Philadelphia center Samuel Dalembert wants to make his first-ever All-Star team this season after averaging a double-double last year.

"Ben Wallace has been an All-Star before by just playing defense," Dalembert said. "You don't have to score 20 points a game. My goal has never been scoring. I want guys like Elton Brand to have the ball. I want guys like [Andre] Iguodala to have the ball. I can score off them without having any plays run for me. My main goal is to be a force, a presence inside."

Aaron McKie, who left Sixers organization in a coaching capacity to become a member of the Memphis Grizzlies via a sign and trade that brought Pau Gasol to the Lakers, is back with in Philadelphia as an assistant coach, Phil Jasner of the Philadelphia Daily News is reporting.

McKie's status apparently was placed on hold when he was arrested in June on charges that he had lied on application forms to purchase a gun in Pennsylvania in April. Brian McMonagle, his attorney, called it "an honest mistake." McKie received probation in the case.

Philadelphia Coach Maurice Cheeks recently spoke with point guard Andre Miller and came away convinced that he wants to remain with the team, according to News Journal.

Miller recently changed agents and claimed that he is open to a contract extension. His deal with the Sixers expires after this season.

"I know he likes being here and he loves playing basketball," Cheeks said. "Talking to Andre as much as I've talked to him, I know he likes our team. I know he likes the way our team has been constructed. He's a big part of it."

Sixers' Coach Maurice Cheeks is happy to have Elton Brand in Philadelphia but isn't sure if his team is ready to contend with the big guns in the NBA just yet, according to Courier Post.

"The way any team has any chance of winning is that they're a selfless basketball team," Cheeks said. "I thought that's what our basketball team was last year and I don't think it will be any different this year."

However, no matter how selfless the team is, he doesn't think the team is ready to come out of the Eastern Conference.

"To compare us with Boston? C'mon, we have a long way to go," Cheeks said. "We're still trying to reach and see where we can go. That's a long stretch to think we can be the Boston Celtics."

Entering the final season of his contract, Sixers' point guard Andre Miller has hired Andy Miller to represent him in free agency, the Philadelphia Daily News is reporting.  Miller previously did not have an agent.

"Ed and I are just going to talk about everyone's perspective," Andy Miller said. "Andre is optimistic about where the team is and is excited about the immediate future."

One point of discussion almost certainly will be the possibility of a contract extension.

"As far as his own future, Andre's waiting until we've all had a chance to do our due diligence," Andy Miller said.

Philadelphia 76ers center Jason Smith underwent successful ACL reconstruction surgery on his left knee today.  The surgery was performed by Dr. David Altchek, the Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon in the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.  Team physician Dr. Jack McPhilemy observed the surgery.

Smith will stay the night in the hospital and is scheduled to be released tomorrow afternoon.

Sixers' center Jason Smith will undergo surgery on his left knee today to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered on Aug. 6, the Philadelphia Daily News is reporting.

No timetable has been set for Smith's return.

Sixers' center Jason Smith will have surgery Wednesday to repair the torn ACL in his left knee, according to a published report on Monday.

Citing Smith?s agent Marc Bartelstein, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Smith will have the procedure done by Dr. David Altchek.

While Andre Miller has not had any discussions with the Sixers about a contract extension, he did tell the Philadelphia Daily News that he would like to remain with the organization beyond the upcoming NBA season.

"I like the team, I definitely like the way the team has gone," Miller said. "I never made any comment as far as not wanting to be in Philadelphia. I pretty much came into the situation and did as much as I could to try and turn the situation into a positive. I definitely like the team. I also know that it's a business, that I can't really say where I want to be because anything can happen. I'm happy with the situation right now. There's definitely some upside to the coming season."

Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that the team has agreed in principle to a contract extension with Head Coach Maurice Cheeks.  Per team policy, terms of the agreement are not disclosed.  This extension is in addition to the one Cheeks signed back on February 20.

?Over the course of my time here, Coach Cheeks and I have developed an excellent working relationship, one which I look forward to continuing with him as we move forward in an effort to achieve our collective goals,? Stefanski said.

"I just want to thank the 76ers organization, particularly Mr. Snider, Peter Luukko and Ed Stefanski, for continuing to provide this team with everything necessary to compete and achieve our goals," Cheeks said. "My focus remains the same as it was when I first arrived - to do whatever it takes to help us win basketball games."