Last year, the Philadelphia 76ers hired Elton Brand as the team's new general manager, taking over Bryan Colangelo's spot. Since then, he's helped the Sixers improve and become serious contenders. He was able to trade for Jimmy Butler, and now the team is looking to make a deep run into the playoffs.
But it is worth noting that Brand, the first overall pick of the 1999 NBA Draft, has yet to retire from professional basketball. His last stint was with, coincidentally, the Sixers during the 2016-17 season. He never announced it publicly and according to an interview with The Athletic's Michael Lee, Brand has yet to submit his retirement documents.
“He can still play,” said his agent and long-time friend Davil Falk. “I won't say he'd be a great player but he can play.”
Brand's 17-year NBA career saw him average 15.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
“I know I had an OK career but I know it’s not Hall of Fame, so there was not a rush to be eligible. So I never retired,” Brand said.
It is highly unlikely that Elton Brand will play again in the NBA, but his pride as a basketball player has yet to accept that fact.
However, during his tenure with the Sixers three years ago, he served as a mentor to the young, inexperienced Joel Embiid, who has now become one of the best centers in the league. He's also doing fine with his current role with the team.
So maybe, someday, we'll just hear him say it.
But for now, there's still hope that we'll see him again. It's not that big, but for Elton Brand, it's more than enough.