Andre Iguodala

The 76ers have agreed to terms with forward Rodney Carney, according to a source familiar with the situation. Carney, a 6-foot-6 forward, has agreed to a one-year deal for the fourth-year minimum of $855,189, giving the Sixers 13 players under contract for the 2009-10 season. Carney, who played collegiately at Memphis, played his first two professional seasons with the Sixers, from 2006 to 2008. In July 2008, the Sixers traded Carney, Calvin Booth, and a future first-round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a deal that dumped contract money, creating room for the Sixers to sign power forward Elton Brand to his five-year, $82-million deal.

Andre Iguodala was both proud and relieved at being named to the NBA all-star game. A day after his selection, the eighth-year veteran talked about being an all-star following Friday's shootaround at the Wells Fargo Center in preparation for tonight's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. "To be named an all-star and some of the things I've accomplished, it puts everything into perspective how much hard work goes into this and how much of a blessing it is," Iguodala said. When asked if it were finally a relief to be selected, Iguodala responded, "I definitely thought that.

If the 76ers' starting lineup was decided by Internet speculation and so-called experts, it would be as airtight as an Elton Brand box-out. Here's how it would read: Andre Miller at point guard, Andre Iguodala at shooting guard, Thaddeus Young at small forward, Brand at power forward, and Samuel Dalembert at center. But yesterday at the Wachovia Center, where the Sixers held their annual media luncheon, head coach Maurice Cheeks threw a wrench into that prediction. "I never said Andre [Iguodala]

The 76ers, rebounding from a beyond-disappointing loss to the Washington Wizards, turned back the Atlanta Hawks, 95-90, Saturday night before 19,714 at the Wells Fargo Center. Elton Brand led the way with a season-high 25 points. He shot 10 for 12 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line. The Sixers (29-23) trail the Boston Celtics, who were idle Saturday, by a half-game. They are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Andre Iguodala, in his second game back from a knee injury, nailed three three-pointers and finished with 18 points.

Jodie Meeks, starting in place of injured Andre Iguodala, scored a career-high 31 points on Tuesday to lead the 76ers to a 103-85 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers (28-22) never trailed in the second half and with the victory they regained first place in the Atlantic Division over Idle Boston (27-22). Anthony Parker led Cleveland (17-30) with 14 points. Playing their second game in a row without Iguodala (knee), the Sixers rebounded from a horrible and disjointed performance Sunday at San Antonio to record an easy victory.

What: 76ers training camp Where: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and St. Joseph's University, Hagan Arena Daily schedule: Friday (4-7 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.) at PCOM; Sunday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.), Monday (4-7 p.m.), Tuesday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.), Wednesday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at St. Joseph's. Public sessions: To be determined. First exhibition game: At Washington, Dec. 16. First regular-season game: At Portland, Dec. 26. First home game: Vs. Detroit, Jan. 6. Length of season: 66 games (normally, NBA plays 82-game schedule)

GRANT HILL is one of Doug Collins' favorite topics, which should be of no surprise. The NBA veteran has persevered through much in the 15 seasons since Collins coached him as a rookie, from freak ankle injuries and an even freakier infection, to the trials of his personal life, specifically his wife's 2003 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. As their top draft pick, Hill was supposed to herald the Pistons into a new championship era and later, was supposed to do the same in Orlando.

Andre Iguodala brought the energy and the Denver Nuggets rediscovered their toughness in time to stave off elimination Tuesday night with a 107-100 win over the visiting Golden State Warriors. The Nuggets slowed down Golden State's guards, jump-started their transition game, and got under Andrew Bogut's skin in Game 5, jumping out to a 22-point lead before weathering a Warriors rally. Game 6 is Thursday night in Oakland. Golden State leads the series, three games to two. Iguodala had 25 points and 12 rebounds.

Finally, Lou Williams can get back at it. It, of course, being the full-out workouts - pickup games included - from which Williams removed himself while playing it safe during his contract negotiation. Yesterday, the Sixers officially announced the signing of Williams, their 6-foot-2, 21-year-old backup guard who's blossomed into an integral piece of the franchise. Per team policy, the 76ers wouldn't disclose details, but a source said the contract is for five years and believed to be worth about $25 million.

Not just Allen Iverson returned to the Wachovia Center last night. The 76ers' energy, effort, and enthusiasm did, too. Unfortunately for the Sixers, victory was not part of that package deal. In front of a sellout crowd of 20,664, the Sixers were something they've rarely been this season: fun to watch. But the night also ended the way the previous nine had: with a loss. The Denver Nuggets spoiled Iverson's homecoming, defeating the Sixers, 93-83. The loss makes 10 in a row for the Sixers.