Detroit Pistons
Although a bit undersized, the UNLV freshman has all the tools to succeed in the NBA but also has a history of injuries dating back to his prep school days three years ago and continuing into his brief college career.
Cheeks emerged late last week as the lead candidate over fellow finalist Nate McMillan and formalized a deal, with terms not yet disclosed, this afternoon.
McCollum was leading the nation in scoring at 25.7 points per game last season when his season ended in early January because of a broken foot.
When it comes to the hiring of Maurice Cheeks to replace fired head coach Lawrence Frank, Detroit Pistons fans don't hate Maurice Cheeks, but they are are, shall we say, searching for something to be excited about.
Would the demand for Frank's firing been so strong after two seasons in Detroit if people had known the replacement would be Cheeks?
COLUMN: Dumars will get his coach in Maurice Cheeks, has the millions of dollars of cap space he created for this moment, and beginning next season can be fairly judged on the merits of his decisions.
COLUMN: Cheeks wasn't the big-name hire on the market but his track record of developing guards such as Allen Iverson, Andre Iguodala and Russell Westbrook, on top of his own impressive NBA career, offers some cause for hope.
The Pistons' partial list of players who have worked out for them includes former Michigan State guard Korie Lucious on a list heavy in guards.
George Karl, named NBA Coach of the Year before the Denver Nuggets opted not to retain him for 2013-14, and Lionel Hollins, who took the Memphis Grizzlies to the Western Conference Finals, were among candidates readers wanted considered in the weekly Q&A with MLive Media Group Pistons beat writer David Mayo.
The former Philadelphia 76ers star and head coach at two franchises previously will become the Pistons' 33rd head coach, assuming the two sides can reach terms.
Former Detroit Pistons, Texas Tech and Saginaw High player Darvin Ham is expected to interview with Charlotte and Atlanta.
COLUMN: Nate McMillan and Maurice Cheeks remain in the mix as the search reaches its final days, with owner Tom Gores' deliberate decision making marking the process.
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