--The Sixers announced on the first day of camp that they'd re-hired Aaron McKie as an assistant coach. McKie had started the 2007-08 season as a volunteer assistant with the Sixers before he went to Memphis -- technically as a player -- to work with the Grizzlies' young guys after being included in the Pau Gasol trade. The Lakers held his rights because they were the team he'd last played for.
McKie was in the news this summer when he faced a felony charge for failing to disclose that he had an active protection from abuse order in Delaware County (Pa.) when trying to buy two guns in Montgomery County. A Philadelphia native who played for more than seven years with the Sixers, McKie avoided a trial by accepting two years of probation, donating $30,000 to organizations that benefit crime victims and agreeing to perform 200 hours of community service.
The Sixers brought in free agents Antywane Robinson, Jared Reiner, Maureece Rice, Andre Emmett and Cory Underwood to round out their camp roster. The team has 14 players with guaranteed contracts, meaning it's possible one of those guys could make the roster.
--Barring injury to other players, F/C Marreese Speights is likely to spend a decent portion of the season on the inactive list. Veteran C Theo Ratliff is expected to back up starting C Samuel Dalembert, and fan favorite Reggie Evans should fill in at forward for Elton Brand.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Personally, I expect to be an All-Star this year." -- Center Samuel Dalembert, on his individual goals for 2008-09.
