run, and run, and run. With wingmen like Andre Iguodala and Rodney Carney (who one reporter prior to the season questioned whether or not he belonged in the NBA), the team realies on athleticism to create turnovers, setting up easy baskets. Defensively, Samuel Dalembert who is becoming a fixture in the middle, has cut down on his fouls and seems to have grasped the nuances of the center position. Free Agent signee Reggie Evans brings energy and a presence on the boards whether he’s starting or coming off of the bench. The emergence of Louis Williams as a solid contributor to the rotation has turned him into a crowd favorite.
Stepping up and playing to his athletic potential
The biggest surprise of the season may be rookie Thaddeus Young, Young was selected 12th in this season’s draft. Although many (including myself) wanted Florida State’s Al Thornton, Young has been better than advertised. The rook has worked his way into the starting rotation playing either small or power forward, at times platooning with Evans. Willie Green has come all the way back from his knee injury and is enjoying a productive season and Kevin Ollie remains the consumate professional, answering the call when needed.
Alot of the credit has to got to Cheeks, who despite what was said about this team, remained one with his players, didn’t let the press divide the team, he has played the rookies and allowed them to gain experience and confidence — most importantly Cheeks has kept their focus after tough loses. Although the award may go to LA’s Phil Jackson or New Orleans’ Byron Scott, I’m sure Cheeks will be recognized for his efforts and garner serious consideration.
With wins this season over the Celtics, Suns, Spurs, Nuggets Rockets, Pistons, Magic, Mavericks and Cavs, this team is no fluke, they’re jelling at the right time and that’s always a plus. The reward is a likely trip to the playoffs and with a little luck maybe even a 4th seed and a first round series at home.
Who Said My Man R.C. Didn’t Belong?!?!
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April 3rd, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Damn that was me huh? My bad RC, my bad.
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Any arguments against Byron Scott?
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:17 pm
None from me.
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Temple - How do you feel about Stan Van Gundy getting votes. He just doesn’t come off to me as a tactician. Their wins are based more on talent and moves from up top rather than coaching.
Not having Peja set New Orleans back last season but with him back to form and Paul with another year under his belt with D. West and T. Chandler they’re were expected to at most be a 4 or 5 seed but they hit the ground running and havn’t looked back.
And all know the plight of the 76′ers. IMO it’s between Cheeks and Scott.
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Man… I always liked Andre Millers game and felt he didn’t get recognized as he should as a top line point guard.
Kevin Ollie? His he still playing?
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
He’s underrated as a scorer also, The knock I’ve always heard on him is that he’s too slow and isn’t a good defender. Well he can run an offense and are there any great defenders at point guard in the league. Yeah Ollie’s deep on the bench, but he’s still pullin a check. It must be nice man.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:07 am
[...] Read the rest of this great post here [...]
April 4th, 2008 at 3:55 am
I don’t know anything about Stan Van Gundy. I wish I did. With 10 month old twins, all I know is that the Hornets are in 1st place and that Chris Paul is the truth. Orlando has fallen off my radar.
BTW, it’s refreshing to see a Pro-Philly slant . The East cannot be strong until Philly and/or New York are strong.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Bless you and the Twins, are they waking up at the same time? If not how far apart?
April 4th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
[...] thebrotherreport wrote an interesting post today on Mo Cheeks Gets My Vote For NBA Coach Of The Year.Here’s a quick excerptPicked by anyone with an NBA soapbox to finish last in the Eastern Conference, it’s safe to say that the Philadelphia 76ers have been reading their press clippings - thus proving the so-called experts wrong. The 76ers are currently tied … [...]
April 5th, 2008 at 11:16 am
[...] thebrotherreport wrote an interesting post today on Mo Cheeks Gets My Vote For NBA Coach Of The YearHere’s a quick excerptPicked by anyone with an NBA soapbox to finish last in the Eastern Conference, it’s safe to say that the Philadelphia 76ers have been reading their press clippings - thus proving the so-called experts wrong. The 76ers are currently tied … [...]