Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Pistons pick Cheeks

Maurice Cheeks is getting a third shot to be an NBA head coach. The Detroit Pistons are desperately hoping he makes the most of the opportunity he was given Monday. The team did not disclose the length of his deal. Cheeks was 284-286 in the regular season and 5-11 during three postseasons while leading the Trail Blazers and 76ers, a team he helped win an NBA title as a point guard. Detroit has been looking for a new coach since it fired Lawrence Frank in April, a day after finishing 29-53. Frank was 54-94 in two seasons with the Pistons. Cheeks becomes the franchise’s fourth coach in six seasons and ninth since the 1999-2000 season. The once-proud Pistons are hoping Cheeks can help them snap a four-season postseason drought. –AP