Philadelphia 76ers: 4 takeaways from Elton Brand’s press conference

Trust The Results

In essence, Elton Brand himself wrote the epitaph for The Process on Tuesday. When asked about the past seven years, going back to the beginning of the Hinkie era, Brand responded:

"“It didn’t produce the results we expected. It’s a results-based business.”"

Brand isn’t wrong. If you don’t win, eventually there’s a price to pay, and even if you win by virtue of smoke and mirrors, you’ll get credit for it. At least for a while.

However, without a sound process, winning won’t come. Good results come from nothing but a good process. Maybe we’re arguing semantics, but one wonders if Brand’s comments were intentional. And if so, they’re his end-bracket on The Process.

The stars are not on the trade block

Brand put a stop to rumors that one of Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid are on the trading block, at least for now. When asked about their future with the Philadelphia 76ers, he responded:

"“I’m not looking to trade Ben or Joel. I’m looking to complement them better.”"

The debate has raged whether Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid can play together for most of their careers, and it’s safe to say there’s a way. Nothing Elton Brand has done as general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers complements their talents, however.

Trading for Tobias Harris did not complement them. Signing Al Horford to a gargantuan contract did not complement them. Getting rid of every competent ball-handler on the roster did not complement them.

This very comment on his part is an indictment of his failure so far as the general manager of the Sixers.