Over the course of a lengthy career that dates back to 1999, Elton Brand has played nearly 1,100 NBA basketball games. The soon-to-be 37-year old says he doesn’t need to appear in another one in order for his second stint with the 76ers successful.Brand decided to call off a brief retirement on January 4th, when he came to terms on a free agent contract with the Sixers, which first signed the power forward to a four-year deal in July of 2008. They were looking to add a veteran presence to the roster. With Brand and his family living in the area, and Sixers Chairman of Basketball Operations Jerry Colangelo having a connection to Brand’s agent, David Falk, the team reached out to the two-time All-Star. President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Sam Hinkie later met with Brand, who ultimately agreed to restart his career. “It’s been a lot of fun, it’s been a lot of fun,” Brand said Tuesday, after taking part in another practice with the Sixers at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic medicine. “There’s been some really tough games. I’m competitive. Being a competitor, I wish we could have closed that Chicago Bulls game [January 14th 115-111 OT loss], closed that Knick game [January 18th 119-113 2 OT loss] on the road, that Golden State one [January 30th 108-105 loss]. As a competitor, I just wish we could have got those games. Just seeing the guys fighting like that, I’m encouraged.”A question surrounding Brand, however, is when he’ll get the chance to join in. His last outing with the Sixers came in their 10-point loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. “My first reaction is no, he doesn’t need to get into a game to provide our team tremendous value,” said Brett Brown on Tuesday. “He never needs to step onto an NBA court. He probably will and he’s been working and he’s been fantastic with his condition. The leadership he provides all over the place has nothing to do with 48 minutes. He’s wonderful to have around all over the place.”Brand understands the big picture purpose of his role, and on Tuesday, sounded as if he’s of the same mindset as Brown. “With me, I’m not trying to take anything away from the development of the young guys, getting these young guys looks,” Brand said. “I don’t mind whenever you need me, I’m ready, that kind of situation.” Brand continued, “If there’s a situation and it’s like, ‘Hey, we need you,’ and see something out there I can help on, I’d love the opportunity. But right now, Coach he talked to me about two weeks ago, are you active tonight? Let me know, whenever you need me, let me know.”While Brand has been on the active roster once – the Sixers’ 113-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on January 26th – in the 12 games the club has played since his return, that hasn’t stopped him from taking a proactive approach to interacting with this relatively youthful teammates. Aside from Brand, Carl Landry, and Ish Smith, the remaining 12 members of the Sixers’ roster are 25 years old or younger. Seven of those players are between the ages of 20 and 22. “Just try to bring it from the coaching from the court also to their mentality so they know what to do, [and] it just comes second nature,” said Brand of his mentorship style. He sees promise in this year’s group. “They’re talented, they’re athletic, we have a great young squad. It’s just the little things that they can improve upon that we’re trying to work on, the whole team’s working on.”
Brown feels that Brand, in just a short period of time, has had a particularly positive influence on Jahlil Okafor. “On the court, he’s just this amazing talent,” Brand said of Okafor, a fellow Duke product. “Offensively, the way he moves, the way he finishes, handle the ball. With the spacing in the NBA, I didn’t see that at Duke. I didn’t know he was that talented offensively.”Okafor tops all members of the 2015 NBA Draft class with an average of 17.3 points per game, and with 18 performances in which he’s registered at least 20 points. Brand added, “Off the court, he might get mad at me saying it, but he’s a teddy bear. He’s just a great kid. He’s just happy. He’s [20] years old. I’m enjoying spending time with him.”With the seasoned, sage Brand forging relationships like one he’s building with Okafor, the Sixers are simply appreciative to have him around, regardless of whether he’s produced yet on the floor or not.
