Elton Brand has three years and $51 million remaining on the 5 year contract he signed in the summer of 2008 with the Philadelphia 76ers. The
first two seasons were less than memorable, riddled with injuries and substandard play on the court. He finished last season averaging career-lows in scoring, rebounding and minutes.
This season, however, the team would have us believe (they have to attempt to sell tickets after all) that we should be prepared to see the Elton Brand of old (long before he joined the 76ers). According to the Philadelphia Intelligencer, Brand has been in regular communication with the team’s new head coach, Doug Collins, during the offseason. “I’ve talked to Elton numerous times on the phone and we’ve texted,” said Collins. “He’s in shape and his legs feel good. He feels like he’s getting more lift. In his words, ‘I’m ready to go.’ “
In addtion, Brand visited Philadelphia two weeks ago to train with Jesse Wright, the team’s strength and conditioning coach. ”He had a great workout,” said Collins. “More importantly, he weighed 255. That’s the weight I want him. I said, ‘Elton, I’d like to see you at 255.’ Here it is early August at 255. It’s going to take all that stress off his legs. To me, that’s an incredibly positive sign to what Elton would like to see happen this year.”
acknowledged their desperate need for a reliable left-handed option from the bullpen. Scott Eyre, retired, has been discussed and several intriguing waiver trade options exist. Brian Tallet of the Blue Jays, Brian Fuentes of the Los Angeles Angels, and Mike Gonzalez of the Baltimore Orioles could all get the job done.
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