Last year the Sixers had the Old School Chevy. This season they have Swaggy P. The clash in styles will face off tonight at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia as Elton Brand and the 7-7 Dallas Mavericks take on the 8-6 Sixers..
Doug Collins was asked about his former big man who was amnestied this offseason which helped the Sixers take their team in a new direction. Collins showed nothing but love for Elton.
"You think back to how blessed I've been as a coach to coach certain people," Coach Collins said. "I wish that I could have coached Elton one year in his prime, just one, one year when he was young and healthy and doing the things he can do. I saw him every single day, this guy is as professional as anybody I've been around. I see him with those hands that are banged up, squeezing a basketball before the game to get himself ready. Walking around with his leg weights, doing his exercises, drinking his bear juice. This guy was so regimented. We miss him. WE miss that soul because EB was all about winning. The thing I'm happy about is the two years I was here with him, after all the injuries and the things he went through here, I think he left on a high note. He helped take us into the playoffs. Both he, Dre, and Lou Williams were critical to getting us to where they did in the playoffs. When I see EB, I give him a big hug and be thankful for my time with him."
Expect nothing but 100% effort from Elton tonight. And keep an eye out for O.J. Mayo who Coach Collins says may be the most improved player in the NBA this season with the way he's shooting the ball and getting out on the break.
7:00 start time from the Well.
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