Cheeks stresses basics

COLUMBIA, S.C. - All during training camp at Duke, 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks talked about the importance of defense and rebounding. Yet when the Sixers return to practice tonight, they will look to improve on one of the most elementary parts of the game - running.

At times, NBA players make things look so easy that the necessary physical conditioning is forgotten.

After the Sixers' opening 101-92 preseason loss to the New York Knicks on Monday at the Colonial Center, Cheeks said a priority was to get the players in the best possible physical shape.

"We have to get up and down the floor a little more," Cheeks said. "We have to do conditioning a little more, but the first game is tough."

It's not as if the players came from a country-club training camp of nearly a week in Durham, N.C. The players ran continually, conducted drills, and scrimmaged at a fast pace.

"You can simulate things in practice, but there is nothing like game situations," Cheeks said. "The more games we play, the better condition we will be in, and we will work on that in the next couple of days."

It begins tonight when the Sixers conduct an open practice, free of charge to the public, at 6 o'clock at the Wachovia Center.

Swingman Andre Iguodala, one of the better-conditioned athletes in the NBA, agreed with Cheeks' assessment of the team's physical condition against the Knicks.

"We weren't getting back in transition too well," Iguodala said.

Cheeks pointed out that there were positives. One was the reserves.

"We were down most of the game, and they came and gave energy right away, and that is what we look for," Cheeks said.

One of those players was Jason Smith, a 7-foot rookie power forward who had seven points and seven rebounds in just under 21 minutes.

Smith received a difficult introduction, having at times to guard Zach Randolph, who overpowered everybody. Randolph had 17 points, shooting 7 for 10 from the field.

"It was a good experience for me," Smith said of matching up with Randolph. "As a rookie, you don't get to go against too many players like that. But in this league, I need to adjust quickly."

Smith brings a level of offensive play that doesn't exist with starter Reggie Evans or reserve Louis Amundson.

Also off the bench, guard Lou Williams scored 16 points, while center Calvin Booth added seven points, seven rebounds and three blocks in just under 15 minutes.

Now the key is to get the starters playing well together. The starting lineup Monday could be the one that opens the season Oct. 31 at Toronto.

Andre Miller and Willie Green, the latter of whom had 10 points and an impressive driving dunk, were the guards, with Samuel Dalembert at center, and Evans and Iguodala at forward.

The first unit never got into a free-flowing groove, although it played better together in the third quarter.

After being off yesterday, the Sixers have two days of practice before Friday's preseason home opener against New Jersey. Cheeks will be looking for improvement in many areas - with conditioning at the top of the list.

Alleyne waived. The Sixers yesterday waived center Shagari Alleyne, the 7-foot-3 rookie free agent. Alleyne made it through training camp but didn't play Monday. He played three seasons at Kentucky, transferred to Manhattan, but never played there. The Sixers have 16 players on the roster. Teams are able to carry as many as 15.

The 76ers will hold an open practice from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Wachovia Center. Head coach Maurice Cheeks will run practice wearing a live microphone to allow fans to experience firsthand the sights and sounds of an NBA practice.

The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

At the conclusion of practice, fans will have the opportunity to shoot a layup on the court. Fans also will be greeted at the doors by Hip-Hop and the Sixers Dancers, who will also perform a special routine.

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