76ers fire coach Maurice Cheeks

PHILADELPHIA The moves were confirmed Saturday by a person familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because an announcement had not been made.

Cheeks was one of more the popular players in 76ers history and was starting his fourth season as coach. General manager Ed Stefanski had given Cheeks two contract extensions in the past season, but the slow start was enough to cost him his job.

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