Elton Brand Has Earned His Roster Spot

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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Mar 4, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) reacts to his score against the Miami Heat during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Miami Heat won 112-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) reacts to his score against the Miami Heat during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Miami Heat won 112-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Learning How To Win

Elton Brand is a 17 year veteran of the NBA. So it’s safe to conclude that he’s seen it and done that.  Much of the value of the seasoned veteran is the leadership by example.

His poise, determination, and production over his 17 years are stellar.  He was the first pick of the 1999 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls.  In his first season, he averaged 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds.  Those are the types of numbers many fans fear to hope for from Ben Simmons.

But it would be incredible if our first pick of the 2016 NBA Draft could deliver those types of statistics.

Brand joined a poor Chicago Bulls team, a team which would finish 17-65 that season.  He would not play on a good team until the 2005-2006 season where he led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 47-35 record.   Eventually, he would join the Philadelphia 76ers and play alongside  Allen Iverson.

During that time, his team struggled, but he excelled. It’s that fortitude that he brings to the Philadelphia 76ers team. But there is a trade off