Elton Brand Returns to Sixers

Signing Brand shouldn’t be as costly, but it’ll still require the 76ers to burn an asset.

The 36-year-old Brand hasn’t played this season – he didn’t dress Monday – and spent time riding bikes, practicing yoga and taking his kids to school.

His career seemingly over, Elton Brand believed his only veteran leadership would come at home with his kids. It’s likely the Sixers signed him as a player rather than a special assistant to entice him from a financial perspective and make his voice mean more in the locker room. Now, here in Philadelphia, my adopted hometown, I’m excited to have a chance to do things differently - be a positive influence and help the organization get back on track.

Jahlil Okafor is one of those young players Brand will take under his wing, especially considering the rookie’s off-the-court issues.

It will not include playing 35 minutes a game. The first-overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft never lived up to the hype, mostly due to the vast history of injuries throughout his 16-year career. He averaged 16 points and eight rebounds for the Sixers in the 2011 NBA Playoffs and averaged 11 points across 18 total playoff games during his tenure in Philadelphia.

No word yet has been given on the corresponding move that will allow Brand to join the Sixers, given that their roster is at max capacity. Not only did Brand produce four consecutive 20.0-point seasons for the Clips, he also emerged as an elite offensive-rebounding, shot-blocking, and free-throw shooting weapon as well. He was productive when he was on the court, but he ultimately was amnestied by the team in 2012 in order to open up more cap space to sign other free agents. The team hopes Brand will serve a similar role as the one played last season by Jason Richardson, whom Hinkie has admitted the Sixers miss. Unable to crack Brown’s rotation, the rangy, athletic forward recently averaged 15.4 points and 9.7 boards in nine games with DE, the Sixers’ D-League affiliate.

“It was over”, he said.

Now, he’s back and he should wear his familiar No. 42 when the Sixers play Thursday against Atlanta.