When the Philadelphia 76ers jumped to a 10-0 start last season, they made it clear in November where they expected to be in June -- at the NBA Finals. And they made it.

It's hard to imagine a repeat now -- from them or anyone else in the Atlantic Division.

The Sixers already have conceded that a quick start will be next to impossible after an unproductive training camp and sloppy exhibition schedule. Their starting lineup, riddled with injuries, spent more game time in street clothes than in Sixers jerseys.

They will need to be introduced at the regular-season opener.

"I know for sure, we're not going to have that kind of start again," admitted forward George Lynch. "For most of us, the first five games [of the regular season] are going to be getting back in shape."

If Allen Iverson starts the season on the sideline as expected, still recovering from off-season elbow surgery, the Sixers will give up their role as the favorites, setting the stage for a real rock climb to the top of the Atlantic.