The Sixer Sense
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Elton Brand Has Earned His Roster Spot

By Bret Stuter

Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) lands on the scorers table after saving a ball from going out of bounds against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Hornets won 100-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) lands on the scorers table after saving a ball from going out of bounds against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Hornets won 100-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) dribbles against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center. The Indiana Pacers won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) dribbles against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center. The Indiana Pacers won 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Brand New Season

Elton Brand was signed to a Philadelphia 76ers contract in January 2016. His first playing time did not occur until a home game against the Miami Heat on March 4, 2016. In 13 minutes of playing time, he scored eight points and pulled down four rebounds. That was his first game back from “retirement”.

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Retirement in the NBA is a curious state of being. For some players, the desire to compete fades and they retire to seek new challenges in life. For others, the maturing body can no longer compete effectively in the physical sport. Despite strong desire to play, the athlete retires out of necessity.

Elton Brand fit neither condition. His retirement was more a matter of making room for younger players. In essence, he vacated his seat in the NBA for a younger man to sit there. But the Philadelphia 76ers had other ideas.  They brought him back to mentor younger players, after he had ceased competitive sports.  In doing so, he was at a complete disadvantage.  He had forgone training and workouts, decelerating into the next chapter of his life.

Coming back this season before it begins affords Brand the chance to ramp up his endurance and skills.  With 17 games played in 2016, he was an insurance policy for the team.  But this year, there is much more opportunity for him as a 76er.