It was almost déjà vu all over again (to borrow from Yogi Berra) in Detroit for Sixers coach Mo Cheeks.

Karen Smith, the anthem singer before the game with the Pistons, was about halfway through when she just stopped singing. Suddenly, The Palace seemed awfully quiet.

That’s when one fan yelled, “Help her, Mo.” Cheeks smiled, and fortunately Smith resumed singing without an assist from Cheeks.

In case you didn’t know the story, a few years ago when he was coaching in Portland, the Blazers hired a 10-year old girl to sing, but a few bars in she just went blank and stopped singing. After an excruciating pause, Cheeks walked over to the girl, put his arm around her and started singing with her.

It made national news, and clued in people from all over about just what kind of guy Cheeks is.

If there is any gnashing of teeth today because the Sixers didn't extend Andre Iguodala, it needs to stop. It was the right thing to do. Iguodala had a nice close to last season, but it wasn't enough over a long enough period of time to warrant a long-term, huge money deal.

While neither side has given any hint of the kind of money being sought or offered, you can look at the 5-year, $55 million Sacramento gave Kevin Martin as a starting point.

Don't get me wrong -- Iguodala's a valuable part of the franchise, but if there's anything the Sixers have been accused of doing in the past decade it's overpaying for players on the basis of short-term success. Exhibit 1: Samuel Dalembert. Afraid of getting into a bidding war with Atlanta, Billy King anted up big money based on one good playoff series.

The Sixers are finally set to get some cap room. They shouldn't pony up for Iguodala until he proves he's worth the big bucks. If he has a superstar-like season, if he lifts his game into the upper echelon, then he'll deserve a huge contract. But if he settles in at last year's level or falls off, then his value is somewhat less and should be reflected in any deal.

Chances are there won't be a bidding war for Iguodala, and if there is the Sixers have the right to match. But let Iguodala set his own market value. And if you're going to buy the argument that he'll hold back because the specter of injury is hanging over him, well, not to be cold, but injury can happen any time in the NBA. If he's injured this year, then at least the Sixers aren't on the hook for years and years. And speaking of injury, what about that nagging back problem he had at the end of last season. I'd like to see if that puts in another appearance because back problems can be chronic, long-term things. Just look at Tracy McGrady.