NET NOTES

PHILADELPHIA – New Sixer Chris Webber just didn’t sound as excited about playing with Allen Iverson as Allen Iverson sounded about playing with him.

“There’s no way to answer that question without people perceiving it the wrong way,” said Webber, who then clarified it – somewhat.

“I love Allen. He’s a great competitor. He’s a great player. I respected him before I got to play with him. I love his game. There are different concepts and strategies and philosophies and that’s what you’ve got to get used to.”

Webber then went out and, in his third game as a Sixer, struggled horribly – even getting booed very late in the game when he muffed back-to-back shots to complete a 4-of-18 horror in the Nets’ 99-93 win.

“I want him to play well so bad,” said Iverson. “I know how rough it is in Philadelphia. I know how hard it is to survive here . . . I want him to play well before people start getting on him.”

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Nets yesterday activated Rodney Buford, out since tearing ankle ligaments in Utah on Jan. 29.

“I don’t know where I’m at, but I’ll leave it all out there,” said Buford, who was starting before missing 13 games. “It’s just coming off curls and screens that will give me problems – pivoting and planting.”

Buford played three minutes, took and missed two shots.

More help is coming as Brian Scalabrine nears a return from knee surgery. Coach Lawrence Frank said if Scalabrine is not ready tonight then Saturday against the Magic is virtually certain.

Jason Kidd on Alonzo Mourning, who visits with the Heat tonight after signing with Miami Tuesday: “Zo’s a competitor. I’m happy for him to be with Miami. I wish him the best of luck. He waited, but he had a plan.

“His plan worked out for him. His situation is a lot different than anybody else in this league. You talk about his health. He’s playing to try and win a championship. And he felt the two teams he was with weren’t going in that direction.”