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Sixers coach Collins focusing on center position

Thus far this season, the center position for the 76ers has been about as productive as a child attempting to do homework on Christmas morning.

Marreese Speights has scored in double figures only once this season. (Steven M. Falk / Staff Photographer)
Marreese Speights has scored in double figures only once this season. (Steven M. Falk / Staff Photographer)Read more

Thus far this season, the center position for the 76ers has been about as productive as a child attempting to do homework on Christmas morning.

Starter Spencer Hawes is averaging fewer than six points and fewer than 16 minutes. Backup Marreese Speights has scored in double figures only once this season and coach Doug Collins didn't even put him out on the floor in Tuesday's loss to Cleveland.

Tony Battie has really been the lone bright spot at the position, but the 34-year-old can be counted on for only a few minutes each game because of wear and tear.

So, does Collins have any solution for his gaping hole in the middle?

"We've talked about so many different things - starting lineups, who brings out the best in each. But the one thing we're concerned with is if you start Tony in that situation, you play him 6 or 7 minutes [to start]. Then if he sits down and you don't get him back in the first half, does he get stiff and then you have him [sitting] all the halftime? Then do you bring him back to start the half or do you say to him that we're going to wait to use him until the fourth quarter? There's so many variables involved with that. There's been nothing that's jumped out that says this is what we're going to do."

What Collins did decide was to not give Speights any playing time Tuesday, though he did make him the first sub off the bench last night, getting him in the game early in the first quarter. He was also out quickly, after picking up two fouls.

"It's [lack of] consistency," Collins said of Speights. "That's the one thing I've talked to Mo about, just be consistent day to day in work habits, in our walkthroughs on game days to be prepared. We need Mo. He's a talented player."

Funny sight

About 2 1/2 hours before every game, some Sixers get on the court with assistant coach Aaron McKie and play a spirited game of four-on-four. The one rule is that no shots are allowed to be taken in the lane. The games usually last for about 45 minutes and are fun to watch.

Tuesday in Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena, the normal routine was in full swing until Elton Brand emerged from the locker room. Brand, see, is a creature of habit. He comes out early before every game, heads to the free throw line for numerous shots there before shooting a load of 10- to 15-foot jumpers.

Tuesday's four-on-four was running a little long. Brand got to the court, picked up a ball and headed to the foul line, almost oblivious to the other players. A few asked Brand to wait until they were done. Brand just said no and went about his business. The game abruptly ended.

It was funny to see the players' reaction. No one was upset. It was like a father telling his kids to get out of his chair. They respected his request, and that was that. *