Fansided

NBA Draft 2016: Every team’s most underrated pick ever

By Brad Rowland

Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Maurice Cheeks looks on while playing the Indiana Pacers at the Palace of Auburn Hills on November 5, 2013 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Indiana won the game 99-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Maurice Cheeks looks on while playing the Indiana Pacers at the Palace of Auburn Hills on November 5, 2013 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Indiana won the game 99-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia 76ers: Maurice Cheeks, No. 36 pick, 1978 NBA Draft

In recent days, the Philadelphia 76ers have acted as the NBA’s punchline franchise. The Sixers have toiled in misery over the past handful of seasons, with a long-term rebuild in the works and much of the league pointing and laughing at Sam Hinkie (now out of the picture) for blowing the roster up in a way that no one had ever witnessed before.

Before that, though, the Sixers were one of the model franchises of the NBA. Philadelphia has a title within the last 35 years and numerous top-flight seasons on its profile. The Sixers have employed legends like Charles Barkley, Moses Malone and Julius Erving, and that does not even include the polarizing greatness of one Allen Iverson. Needless to say, there were many options for Philly’s most underrated draft pick, but we go off the board with Mo Cheeks.

Cheeks was an electric player during his 11 seasons with the organization, averaging 12.2 points, 7.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game. He was named to four All-Star games and voted as a first team All-Defense representative on four occasions, as Cheeks acted as the team’s defensive stopper and as an overall pest to opposing ball-handlers.

Since that time, Cheeks has become a valuable member of the NBA’s coaching fraternity, but when he played, he was awesome and nobody seems to remember that.

Next: Phoenix Suns

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