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Elton Brand is officially a Sixer. Up until a couple of hours ago I was still questioning whether he was best for the team. Or if Josh Smith was the answer. I've slept on it and have officially been cured from the "Josh Smith or Bust" disease. Elton's a much better fit. Josh is Darius Miles all over again. It's amazing what a good night sleep and seeing Elton Brand hold up a Sixers uniform will do for you.

As of right now, the Sixers will be fielding this lineup to start the season:

PG-Andre Miller
SG-Andre Iguodala
SF-Thad Young
PF-Elton Brand
C-Samuel Dalembert

Add a solid bench to that, along with the young guys development and the possible addition of an outside shooter and I see an immediate contender, not just this year, but for years to come.

Contrary to what Bill Simmons thinks (I'm the biggest Bill Simmons fan there is, but to say Elton Brand is not a low post scorer, SHOULD be averaging 20-10 since he plays 40 minutes a game and isn't even a great NUMBER 2 option is ridiculous. These are all exact quotes from his mouth and if you want to hear them for yourself listen to his newest podcast dated 7/9. Apparently if an NBA player plays 40 minutes a game he should be a 20-10 guy. That's the reason only 5 guys have averaged that for their career in the past 20 years. Sorry Bill, you've lost your mind.) Elton is a stud low post scorer and a viable number 1 scorer. Throw in a very underrated veteran point guard, two up and coming studs in Thad and Iggy and a freakish defender in Sammy D and I'll take that starting 5 against most teams in the league. Not to mention he's only 29 and has been as consistent as anyone could be throughout his career. One more thought on Brand; many have said Elton isn't athletic enough to run with the Sixers. 1) Let's not forget we ran with Reggie last year and 2) as for Elton's athleticism, watch this video.



I did love the Smith fit for this team, but after thinking about it, this was the right move. Someone on a Sixers board put it best when he said, "We took the sure thing over potential". I don't know about you guys, but I don't want to wait another 5 years for this team to develop into a contender, I want to see it now.

I'm glad I got all of that off my chest. I went from one extreme to another, but that's the magic that happens when a guy puts on your team's uniform. I'm still realistic however; and the Achilles injury does worry me a little bit, but as of right now I'm just going to celebrate. Thank you Eddy! There's only one thing left to do, add Elton to my NBA 2k8 Sixers. Yes!

Summer league starts Friday. Look for a brief preview tomorrow and coverage of 4 out of the 5 Sixer games. I won't be able to make Friday's game against the Warriors because I'll still be working, but the rest of 'em I'll be there and have post-game thoughts for each game and the players. Until then, later.

http://sixersoul.blogspot.com/