NBA 76ers sack coach Cheeks

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-14 15:32

WASHINGTON -- NBA Philadelphia removed Maurice Cheeks Saturday from coach position after the franchise slumped at 9-14 in the season.

Newly named Philadelphia 76ers interim head coach Tony DiLeo speaks at a news conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania December 13, 2008.[Agencies]

Assistant general manager Tony DiLeo was appointed coach for the rest of the season.

The dismissal came hours before the 76ers were to play at home, with DiLeo making his coaching debut against Washington.

Cheeks was one of the popular players in 76ers history and was starting his fourth season as coach.

Cheeks became the fifth NBA coach fired this season following P.J. Carlesimo (Oklahoma City), Eddie Jordan (Washington), Sam Mitchell (Toronto) and Randy Wittman (Minnesota).

DiLeo has spent 19 seasons with the 76ers. He was promoted to senior vice president/assistant general manager in 2003.

Cheeks led the 76ers to the playoffs last year for the first time while he was coach.

Philadelphia was one of the surprise teams in the Eastern Conference last season, and the 76ers anticipated a deep run in the playoffs this year as they signed Elton Brand to a five-year deal worth nearly $80 million (60 million euros) last summer, but they have struggled with him in the lineup and have lost eight of 10.