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Coach: Maurice Cheeks (162-139, 5th season)

Last Season: 43-39, Lost in the first round 4-1 to Detroit.

Projected Starters: G Allen Iverson, G Andre Iguodala, F Kyle Korver, F Chris Webber, C Sam Dalembert

Key Reserves: G Kevin Ollie, G John Salmons, F Lee Nailon, F Michael Bradley, C Steven Hunter.

New Additions: Lee Nailon, Draftee Louis Williams, free agent signings Deng Gai, Shavlik Randolph, training camp additions Steve Castleberry*, Olu Famutimi*, Herve Lamizana*, James Thomas* and Ime Udoka* (* = Training camp additions)

Key departures: Marc Jackson, Aaron McKie

Strengths: Allen Iverson is all-world and the heart and soul of this ball club. He continued his stellar career last season with arguably his finest all around year; 30.9 points, 7.9 assists, 4 rebounds and 2.4 steals put him at number one, pound for pound, with respect to productivity in the league. Chris Webber is a multi-skilled power forward and brings all-star ability to the power forward position that the 76ers have not seen since the days of Charles Barkley. Second year player Andre Iguodala will be given a chance to blossom after showing flashes of an all-around game in a solid rookie year. With Iguodala and Iverson in the backcourt together you can be assured the Sixers will try to get into the open floor as much as possible. The re-signing of talented big man Sam Dalembert, sharp shooter Kyle Korver and guard Willie Green provides some talented young players to complement the tandem of Iverson and Webber. Lee Nailon's addition is a good one and will provide point production off the bench.

Weaknesses: Chris Webber's knees: Talk around the league is that C-Webb's knees are still shot. Hopefully the talk is wrong. Injury concerns or not, Philly is a tough town on athletes that don't perform -- Webber discovered this in a hail of boos at the end of last season. He will be expected to step up to support Iverson and is going to be scrutinised as soon as he falters. Also, rebounding may be a problem with only Dalembert at 7.5rpg and Webber at 7.9rpg. They are going to need big contributions from bench players such as new acquisition Steven Hunter. Aaron McKie's signing with the Lakers is a loss to the Sixers backcourt and bench with regard to veteran leadership and defence. Can Maurice Cheeks regain his mojo as a coach after his Portland fizzle out?

Look out for: Iverson to come out sizzling. He is entering the prime years of his career and is as hungry as ever. Iverson understands his importance to this franchise and will dive after every loose ball in an attempt to make this team go. The Sixers will provide flashes of excitement and sheer frustration for fans this season, veteran leadership will be crucial. If Webber doesn't perform, things could get ugly in the city of brotherly love. Philly have a history of shipping incompatible star players out, but at max dollars, a history of knee injuries and an upcoming age of 33 this year, it's difficult to see any takers for Webber if things don't work. Dalembert's development will be an interesting side story after signing a big money deal in the off season. Can he fulfil the potential that he has been paid for?

Prediction: Only the Nets stand in the way of the Sixers and the Atlantic division title. Any team with Allen Iverson must be considered dangerous and this team will go as his health goes. The Sixers are a more rounded squad than at this time last year but still lack the depth and firepower to challenge for the conference title.

Eric Fontana is a freelance basketball writer living in Melbourne, Australia.

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