Finally, it's over. The Philadelphia 76ers aren't getting 86'ed anymore.

The dilapidated days of draft duds like Shawn Bradley and Sharone Wright are over. As any close follower of the Sixers would attest, Bradley and Wright, both first-round picks within the top 10 overall, marred the city and it's basketball organization for years.

But there's more to the picture. That 7-foot-6 Wheat Thin (Bradley) and the guy who averaged only 2.3 points in his last year with Minnesota (Wright) weren't the only Sixer woes. The organization just couldn't seem to catch a break or sign anyone who could knock down a jumpshot. And 76ers executives didn't want to shell out any greenbacks, either.

So, the ardent Philly fan was forced to endure several years of futility, as the Sixers were the laughingstock of the league until some six-foot, 165-pound shooting guard from Georgetown came onto the scene.

If you don't know to whom I'm referring to by now, kindly put down the paper and stop pretending to be a sports fan. Even half-hearted fans of the NBA know who Allen Iverson is. And now, every other player and executive in the entire league knows and respects not only Allen Iverson, but the 76ers as well.

For all you Lakers and Knicks fans out there, open wide: The Sixers are the best team in basketball, both record-wise and talent-wise. They're 30-10 overall, and an astounding 22-3 versus East opponents. They're also 13-6 at home.

And who's the maestro behind all of this symphonic sound?

Coach Larry Brown? Well, he has a huge role in it. Moneybags owner Pat Croce? Sure, he kicked in his fair share, too. But the biggest baton is being held by Iverson himself.

All this mercurial guard has done throughout his first five-and-half seasons is average at least 22.0 points, 4.6 assists and 2.1 steals. Sure, he doesn't light up the nets with his 42.8 shooting percentage, but I'll still give him any look he wants.

But here comes the hard part, Mr. Allen Iverson. Getting to the next level will not be easy. Now that you've solidified your team as the best in the East, every sham of a squad come May will be aiming for your jugular. Defenses are going to hone in on Iverson like he's wanted in three states.

So what to do? It's time to step up another notch. It's time to recognize that center Theo Ratliff, power forward Tyrone Hill, forward George Lynch, and adjunct point guard Aaron McKie play basketball all the time, too. They can play.

I don't mean to sound harsh on the guy who saved my favorite team in sports from mediocrity, but I just think the 76ers are a better team when Iverson shares the wealth. I love seeing him score big and have the Sixers win, and contrary to popular belief, that happens often. In the last two seasons, Philadelphia has won 10 of 13 when No. 3 scores more than 40. That trend is exactly opposite of other teams and their elbow-aching superstars.

But I'd be more content with a solid 25-28 points from Iverson, along with a few more assists and fewer turnovers. So far this season, he's averaging 4.7 assists per game and 3.2 turnovers. Guard numbers they're not.

And by sharing the rock, Iverson will extend defenses because they'll be forced to remain honest with the likes of Ratliff, Hill, and Lynch. That way, everyone will score -- making opposing defenses protect themselves as good as Knicks' coach Jeff Van Gundy. Did you see his eye about a week ago? You know Mike Tyson was guffawing somewhere.

But enough about ear biters, the Sixers now have to get ready for teams nipping at their own heels. They're atop the East, but it'll only get tougher. And if Philly does win the East, are they good enough to beat the West's victor?

I think so, but let's not get into that already. Either way, I'll be ecstatic to have watched the entire story -- the fall of Julius Erving days to the lull of Charles Barkley's reign to the excitement of Iverson ball.

Just think how far the Sixers have come. But don't get all lovey-dovey just yet -- there's still much farther to go.