BREAKING: Detroit Pistons Hire Maurice Cheeks As Head Coach

February 24, 2012; Orlando FL, USA; Team Chuck coach Maurice Cheeks talks to an official during the second half of the BBVA rising stars challenge at the Amway Center in Orlando. Team Chuck defeated Team Shaq 146-133. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In a statement Monday evening, the Detroit Pistons have announced the hiring of Maurice Cheeks to fill their head coach vacancy. Cheeks comes to Detroit via Oklahoma City where he served as an assistant the past four season. Cheeks helped the Thunder reach the playoff’s four consecutive years including an NBA finals appearance in 2012.

Cheeks also had a successful run as the head man in Portland making the playoffs in 2001 and 2002. His tenure as Philadelphia 76er’s Head Coach was not as successful as was fired early in his third season.

Joe Dumars made this statement on Pistons.com

"We’re pleased to welcome Maurice Cheeks to the Pistons organization, the leadership and player development qualities he brings as a former player and coach blends nicely with the roster we are building for the future. He’s won an NBA championship, coached in two NBA Finals as an assistant coach and mentored some of the top young players in the NBA.”"

Owner Tom Gores was able to spend time with Cheeks as well and had this to say on Pistons.com

"“After spending some time with Maurice, I was very impressed not only with his basketball knowledge but his communication and leadership skills,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores. “We are very excited to have someone of his experience and talent help take this franchise into the future.”"

Maurice Cheeks comes to the Detroit Pistons at one of the most critical times in franchise history. So critical in fact that the upcoming NBA draft, free agency and season could end the Dumars era if not successful.  If Dumars goes, it can be assumed Cheeks would go with him making him a one and done coach.

Now the Pistons can finally turn their full attention to adding the pieces they need to be competitive through the NBA Draft and free agency. And Joe Dumars has a number of tools he can use to finish rebuilding the Pistons into a playoff contender, namely the #8 overall pick and over $20 millions dollars in cap space. That is more than most have to work with. The Dumars/Cheeks duo will have to do more with them than most to win for a fan base hungry for another NBA championship.