Q&A with Mo Cheeks

Q&A with Mo Cheeks

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">In a recent telephone interview during a break in the league's annual coaches' meetings in Chicago, Cheeks addressed some of the issues facing the 2006-07 Sixers.

Q: Going in with essentially the same team as last season, why are we to believe the team will be better?

A: I can't tell you it's going to be better; we'll just have to wait and see. But it's not a case of changing this player or that player; we have to be all-around better. I have to be better, a little bit more demanding in the things I want to get done. That's where I'm at, in terms of our team. I have to be more demanding on the defensive end; that's where the improvement has to come. There are 10 to 12 games where, if we had won four or five, we'd have made the playoffs by two or three games. I'm going to make sure we improve over that.

Q: ESPN.com, in a preseason evaluation of the Eastern Conference, picked the Sixers last. SI.com included Allen Iverson on a list of 10 players starting the season on the hot seat. What's your feeling about that?

A: Everyone has always made preseason picks. They're entitled to make those choices. It's up to us to make our decisions, to make the team better. At the end, that's what counts. All their decisions are based on what we did last year. We didn't have a very good season. Now, we have to change that. Just the fact that our defense is going to be a lot better is going to make us a better team.

Q: Are you content with the additions to the roster?

A: I go with the players I have. I can't get this great player or that great player. I have to make us better with what we have. I intend to do that.

Q: Is there a concern that this might finally be the season in which there is a drop-off in the performance of Allen Iverson? Is there equally a concern about a possible drop-off in the performance of Chris Webber?

A: As you get older, things happen. You have to try a little more, you try harder, your mind gets a little stronger. You put those things to tests. There's going to be a time when Allen does drop off. I don't think that time is now.

Q: Can Andre Iguodala, in his third season, approach star quality?

A: Stars come out. If you're going to be a star, you come out. Andrew [Toney] emerged with our [championship] team [in 1982-83]. You don't have to be a star [right away]; you can make gradual steps. Andre is on his way to making those gradual steps. A star will shine, no matter what; you can't hold a star back. If [it's] there, he'll make those steps.

Q: What role do you foresee for Carney, as a first-round pick?

A: We've got to wait until we get him in camp. The NBA is a little different from college or pickup games. He's an athletic guy, can put the ball on the floor a little bit, can run, can jump. We've got to see where he fits.

Q: You've said that you have to be more demanding. Is it in you to do that?

A: Absolutely. The way I played, everything was about being disciplined, having commitment, playing hard. I'm putting that to my team. I may not have done that to the best of my ability last year. This year will be different in those areas.

Q: Has the speculation about the possible sale of the team been a distraction?

A: I can't speak for the players. I go about my business the same way as if I haven't heard of any [possible] sale. When I do hear of a sale, then I'll deal with it.

Q: Finally, given the way last season ended, will you have more rules in place?

A: I'm not going to make a lot of rules, but certain rules will be enforced and will not be misunderstood. We won't have a problem with anyone understanding. Every rule I have will be understood and will be carried out.</div>

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