To help with the new, the 76ers are going back to the old.
Today it was announced that the struggling team plans to sign former Sixer Elton Brand, and release rookie power forward Christian Wood to make room for Brand on the 15-man roster. He played with the team for four years before being waived in July of 2012.
According to philly.com, Brand is expected to be a mentor for rookie center Jahlil Okafor, who hasn’t had the smoothest transition to the NBA this season. Both Brand and Okafor played for coach Mike Krzyewski at Duke.
Elton Brand cant play anymore, but hes a great guy, one source said. Hes a great locker-room guy. Hes a true professional. He will be good for them.
On Sports Illustrated’s The Cauldron Blog, Brand made a few statements in regards to the signing.
“I’m not coming here to hold Jahlil Okafor’s hand – or anyone else’s for that matter – because that’s not what he needs,” Brand wrote. “But I do believe my experience and wisdom can benefit him and my other young teammates.
“It’s about communicating with them like me, starting to grow together, and hopefully, eventually – winning some ballgames. That’s what [general manager] Sam Hinkie and I talked about when he approached me about joining the team, and what has me so excited about the opportunity.”
The 6-foot-8 power forward average 16.1 points and 8.6 rebounds during his 16 year career.
