After cutting productive power forward Carl Landry, the Philadelphia 76ers have re-signed power forward Elton Brand
When the Philadelphia 76ers waived power forward Carl Landry, center Tibor Pleiss, and signed point guard Cat Barber, there was an opening in the roster. The team has decided to fill that last opening with the esteemed services of power forward Elton Brand.
Free agent Elton Brand has signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, league source tells @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 7, 2016
Waiving Carl Landry sent mixed signals about the 76ers plans. The team has consistently emphasized the need for veteran leadership on a roster filled with young players – particularly in the front court. Waiving Landry was the antithesis of bringing veterans to the roster. We knew there had to be more to the story. It was Derek Bodner who filled in the blanks:
Carl Landry wanted a chance to get playing time in a contract year, per source. Would have been buried in #sixers deep frontcourt rotation.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) September 1, 2016
So while the move made sense for Landry, it opened up a void in veteran leadership in the front court. Was there no veteran who would be willing to “pay-it-forward” to the Philadelphia 76ers young front court? Of course there is.
Elton Brand.
Next: Brand Knew Basketball