I'm just going to show the entire Elton Brand section of
Chad Ford's latest piece and let you guys have at it in the comments. This is getting a bit ridiculous.
Elton Brand, Sixers
The Sixers are experiencing quite a bit of buyer's remorse after giving
Brand an $80 million contract this past summer. Brand has been awful in
the early going. To make matters worse, he struggles to play the style
the rest of the team wants to play. More and more, it's looking like a
bad fit for both parties. I've heard rumblings over the past few weeks
that the Sixers would let Brand go for expiring contracts and a future
pick -- a pretty small price for the most coveted free agent of last
summer.
But will anyone want to take on his contract at this point? The
Heat's Pat Riley has always been a fan. The Pistons are looking for a
dominant big, too. A Chicago homecoming isn't out of the question
either. And the Cavs might be willing to roll the dice, although that's
a lot of money to gamble with. Will any GM or owner in the league have
the guts to pull the trigger?
Chance of trade: 20 percent
It seems to me like Ford got quite a bit of attention from his measly little chat comment the other day, so he's going to ride this pony. If he's hearing something, fine, but subjective statements like "Brand has been awful in the early going," and "he struggles to play the style the rest of the team wants to play," are patently false.
Brand hasn't played like the Elton Brand of old in the early going, but 16 points, 10 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes is not awful by any stretch of the imagination. Furthermore, Brand hasn't struggled to play the style the rest of the team wants to play, the team struggled to play Brand's style of play, which was a horrible idea from the beginning. Since his return, the team has been running just fine with EB on the floor, and he's been right there, running with them.
I'm sorry, but I have a really hard time believing any portion of this blurb is coming from anyone in the Sixers' organization. Seems to me like Ford is trying to fan the flames of a b.s. fire he created in the media.
Sounds like the Brand thing lacks legs. I agree it probably was somethings along the lines of ES saying call me back on Brand when he knows better how he is fitting. Unless the team really struggles he won't be on the block unless someone blows their doors off (something crazy like Amare.)
BTW, the NBA reserves have been named... http://www.phillyarena.com/archives/2009-01-29/All-Star-Reserves-Named,-and-none-name-Iguodala
Tough break for Iggy, but I'm glad he'll have the break to rest. Need him fresh for the rest of the season.
A. I hate that you have to be on a 'winning team' to get all star consideration - that's stupid (one from eveyr team ala baseball is stupid too)
B. HOW DOES CHAD FORD HAVE A JOB - i mean seriously - does he know anything?
Its all about marketing. If the NBA feels that Orl will go deep in the playoffs, it helps generate interest if that team has multiple All Stars. Its the NBA star creation machine.
Pau Gasol and Nate Robinson are in the top 10 for jersey's sold - I don't think the NBA especially knows what the hell they are doing marketing wise :)
They want to create new stars on the high profile teams.
Strange that Orl gets 3 and Cleveland only 1 All Star.
Ford is just another example of why you gotta love ESPN.
At least he admitted there's an 80% chance that he's full of shit.
"At least he admitted there's an 80% chance that he's full of shit"
LOL, good one Brian. I wonder how many Sixers games with Brand Chad Ford watched.. let me guess... ZERO?
what a load of BS.. "buyer's remorse"...
I tend to think this guy is full of it as well.
Although looking at the Sixers record...and brands numbers. (before injury)..It's not too huge of a stretch to assume the Sixers are not thrilled with Brand.
I was psyched when Brand was signed...
When I finally saw him play that enthusiasm left me.
I hope that changes and Dileo can figure out a way to use him effectively because Mo sure couldnt. Time will tell if it was Mo not using him properly or him just not being good for this team AT ALL.
I hope that the fans can figure out a way to not over react without sufficient data to come to conclusions.
Fortunately I have faith that the front office can