Brand or Bust?

In mid-July, the Philadelphia 76ers moved mountains when they signed, arguably, the best free agent on the market, forward Elton Brand. The $80 million deal seemed heaven sent...at the time. 

Thus far, Brand has started 23 of the 41 games and is averaging almost seven points less than his career average. His assists, blocks and free throw percentage are all down considerably. That Achilles injury was pushed under the rug by the 76er’s front office.

Are we seeing another over paid, "recovering star" that forgets how to perform? I hope not.

So far Elton Brand is following in the footsteps of legends, legends of the Philly flop.

Matt Geiger- In 1998 the Sixers signed Matt Geiger to a six-year deal worth $52 million. Hampered by knee problems before and after the trade, it eventually drove him into retirement.

Toni Kukoc- In 1999 the Sixers traded Larry Hughes and two other players to the Chicago Bulls for Toni Kukoc, whose points per game nearly halved after the trade.

Dikembe Mutombo- In 2000 the Sixers signed Mutombo to a four-year deal worth $65 million. Dikembe, widely known as one of the best centers in the game at the time, had a good half season and fell off the radar.

Chris Webber- In 2005 the Sixers signed Weber to a three-year deal worth $62 million. This deal came after serious knee surgery two years prior.

Other notables: Keith Van Horn, Glenn Robinson, and Jamal Mashburn

I’m not here to whine or bicker about what the Sixers have done over the years. I’m here to question just what it is it they do wrong? I hope, for the sake of basketball in Philadelphia, that Elton Brand doesn’t show up on this list a few years from now.