December 22, 2024
Chicago Bulls

Maurice Cheeks returns to hometown as assistant to Bulls’ Billy Donovan

By Associated Press
Former Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Maurice Cheeks in the first half of an NBA game Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, in Denver. The Bulls announced the hiring of Cheeks as an assistant coach Saturday.

Former Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Maurice Cheeks in the first half of an NBA game Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, in Denver. The Bulls announced the hiring of Cheeks as an assistant coach Saturday. (AP photo)

CHICAGO (AP) — Hall of Famer Maurice Cheeks is returning to his hometown to serve as an assistant under new coach Billy Donovan, the Chicago Bulls announced Saturday.

Cheeks, who grew up on Chicago's South Side, was on Donovan’s staff in Oklahoma City the past five seasons. The Bulls hired Donovan in September to replace the fired Jim Boylen.

A steady point guard who won a championship playing alongside Julius Erving and Moses Malone in Philadelphia, Cheeks spent most of his 15-year playing career with the 76ers. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Cheeks compiled a record of 305-315 as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons, the Sixers and Portland Trail Blazers.

The Bulls also announced Saturday they have hired Josh Longstaff, John Bryant, Damian Cotter and Billy Schmidt as assistant coaches. Henry Domercant, Ronnie Burrell, Ty Abbott and Max Rothschild were added as player development coordinators.

Chicago Bulls