LeBron Praises Sixers, Iguodala

Even though the Miami Heat beat the 76ers in five playoff games last year and have won nine in a row in the regular season, including both meetings this year, LeBron James isn't about to overlook the Sixers.

It was interesting that he compared them, well to the Heat, at least in one aspect.

"Just like us they are showing growth," James said this afternoon following the Heat's shootaround in preparation for tonight's game against the Sixers at the Wells Fargo Center.

James says the Sixers have continued to improve under the guidance of Doug Collins, a person he has high regard for.

"Last year they were the surprise team to a lot of people," he said. "Coach Collins came in and changed a lot of things and helped them."

James said another benefit was the fact that the Sixers came back with the same nucleus.

"They continue to get better and I know they are looking forward to the postseason as well as each team in the Eastern Conference," he said. "They are a better team and it's always fun going up against them."

He had similar praise for Andre Iguodala, who frequently defends James when the two teams meet.

"Anybody that is fast, quick, strong, athletic and active can make all the qualities of a good defender and he is one of them," James said. "It's always fun going up against him."

Fun?

"It's always a great challenge," James said. "He is one of the better perimeter defenders in the league."