The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Elton Brand Fills Carl Landry Void

By Bret Stuter

Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) attempts to block the shot of New Orleans Pelicans guard Tim Frazier (2) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 107-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) attempts to block the shot of New Orleans Pelicans guard Tim Frazier (2) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 107-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers chairman of basketball Jerry Colangelo watches on during a press conference at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers chairman of basketball Jerry Colangelo watches on during a press conference at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Colangelo Favorite

Some are surprised at the move. I am not. Jerry Colangelo handpicked Elton Brand to bring to the Philadelphia 76ers as a favor to the team. While many believe the veteran “presence” is addressed by the additions of Gerald Henderson, Sergio Rodriguez, and Jerryd Bayless, they are all back court players. Front court physicality is a far different aspect of basketball, and one that can only be appreciated by a veteran who made a living banging boards and bodies for basketballs.

But more so, Colangelos reward loyalty.  Elton Brand agreed to help out the Philadelphia 76ers last season when he needn’t have done so.  This season, the 76ers have restored Brand to the roster, and I will not be surprised to find him on the team’s 15 man season roster either.

The Philadelphia 76ers will only be able to play 13 of the 15 players on game night.  While that was nothing to address with a Joel Embiid on rehab for the season, the team will face the complication of who and how often to carry players inactive on game night.

Brand “gets it”, and will be more than happy to work with players from a limited minutes/appearances perspective.  He understands the challenge and complexity of the game, and his career gives him the authority and respect needed to help young players understand what they are facing.

We’ve discussed why the Philadelphia 76ers won’t be in the NBA basement this season.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers Will Vacate NBA Basement This Season

While fans settle in to enjoy the basketball of the new players, I for one and thrilled to find one more familiar face in a 76ers’ jersey.  Elton Brand may not show up every night in the stats, but his impact will be felt every night.