Even though Thursday marked the third day of Sixers training camp, with the first set of two-a-day practices scheduled, it could certainly be viewed as the official “Welcome to the NBA” introduction for rookies like Jason Smith.

Smith, who ranked ninth in the nation in rebounding last season, has a little bit of a learning curve while he adjusts to playing against veterans like Reggie Evans.

After the morning session, the Philadelphia media told head coach Maurice Cheeks that Smith said he noticed himself standing around too much waiting for rebounds while watching film.

“Well, he didn’t need to look at film, I could have told him that!” Cheeks laughed, teasing the rookie a little.

“We all know he’s capable of playing good offense,” Cheeks said. “The things I pointed out to him, is that everyone loves to play offense but not everyone loves to play defense."

Of course, Cheeks knows a little something about playing defense. He was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team four straight seasons from 1982-83 through 1985-86 and to the Second Team in 1986-87. Cheeks also has the fourth-most steals of any player in league history (2,310).

Needless to say, Cheeks isn’t about to cut any of his players slack when it comes to getting after it defensively, even the ones who are making the adjustment from college to the pros.

“If you have the desire to play defense, you can play defense,” Cheeks explained. “Defense is being active. Defense is making your opponent uncomfortable.”

FROM THE SIDELINES

PREPARED FOR CAMP: So, what goes into holding an NBA Training Camp off-site? The Sixers filled a rental truck to the hilt with everything from basketballs to player bags. A breakdown of what the Sixers Training staff had to bring down with them to keep the team healthy and ready to go during the time in Durham, NC:

Training Camp Photo Gallery: Click Here

Ice Bags: 1,000

Band-Aids (assorted sizes): 100

Neoprene Sleeves: 50

Cases of Gatorade: 24

Stretch bands: 22

Cases of water: 20

Bags of Halls Cough Drops: 16

Foam rollers for stretching: 16

Cases of stretch tape: 12

Cases of white, athletic tape: 6

Cases of Gatorade Energy Bars: 4

Portable Stim Unit: 2

Combo Ultrasound/Stim Unit: 1

Case of pre-wrap (black): 1

SUPPORTIN' THE FIGHTINS : Game 2 of the Rockies/Phillies series was on televisions throughout Cameron Indoor Stadium, including in the media work room and locker room, prior to the start of the team's evening scrimmage. Coach Cheeks and Kyle Korver were among those watching the game between sessions today in the media work room.

THE "SKY" IS THE LIMIT : Prior to the start of the morning session, Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski stopped by the media work room to chat with President Billy King. The conversation included a light-hearted ribbing about a photo hanging right outside the locker room that featured King blocking the shot of Wake Forest's 5'5" guard Muggsy Bogues.

JOINING THE PISTOL : Tomorrow night, Sixers forward Shavlik Randolph will be inducted into the Broughton (Raleigh, NC) High School Athletic Hall of Fame, becoming only the second NBA player to be bestowed with the honor, joining "Pistol" Pete Maravich.