The New York Knicks will upgrade head coach Tom Thibodeau's coaching staff with the addition of a Hall of Fame player.
The team has hired Maurice Cheeks, who has had a distinguished coaching career in the league since 2001, both as a head coach and an assistant.
The 67-year-old has been part of Billy Donovan's staff with the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2015, following Donovan to Cheeks' hometown team, the Chicago Bulls, in 2020, where he has continued to work before this Knicks hiring.
Cheeks had a successful playing career from 1978 to 1993, winning an NBA Championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983 and making the NBA All-Star Game four times.
The four-time All-NBA Defensive First Team member started his coaching career as an assistant with the Sixers. He then assumed head coaching roles with the Portland Trail Blazers, returned to Philadelphia as a head coach, and had a brief stint with the Detroit Pistons.
Knicks made strong offer to Maurice Cheeks
Cheeks initially opted to step down from his full-time role with the Bulls under Donovan, preferring an advisory position within the team.
However, the Knicks made an intriguing offer that was too appealing for him to decline, both on a personal and professional level, according to Ryan Taylor of NBC Sports.
Having family ties in the New York area was also a significant factor in his decision.
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