On September 8, 1956, a The Philadelphia 76ers the legend is born.

Former Sixers player and head coach Maurice Cheeks is set to turn 68 on Sunday.

To celebrate Cheeks’ special day, the Sixers sent a message to the NBA legend via social media.

“Wishing a happy birthday to four-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, Maurice Cheeks!”

In 1978, Cheeks began his career with the Sixers as the 36th overall pick. Although he did not spend his entire playing career in Philadelphia, his time with the Sixers lasted 11 of the 16 seasons he played.

With the Sixers, Cheeks played in 853 games, averaging 12 points and seven assists throughout the regular season in Philadelphia.

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In ten of the eleven seasons that Cheeks played for the Sixers, his team made the playoffs. Cheeks played in 115 playoff games with the 76ers. In the playoffs, he maintained his high level of play, scoring 15 points and seven assists per game.

In the 1983 playoffs, Cheeks and the Sixers brought an NBA Finals victory to Philadelphia.

After his time with the Sixers, Cheeks played for the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and New Jersey Nets. He finished his playing career as a one-time NBA champion, four-time NBA All-Star, and four-time member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Cheeks’ number 10 has been retired by the Sixers organization.

Although his playing career is behind him, Cheeks is still relevant. In 1993, he immediately made the transition from player to coach. Cheeks coached the Sixers as an assistant from 1994 to 2001. In 2005, he was named the Sixers’ head coach, a position he held until 2008.

At this point, Cheeks is an assistant on the New York Knicks coaching staff. He takes this position after four years in Chicago with the Bulls. Cheeks may be a rival coach these days, but he remains one of the most remarkable players in 76ers history.

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