Elton Brand Needs to Redeem Himself in 2009

The 76ers finished 41-41 last season and were rewarded a first round match up with the eventual Eastern conference champions, Orlando Magic. Although the Sixers gave the Magic a valiant effort, they lost yet another first round series.

The 76ers have not been to an NBA final since 2001 and before that it was 1983, which was their last NBA championship. They have been a low to mid tier NBA team for the past 8 seasons.

This season's team won't be making any NBA finals, believe me. Having just lost Andre Miller to free agency, the Sixers back court is young and lacks a true NBA point guard.

The 76ers do have some good young talent in Thaddeus Young and Andre Iguodola, but the real question this year will be Elton Brand. After playing in only 29 games last year and averaging 13.8 points per game (his lowest season average since he joined the league), Brand is at a cross road in his career.

The Sixers running style last season was not conducive to Brand's game and he at times looked lost and not involved in the offense at all. By bringing in Eddie Jordan as coach for this upcoming season, the 76ers need to involve Brand in the offense. His strength is not in the low post, but as a high post screen and roll player. If Brand can establish his offensive game this season, it will open up the baseline for Young and Iguodala and certainly help the Sixers young backcourt of Lou Williams (the anointed new point guard), and this year's 1st round pick from UCLA, Jrue Hoilday.

Elton, the 76ers need you this year, so "don't let the sun go down on me" !