The Philadelphia 76ers have finally found their new general manager, and it’s a name familiar to NBA fans: Elton Brand.
Brand is being promoted internally by the Sixers from his previous post as the team’s VP of Basketball Operations. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who first reported the news, says Brand made a strong impression on ownership and head coach Brett Brown.
Philadelphia has hired Elton Brand as general manager, league sources tell ESPN. Brand will be elevated from VP of Basketball Operations. He made strong impression on ownership and Brett Brown in process, beating out several inside and outside candidates.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 18, 2018
Brand, 39, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft by the Chicago Bulls. He spent most of his prime with the Los Angeles Clippers, though he played with the 76ers from 2008-2012 and again in 2016. He last played in the NBA for the 76ers at the end of the 2016 season, so his rise to GM happened quickly.
The 76ers had been looking for a new GM since late May/early June after former GM Bryan Colangelo was investigated for allegedly using secret Twitter accounts to criticize the team and divulge strategies. The job was said to be highly desirable due to Philly’s abundance of young talent, but the team reportedly was turned down by at least one high-end candidate before deciding on Brand.
