MVN: Most Valuable Network

Recently fired Philadelphia 76ers coach Mo Cheeks took the blame for the 9-14 start of the team, stating that sometimes the coach is at fault, and this was one of those times.  He also said that he gave it his best, but being fired comes with the territory. 

This is pure class.  It's a rare case when coaches, players, insurance adjusters, whomever, don't put the problems at the feet of their previous employer.  It's easy to blame the situation one was put in, or the cast of characters one was given to lead.  However, Cheeks held his head high and took it, even if it wasn't fully deserved. 

Let's be real; the troubles of the offense weren't all on Mo.  The former point guard had essentially the same rotation of the top seven or eight players except for newly inked Elton Brand, and somehow their shooting got worse from 2007-08 to 2008-09.  Andre Iguodala has either regressed or been on quarter-season slump, depending upon whom you talk to. Miller has shown his age at times, and Lou Williams has been shot-happy at spots on the court from where he can't seem to consistently hit.  Sam Dalembert has looked completely lost.

How much of the above is the fault of Cheeks?  Who knows but Ed Stefanski, Mo Cheeks, and the players.  It's certainly MUCH easier to make a change by firing Cheeks than revamping the entire team.  It's no coincidence he was fired before they started a stretch against some real tough opponents in two games against Washington (4-18), and one against both Milwaukee (11-15) and Indiana (8-16).  The team will likely finish with at least 3 wins from this past Saturday to the next.  If that were to happen, Cheeks could've been cemented in as coach for the rest of the season.  It's tough to fire a legend after his team goes on a winning streak, and by then they're already a fourth of the way through the season and might've stared to look like they were turning things around.   Now it'll appear as though assistant GM turned coach Tony DiLeo has righted the ship.

Farewell Mo, hope you surface somewhere else.  Your offensive gameplan may not have been much of an actual plan, but you always brought class and grace to the position.