After 16 years, 1,081 games, and nearly 36,000 minutes of playing NBA basketball, why return? That was the first question presented to Elton Brand Monday at The Center, shortly after he completed a medical examination that will clear the way for him to rejoin the 76ers.Over the summer, Brand had pretty much come to the conclusion that his playing career was over. When no appealing opportunities arose in the off-season, he began to further adjust to civilian living in the Philadelphia area, where he maintained residence even after his four-year stint with the Sixers ended in 2012. Lots of his time was spent doing yoga, riding a training bike, and driving his kids to school. The lifestyle was one he was prepared to enter, and wasn’t sure if he’d be able to give back up. Then, roughly three weeks ago, he heard from Jerry Colangelo, at that point freshly hired as the Sixers’ Chairman of Basketball Operations. A dialogue was initiated, and then facilitated more via Sixers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Sam Hinkie. Suddenly, the prospects of playing again became that much more real.”It was something local, something like the Sixers, something good in my heart, that’s when I gave it consideration,” said Brand. Even after getting a positive initial feeling about linking up with the Sixers, he still needed more time. But, as Brand put it, “They said they wanted me, so to be wanted is another thing also.”Brand added, “As a player coming back, it seemed like I knew I could affect change and be a part of something. I might not make it to the end, but it’s really great around here. I could be a part of something as a player.” At this stage, and his age, the area in which the Sixers and Brand both believe he can have the greatest impact is, understandably, giving the squad another veteran addition.”Very, very appealing as a head coach when you have the volume of 20-year olds that we have,” said Brett Brown of the value Brand can bring to the Sixers. “His role will be one of guidance, one of mentorship. Of course we understand it’s a man of 17,000 NBA points, and he’s a good person. Combine that experience, and his leadership, and Philly roots, for us to bring him in in that type of role is really a benefit for me, and I think the program at this middle stage of the season.” Brand had his own take on leadership.”I think it’s something there’s born leaders, and then you work on it, and then it has to be given,” Brand said. “No one’s going to follow you and listen. I think with work ethic, and how you conduct yourself, and the values that you have, that makes you a lder, and makes people want to bond together and be a part of something and be a part of what you’re a part of.” Brown expects Brand’s voice to carry that much more weight given that the the forward will be sporting the number “42” jersey he wore in his first go-round with the Sixers.”You wouldn’t believe what goes on at halftime, when a coaching staff is in another room,” said Brown. “And you wouldn’t believe what goes on on a bench when you’re down 20, and you wouldn’t believe what goes on in players’ minds when it’s a two-point game with a minute and a half left, and do they know their assignments. It’s so much deeper than putting a suit on him, and thinking you’re going to get the value out of him that I want to get out of him. And incredibly, even with the volume of money that he’s made, and the years of experience that he’s had, he still sees this as a challenge, and one that I appreciate him accepting. And so, all over the place, I’m really excited to bring him into our program.”Tabbed the 2000 co-NBA Rookie of the Year, Brand twice earned All-Star selections (2002, 2006) during his 16-season run in the NBA. Through his first nine campaigns, split between the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers, he accounted for 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He then signed with the Sixers in 2008, posting 13.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per outing over the next four years. He was with the Dallas Mavericks for the 2012-2013 season, and subsequently the Atlanta Hawks two years after that before heading into what he expected would be a permanent retirement. “I think I still got it,” Brand said. “I still think I can be serviceable. Thirty-five minutes a game, I’m definitely not here for that. We got the young guys that need to develop, and they’re really good. But I definitely think I can give something on that court, and that’s another reason why I wanted to be part of this adventure.””The saying goes, ‘It’s like riding a bike’ But this bike had a rusty chain and no breaks on it,” joked Brand. “I’m excited. I’m excited for the challenge. It’s going to be fun.”Brand said he intends to begin on-court practice activities on Tuesday, at the Sixers’ training facility at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
