--The Sixers waived G Gordan Giricek Friday after buying out the rest of the final year of his contract. The move allows Giricek to sign with the Suns and saves the Sixers an estimated $300,000. The Sixers sent F Kyle Korver to the Jazz Dec. 29 in exchange for Giricek and a conditional 2009 first-round pick.
--Coach Maurice Cheeks figures it makes sense that former backcourt partner Andrew Toney, who rarely returns to Philadelphia from Georgia for games, is expected to attend the March 10 game against the Celtics at the Wachovia Center. Toney, whose nickname was the "Boston Strangler," will be honored at halftime in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Sixers' 1982-83 championship team. The Sixers will also recognize ex-players Franklin Edwards, Reggie Johnson, Clemon Johnson, Earl Cureton and former GM Pat Williams during the Celtics game. "If anybody he's going to show up against, it'd be Boston," said Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks. "He earned that nickname, right?"
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It was their kind of game, with the way they push the ball." -- Coach Maurice Cheeks, after the Warriors ran past the Sixers, 119-97.
