He's quite a kidder, that Derrick Coleman. He's given the impression that he is less than delighted to be playing center for the 76ers, preferring to be on the floor at the power-forward position that is more natural to the 6-foot-10, 270-pound veteran.

However, when the subject was broached yesterday during the Sixers' media day, Coleman laughed that big, deep laugh and said he likes to "joke about playing the [center] position," and that it's not a problem.

"Whatever it takes," he said. "It doesn't matter. It's a challenge to me more than anything. I kid and joke about not playing it, but I like to go out and accept the challenge more than anything.

"Whatever it takes, I'm willing to sacrifice. I've sacrificed for three or four years now, playing out of position. The thing about it is, everybody knows that."

Coleman and the rest of the Sixers' veterans reported yesterday to training camp at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. They will join rookies, free agents, and players with three or fewer years of NBA experience for today's first official full-squad workout.

It was Coleman's work at center, especially in the second half of last season, that helped the Sixers get into the playoffs and go two rounds in the postseason. He averaged 11.3 points and 8.8 rebounds in 28 starts after the all-star break, and 13.6 points and 8.0 rebounds in 12 playoff games.

In the second round against Detroit, Coleman averaged 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds and recorded his first two 20-point games in the postseason as a Sixer, including a career-high 23 in Game 5.

Coleman, 36, was a free agent at the end of the season, but gladly re-signed with the Sixers for three years at an estimated $13.5 million. This will be his 14th NBA season and his sixth with the 76ers, the longest he has spent with any team, something he appreciates.

"I enjoy it here," he said. "I enjoy playing in Philly. I enjoy my teammates. I think that's hard around the league, to find guys that really get along, [players] one through 12, one through 15."