Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets: 7 Hall of Famers many people forget were Nets

By Phil Watson

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JUNE 13: Dikembe Mutombo #55 of the New Jersey Nets reacts during game five of the 2003 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on June 13, 2003 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 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 Noren Trotman/NBAE via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JUNE 13: Dikembe Mutombo #55 of the New Jersey Nets reacts during game five of the 2003 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on June 13, 2003 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 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 Noren Trotman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 8
Next
Brooklyn Nets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – 1993: Mark Iuzzolino #13 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles against the New Jersey Nets during a game played circa 1993 at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Maurice Cheeks (35 games, 1993)

It appeared that the NBA career of Maurice Cheeks was over when his contract was bought out by the Atlanta Hawks in July 1992.

Cheeks had turned 36 in September of that year and had appeared in 56 games the previous season as a backup to Rumeal Robinson.

More from Nothin' But Nets

But in January 1993, the Nets were banged up and were not happy with the play of backup point guard Rumeal Robinson, who had been acquired from the Hawks three days before the season opened, and were looking for some depth when they signed Cheeks for the remainder of the year.

Cheeks wound up missing almost a month with a stress fracture in his right foot, but wound up again backing up Robinson down the stretch after starter Kenny Anderson went down with a broken wrist in February.

The veteran played in only 35 games and averaged 3.6 points and 3.1 assists in 14.6 minutes per game, shooting .548/0-for-2/.889.

Cheeks later played in all five games of New Jersey’s 3-2 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, logging 4.4 points, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 16.4 minutes a night while shooting .478/—/0-for-1.

That was the end for Cheeks’ NBA career as the Nets renounced his rights in July 1993.

Cheeks, of course, will be entering the Hall of Fame this September on the strength of his 11 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, when he was their point guard and made four All-Star appearances and was named to five All-Defensive teams.

Cheeks also piloted the Sixers to the 1983 NBA title.

Home/Nets All-Time Lists