Cheeks to return as Sixers coach next season

Sixers general manager Billy King made the announcement prior to the Sixers’ 108-92 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, the team’s sixth consecutive victory.

"I’m very happy about that," Sixers forward Kyle Korver said. "All the stuff that went down early in the season, all the stuff that’s turned around - if you’re going to dish out credit - you’ve got to start with him. This team could have easily put their heads down and been like, ’Well, let’s get a good draft pick and build for next year. ’He didn’t let us. I’m happy, and I think everyone in this locker room is happy. He’s had our back, and we’ve got his back - it’s a good thing."

Cheeks, who also coached four seasons in Portland, compiled a 38-44 record last year in Philadelphia. The Sixers are 24-38 this season.

"He’s just a fun guy to play for," Korver said. "He listens to you - your input matters. In this league, that doesn’t happen very often. That can be abused, and that can also flourish - and I think we’ve seen both of that here this year. Right now, we have a team that’s young and that listens. As long as we stay that way, I think his approach to coaching is great for us. He’s such a positive person; he’s just a good guy."

Brown returned to the Sixers in January as executive vice president. Since then, his role has been to assist King and the front office and staff in personnel decisions in addition to other special projects.

Brown coached the 76ers from 1997-2003 — his longest tenure with one club over his well traveled career — and guided the franchise to a 255-205 record, including five playoff appearances and the 2001 NBA Finals, when they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.