Sixers Notes: For Sixers' Holiday, a rite of passage

Because of the broken jaw suffered by Lou Williams earlier this week, 76ers rookie point guard Jrue Holiday is going to see his learning curve accelerated quite a bit.

The 19-year-old Holiday started for the second straight game - and for the first time at home - when the Sixers took on the Atlanta Hawks at the Wachovia Center last night.

Sixers coach Eddie Jordan compared Holiday's situation to that of Anthony Johnson, whom he coached in Sacramento as a rookie, and then watched Thursday night on television playing for the Orlando Magic.

"We had Bobby Hurley and Terry Dehere do the point, both starting at one time or another," Jordan said. "Then we got to a point where we had to start the rookie [Johnson]. He was a rookie then, 80 years ago.

"It's a rite of passage. You need some time, and for Jrue Holiday his time is here."

Jordan sat power forward Elton Brand for the second straight game because of a sore right hamstring, but thinks he can return tomorrow night at San Antonio.

"We want to be cautious," he said. "He probably could try it tonight but we want to be cautious with it."

Brand suffered the injury in Tuesday night's game at Washington, and sat out the final 16 minutes.

Trying to communicate with someone who had his jaw wired shut used to be a problem, but for Jordan, communicating with Williams won't be a problem.

He's text-messaging him.

"You can text guys now, that's a good thing," Jordan said. "That's a good way of talking without talking. He said he's on some medication.

"So he feels good," Jordan added with a laugh.

Williams underwent surgery Thursday for the injury, which happened Tuesday night against the Wizards. He is expected to miss eight weeks.

With the injuries to Brand, Williams, and forward Marreese Speights, the Sixers were down to only 10 players last night. But Jordan said he didn't think it was necessary to add another player.

"I think on our roster, we have flexibility," he said. "We've got guards, we have midsize. And when Elton comes back, we'll have another big."

-Joe Juliano