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ABM · 04-28-2003, 10:55 AM

Pulled this from the Mavs board. Interesting comments - particularly by Jeff Van Gundy, who's been "rumored" to replace Cheeks.........

Quote:

Everyone singing Cheeks' praises after assist
By Bob Velin

Singers have forgotten the words to the national anthem while performing at sporting events.

Nobody, though, ever got the kind of help 13-year-old Natalie Gilbert did Friday night when the words escaped her before Game 3 of the Dallas Mavericks-Portland Trail Blazers NBA playoff series in Portland.

As Gilbert struggled, Portland coach Maurice Cheeks walked over, put his arm around her and began singing along.

''Oh, my gosh, it was so scary to be out there all alone,'' Gilbert told TNT's Craig Sager during Sunday's game. ''When I turned to look at my dad because he was right behind me, I saw Maurice Cheeks coming over. He put his arm around me and started singing. Wow, we must have inspired the audience because they all started singing. It was amazing. . . . incredible.''

It all worked out for Gilbert, who was invited back by the Trail Blazers to sing again next season.

Former coach Jeff Van Gundy, now a TNT basketball analyst, said that's the kind of guy Cheeks is.

''He is a class person,'' Van Gundy said. ''Portland needs as many class acts as they can. . . . Maurice Cheeks should be the leader here for a long, long time.''

Los Angeles Clippers coach and TNT guest analyst Dennis Johnson would take it a step further.

''They should give Maurice a new two-year contract just for doing that,'' Johnson said Saturday.

**Schilly** · 04-28-2003, 11:27 AM

At a time when this team was desperate for some good PR and class, Cheeks came through with a grand slam! THe Van Gundy quote is indeed interesting, almost like he saw an opportunity to downplay some personal interests. Come should he be rwarded as coach because he helped that little girl? No. The basis of a new contract should be his ability as a coach.

Did Mo sign just a 2 year contract before? I can't remember.

bfan1 · 04-28-2003, 11:35 AM

I do not want Van Gundy as coach! He would not fit here in Portland. I say keep Mo-especially if we dump several players! The trigger finger around here is far too quick! Mo has not been here long enough-he is just now getting his feet wet! We need new management-not a new coach.

**Schilly** · 04-28-2003, 11:46 AM

Bfan, don't misinterperut what I was saying. I wasn't saying the should hire Van Gundy. Nor am I saying Mo should be replaced. I was simply saying a coach should not be maintained simply because he is a nice guy, but for his ability to coach. I think at this point Maurice has done well enough to stipulate an extension, the fact that he is a total class act is definatelty a huge bonus for a team in dire need of possitive PR.

bfan1 · 04-28-2003, 11:53 AM

Schilly-I know-I was just responding to the subject....

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