Sixers bench gives it that old college try

INDIANAPOLIS - Some may compare the 76ers to a college team for reasons that aren't very flattering. But there is a way they are comparable, and their coach loves it.

Sometimes during a game, one of the more fun things to watch is the bench of the Sixers. If there's a good play, the players are up applauding. If there's a spectacular dunk or block, there's towel-waving, laughs, applause. The bench guys are really into the game, which, of course, isn't exactly an easy thing to do when you've won just 13 of 59 games and seem to have new faces in uniform just about every week.

"I appreciate people helping people off the floor," said Brown. "I appreciate people huddling when we can on free throws and talking about what's going down on the next play. I personally don't think that's collegiate. I think good teams do that.

"I reference it all the time. I thank them. I stand by what I said, I think it's a characteristic of good teams, close teams, tight teams, teams that understand what you have to do to close out close games and get some place unique in a playoff situation. It's not collegiate. It's just good teams do that. They find ways to show support and communication. That stuff matters to me. You have to be careful fighting for it. You hope it comes naturally and not force-fed. With our team it comes quite easily. They are a spirited group, no matter who has been here."

The only phrase Brett Brown could come up with when asked about the return of Jason Richardson after 2 years away recuperating from serious left knee surgery and about the possible return of Indiana swingman Paul George, who snapped his right leg during the summer, was "blown away."

Richardson played the fifth game of his miraculous return last night, still showing the expected rust that accumulates after 2 years off, but not favoring his knee even a little bit. George has said that he's hopeful to return to play this season after the gruesome injury he sustained in July while playing for Team USA. George went through his first full practice on Thursday in his hopes to return by the middle of this month.

"Blown away. I can't believe that [Richardson's] knee doesn't swell up after games," said Brown. "I can't believe he gets up at 8:30 and has as spirited a shootaround as he does. He comes with a big personality. He comes with a bounce. He comes with a fresh face. Just a remarkable story of perseverance. The whole thing amazes me. He is such a survivor. He is so committed. It's an all-around good lesson for my young guys.

"When I hear about Paul George even in the conversation this year of coming back I am blown away at him being able to be discussed in that type of sentence. What an amazing thing the human body is, to come back from that, and now talking about playing in that short of time frame afterwards."

There were some reports yesterday that the Sixers planned to buy out the contract of recently acquired JaVale McGee. The deadline was midnight last night. Asked before the game about it, coach Brett Brown said: "I'll leave that to Sam [Hinkie]. I know all about it. He's in the locker room and I'm getting ready to play him." McGee played 8 minutes and finished with three points in the 94-74 loss to the Pacers.