SLAM DUNKS: The 76ers will get plenty of production from G Allen Iverson (33.0 ppg, 7.4 apg, 1.94 spg) and F Chris Webber (20.2, 9.9 rpg, 3.4 apg), who were the highest-scoring tandem in the NBA last season. Iverson averaged a career high in points and is starting to make us believe he will never slow down. Webber is nowhere near the player he was before microfracture surgery but still produces numbers. ... It is time for F Andre Iguodala (12.3, 5.9, 1.65 spg) to be turned loose. He can be the future cornerstone of this team, which is wasting his skills and athleticism. Philadelphia was 9-1 last season when Iguodala scored at least 20 points. ... There is good perimeter shooting in Iverson, Carney and F Kyle Korver (11.3, .420 3-pointers) and plenty of speed in Iverson, Iguodala, Carney and C Samuel Dalembert (7.3, 8.2 rpg, 2.42 bpg), who runs the floor as well as any big man in the league.

AIRBALLS: The defense was awful last season (101.3 ppg) and doesn't look much better. The Sixers are hopeful that G Willie Green (7.0) will provide stronger perimeter defense and Steven Hunter (6.1, 3.9 rpg, 1.10 bpg) will protect the rim, but Iverson gambles too much, Korver and Webber are too slow and Dalembert commits way too many dumb fouls. ... G Kevin Ollie (2.7, 1.4 apg), who somehow has stayed in the league for nine years without developing a reliable jumper, is back as the starting point guard. ... In addition to not managing his timeouts properly, Cheeks is developing a reputation as a coach who is too soft. He had players severely test his authority in Portland and more of the same occurred here last season. GUESSWORK: Will Iverson still be here in March? President Billy King made no secret that he was trying to trade his superstar in an effort to "change the culture" around the team, then pulled Iverson off the market. The Sixers play 22 of their first 33 games on the road, which could set the tone for the rest of the season. If Philadelphia is on the outside of the playoff picture at the All-Star break, Iverson could be dealt at the deadline.

THINKING CAP: In Webber ($20.7 million) and Iverson ($18.3 million), the Sixers have two of the six highest-paid players in the NBA. However, they also are paying Jamal Mashburn $10.85 million, Todd MacCulloch $6.8 million, Aaron McKie $6.5 million and Greg Buckner $3.3 million. That's nearly $28 million for four players not on the roster. Coupled with flagging attendance, is it any wonder Ed Snider is trying to sell the team?

D-LEAGUE CANDIDATE: Jones

THE COACH SAYS: "I need to be more myself this year. I like to coach like I played. I played more of a disciplined game, more of a defensive game. What I want our team to reflect is to be more like myself. I know that it was over 30 years ago, but it was still basketball. The things that I did as a player, I want to reflect on my team. For whatever reason it didn't happen last year, but this year I'm focused to make sure it happens."