Portland yesterday rejected the 76ers' request to talk with Trail Blazers coach Maurice Cheeks about their vacant coaching job. But the team received permission from the New York Knicks to speak with their former coach, Jeff Van Gundy.

Van Gundy, a TV analyst, is still under contract with the Knicks.

As Cheeks spoke with reporters in Portland yesterday, the Sixers' practice facility was buzzing with activity. Allen Iverson arrived at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine shortly after 5 p.m., flanked by his business manager and agent.