Brand healthy and confident

Elton Brand has never been lauded for his athleticism. The 76ers forward earned a $90 million contract for his work ethic, midrange scoring, and vigorous rebounding. But during a recent pickup game at UCLA, Brand recovered a loose ball under his own basket, leaped with little effort for a reverse dunk, and headed downcourt on defense.
Brand, he is entering the fourth year of the five-year, $90 million deal and wants to prove he is capable of a nightly double-double at 32. And like many of the league’s 30-something players, he feels a sense of urgency to get this season started, as career mortality is approaching.

Brand has already sustained a torn Achilles’ tendon and had major shoulder surgery during his career.

“It’s critical, especially for me,’’ he said. “I lost too many games and years due to injuries. I’m finally getting healthy, getting my legs back.

“Not being able to play at the highest level is disheartening. You want to play. You don’t want to lose a year.’’

Coach Doug Collins fueled the 76ers’ resurgence by emphasizing team effort. No player averaged more than Brand’s 15 points, but six scored in double figures and 10 averaged at least 10 minutes per game. Some core players are 25 years old or younger, and chemistry could be damaged greatly by a prolonged lockout.

“We got momentum,’’ said Brand. “The young guys felt what the playoffs feel like. They know that, ‘Hey, we can compete.’ They feel good about themselves, so to wait another year for that would be disappointing.’’