Elton Brand to the Sixers

What was Elton Brand waiting for?

Apparently, the Philadelphia 76ers.  Brand has reportedly agreed to a five-year, $82 million dollar deal with the Sixers.

Two things are clear from this development:

1. His decision wasn’t influenced by dollar signs

2.  The Philadelphia 76ers are going to be much improved

What does this say about Brand’s character?

ESPN reported that the Sixers offer was a measly $1 million more than the final offer by LA.  Brand’s decision wasn’t influenced by dollars and cents.  Ultimately, Brand did what was best for him.  Pairing with Baron Davis in LA was probably enticing, but those two players would have put the Clippers near the luxury tax threshold.  A threshold that notorious tight wad Clippers owner Donald Sterling wouldn’t have exceeded much…if at all.  LA might have made the playoffs, but they weren’t going to be a championship contender without another major addition.

Brand — when healthy — is the 3rd best power forward in the game.

Tim Duncan’s 07-08 averages:  19.3 pts, 11.3 rbs, 2.8 asts, 1.9 blks, 50% from the field.

Kevin Garnett’s 07-08 averages:  18.8 pts, 9.2 rbs, 3.4 asts, 1.3 blks, 54% from the field.

Elton Brand’s 06-07  averages (pre ACL injury):  20.5 pts, 9.3 rbs, 2.9 asts, 2.2 blks, 53% from the field.

Andre Miller is one of the most underrated point guards in the league.  Andre Iguadola and Willie Green are athletic swingmen who will benefit from the double-teams that a player like Brand commands in the post.  Philadelphia was 8th in the league in points allowed per 100 possessions last season and Brand’s length (7’5 ½” wingspan, and 9’2” standing reach) and shot blocking ability (2.2 blks) will improve their defense.  The Sixers captured the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference last season despite a sub .500 regular season record.  Although they struggled at times during the regular season, Philly took the 2nd seeded Pistons to 6 games in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Sixers — with a healthy Brand — are one of the Eastern Conference’s top four teams.  They have a talented roster and a much easier path to the NBA Finals than the Brand-Davis Clippers would have had.