For the first time in two years, Theo Ratliff walked into this city's First Union Arena to play a basketball game.

The Hawks center was here last season while he was mending with a broken hip socket, and late in the previous season when his wrist was in a cast. On those occasions, he was greeted warmly by fans who appreciated his work on behalf of the 76ers. But Tuesday he was the enemy, wearing a bright red uniform.

Nonetheless, Ratliff said it was nice to be back in Philadelphia.

"I'm sure everybody is looking forward to me coming back there, and I've got a lot of love when I've come back here in civilian clothes," Ratliff said.