Sixers center Samuel Dalembert is unhappy with his demotion after Steven Hunter was elevated to start in front of his, the Associated Press is reporting.

Hunter, who was traded to New Orleans but returned back to the Sixers after the deal was rescinded, has worked his way into the starting role.

"I thought I was doing my job, but obviously I wasn't," Dalembert said.

The 6-foot-11 Dalembert has not started any of the last 11 games since returning from a sprained left ankle. Before that, he had started all 40 games he played this season. Dalembert, who signed a $64 million, six-year deal in the summer, said coach Maurice Cheeks never told him he was in danger of losing his starting spot.

"There was no warning, nothing."

"[If] I'm not capable of getting it done, or I'm not good for this team, let me know," he said. "It's not the biggest deal. I'm not going to get hurt by it. It's a business, but let me know. When you're going to be in a place that many years, you cannot be having years on-and-off like that."