The Sixer Sense
Fansided

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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Jan 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) prior to action against the Phoenix Suns at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) prior to action against the Phoenix Suns at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Trade Off

Elton Brand will not carry the team this season. That role will be filled by Jahlil Okafor, or Joel Embiid, or Nerlens Noel, or even Ben Simmons. What Brand brings is poise, focus, efficiency. That will promote the team in many ways, but it does come with some drawbacks.

Whatever the case last season, the Philadelphia 76ers are loaded in the front court.  At this moment, the power forward position could be filled with Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, Richaun Holmes, Shawn Long, Ben Simmons or Elton Brand.  In a pinch, even Jerami Grant or Robert Covington could slide into that role.  Of twenty roster spots, ten players could address the four spot.  Ultimately, the team will need to pare that down.

If the team acts as expected, Brand will make the 15 man roster.  Certainly some players will fill other line-up needs such as center or small forward.  Still, in the end, to remain at the roster ceiling, the Philadelphia 76ers will likely look to waive a younger player who has not delivered up to expectations.  That will be bittersweet to some young hopeful.  If that player waived succeeds elsewhere, it will evolve into a controversial move.

In the end, its a decision that can either turn this team towards success, or veer away from it.