Will Elton Brand Be Another Philadelphia Flop?

Over the years, the Philadelphia 76ers have made several big moves to bring in All-Star players from other teams. 

However, once these big name players arrive, their careers usually take a swing for the worse. Could this be the start of a new Philly curse we are not yet aware of?

In 1999, Toni Kukoc was regarded as one of the best players in the league.  He led the Bulls in scoring, rebounding, and assists.  His averages per game were 18, five, and five respectively. 

In 2000, the 76ers made a trade to acquire Kukoc.  His first full year in Philly his averages plummeted to a measly 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game.  Kukoc was traded the next year.

In 2001, after pulling down 22 rebounds in the NBA All-Star game and earning defensive player of the year, Dikembe Mutombo was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to Philadelphia.  Mutombo’s rebounds per game dropped from 14 to 12 per game, and his blocks fell from three to two.  After two so-so seasons in Philly,  Mutombo was sent off to New Jersey.  After leaving Philadelphia, Mutombo never averaged more than six points and six rebounds per game. 

After averaging over 20 points and six rebounds per game, perennial All-Star Glen Robinson was traded to Philadelphia in hopes of giving Allen Iverson another star player to to lead the Sixers to the NBA finals.  Robinson played only 42 games his first year with the 76ers.  His statistics drastically decreased, and he retired a year later. 

Other examples include Jamal Mashburn, Keith Van Horn, and Chris Webber.  It's possible it was just very hard on these players to play alongside Allen Iverson.  If this is the case, Elton Brand should have a very bright future in Philadelphia. 

But if Brand plays poorly and is again sent out of town, I will be convinced that the city of Philadelphia has a new curse on the rise.