Philadelphia 76ers: Grading Elton Brand’s full first year as GM
January, 2019
Waived Demetrius Jackson: B+
It made since to waive Jackson and open up a two-way contract. At the time, the Sixers had point guards Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, Landry Shamet and T.J. McConnell on the roster. There was too much depth for him to get any legit chance at playing time and based on his 3-point percentage of 30.6 percent with the Blue Coats, he couldn’t have been that much of a help to Philly anyway.
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Signed Haywood Highsmith: B-
With Jackson gone, Brand didn’t waste much time and signed Highsmith to a two-way deal. Highsmith proved to be a solid wing with 3-and-D potential. He was already on the Blue Coats before he signed a two-way deal. Last season with Delaware, he averaged 12.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals, while converting 33.8 percent of his 3-pointers. He filled a need the Sixers had at the time, so the move was a wise one by Brand.
Signed Corey Brewer twice: B+
Brewer gave the Sixers some much needed depth and energy during this past January. He was signed to two 10-day contracts and played well, especially on the defensive end. In seven games, he averaged 7.6 points and 1.7 steals, while making 40.8 percent of his field goals. Brewer wasn’t a good 3-point shooter, but he was one the best defenders that the Sixers had on their roster all season. It was a shame that Brand didn’t sign him for the rest of the year.