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 1, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward center Elton Brand (42) catches an inbound pass during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 100-91. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward center Elton Brand (42) catches an inbound pass during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 100-91. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Blue Chip Player

There is no lack of potential talent on the Philadelphia 76ers this season. In fact, the team is bursting at the seams with talent. In this off-season, the team has added the equivalent of a new five man starting lineup. In the worst case scenario of injury to one of these young players, the team will need a sure-footed seasoned vet to

But he’s more than that spare player to carry. Even with little preparation, he chipped in 4.1 points per game.  Entering the season prepared, he could approach a respectable 9.0 points per game. Is that enough to warrant a roster spot?

Next: Philadelphia 76ers Training Champions In Camden

Perhaps not. But he will be the perfect 14th or 15th player on the team.  Brand has proven his basketball skills, and as such will no longer need to get playing minutes to showcase his stuff.  In effect, he transforms into a pseudo player/coach.  Becoming that voice of wisdom from the bench, he will accelerate the development of the three centers on the team, particularly during the time when Joel Embiid will be joining him on the bench.

Elton Brand is a quality player: both on and off the field. While the team may miss an opportunity to develop a younger player, that is more than offset by the chance to mold their young talent into a player like Brand.   And that is worth taking a risk.