Training camp is nearly upon Allen Iverson, and he's happy about it. Happy that the time of year when two-a-day practices are common has arrived. That tutelage ad nauseum is expected. That expectations and accountability will be placed on his shoulders.

But Iverson is happy, most of all, because he's not alone.

A "Big Dog" arrived in Philadelphia on July 23. One with a career average of 21.1 points per game, a jump shot that goes in under pressure, an arsenal that the Sixers' front line has been lacking since Charles Barkley left town.

"Billy King did his job this summer," said Iverson, fresh off another terrific performance in the Olympic qualifying tournament and a lopsided victory over Puerto Rico on Thursday night. "I can't ask for him to do his job any better than he did.

"B.K. got a legitimate, proven second-scoring option. I'm being as real as I can be when I say this: 'I haven't been this happy heading into a season in a long, long time.' "