Sixers name Elton Brand as Delaware 87ers general manager

The Sixers named Elton Brand the new general manager of the Delaware 87ers, showing a commitment to former players.

The Sixers made an important move in regards to player development. By naming former player Elton Brand as the general manager of their G-League affiliate, the organization is showing a lot of trust in his ability to manage a young roster. The move was first reported by Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports.

The former All-Star will try to build his resume as a front office executive by working his way up through the G-League. And it’s not like he’ll be hidden there. The Sixers were one of the earlier adapters to utilizing the developmental league, and will continue to use it as a base for it’s young roster.

The addition of two-way contracts will allow for more known talent to move up and down the league, and the Sixers will still be seeing some turnover near the end of the bench. Brand’s experience as a player will help in making decisions on how to utilize certain players, and what’s best for the development of each NBA hopeful.

This puts a trusted ear in the Sixers hands. Brand was brought in by Jerry Colangelo in the 2015-16 season to serve as a mentor to then-rookie Jahlil Okafor. He was also brought in last season as a player development consultant.

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It’s evident the front office liked what Brand had to offer in terms of basketball knowledge, and now they hope to see it pay dividends when it comes to developing some diamonds in the rough. Though the G-League has yet to be fully maximized in terms of player development, we have seen some tales of success.

The Sixers, of course, may have found one of the top players to come from the developmental league in Robert Covington. Sean Kilpatrick also earned himself a solid NBA roster spot, after a stint with Delaware. The 87ers always seem to hold fringe NBA talent, and often times those players pop into the NBA later in the season.

Elton Brand’s long-term goal is undoubtedly bigger than the G-League, but this is incredible stepping stone to something more prominent in terms of front office roles. For a player that has just a season between playing and becoming a general manager, Brand is moving fast to say the least.

Next: Sixers: Four potential two-way players

I’d expect him to become a major part of an NBA front office within the next five years, whether it’s with the Sixers or not.