Philadelphia 76ers general manager Elton Brand has been a busy man of late, attempting to craft a championship-caliber Sixers team during the trade deadline.
For Sixers fans that suffered through years of “trusting the process,” seeing their team as buyers at the deadline, adding Tobias Harris, and Jonathon Simmons, make scenes like Friday night a welcome sight. This level of appreciation led to sections of fans bestowing upon Brand chants of, “Thank you, Elton!”
Small, "Thank you Elton!" chant going on in the section next to the media
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) February 9, 2019
It was as recently as April 10, 2016, that Brand was still donning a jersey himself; but not just any jersey — a Sixers one at that. After having spent four prior seasons with the franchise from 2008-2012, where he averaged 13.3 points per game across 246 contests, Brand returned to Philly for the swan song of his career. He played 17 years in the league in total, five of which came with the franchise he now oversees.
Brand didn't wait long after his playing days to find the next stage of his career, quickly joining the Sixers' player development staff. He then took over as the general manager for the club's G League (then D-League) club, the Delaware 87ers. The opportunity came knocking when the bizarre events surrounding the removal of former general manager Bryan Colangelo came to light in June 2018, paving the way for Brand, at age 39, to become the head man in charge.
Entering the night, his Sixers sat in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with their eyes set firmly not only on the playoffs, but making a run upon their arrival, and there's little doubt that Brand is a large reason why.
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