37-year-old Elton Brand is returning for another season, re-signing with the 76ers.
Sources: Elton Brand to return to 76ers. @WojVerticalNBA report on @TheVertical. https://t.co/26EtIpxOSm
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) September 7, 2016
Brand played four somewhat injury riddled and disappointing seasons for the 76ers in his fist stint with the team, averaging 12 points and seven rebounds in 263 games after signing a five-year, $80 million contract as a free agent in 2008.
He announced his retirement in August of 2015, before rejoining the 76ers in January in a mentor-ship role, appearing in 17 games and averaging 4.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
He is a former two-time all-star and No. 1 pick of the 1999 NBA Draft. He was a 20 and 10 machine early in his career and has morphed into a highly respected veteran around the league.
Just the kind of presence the 76ers young core of big men such as Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor (whomever is still on the roster) need in order to learn how to carry themselves as professionals.
Brand will be playing his 18th season in the NBA, an incredible accomplishment for any player and a testament to his work ethic. He is highly regarded by his peers and front office personnel.