From 36th pick to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Maurice Cheeks was the prototypical draft steal. He was selected in the second round and helped lead Philadelphia to a championship in 1983. The Sixers made multiple NBA Finals runs before that as well, all with Cheeks running the offense.
The term ‘true point guard’ has since become outdated, but it fits Cheeks well. His primary job was orchestrating scoring opportunities for teammates. He averaged 7.3 assists per game in 11 seasons with the Sixers, becoming an all-time assist man in the process.
Cheeks was a part of three NBA Finals runs it total, including the monumental victory in 1983. On a team adding Moses Malone to the mix, it was Cheeks who made the offense hum. He fed Malone and Julius Erving, providing balance to a star-studded Sixers rotation.
In addition to his brilliance as a passer, Cheeks was a heralded defender as well. He ranks fifth all-time in steals and averaged 2.5 or more in three separate seasons. His high basketball I.Q. was obvious on offense, but it also translated to the defensive end. His instincts were top-notch.
Some of the best moments in franchise history were centered at least partly around Cheeks’ presence. He’s a role model for several modern point guards and someone who helped progress the game of basketball. His illustrious coaching career is a testament to his basketball mind.