It pains me to say this, and I'm sure it pains Elton Brand, figuratively and literally, but he might have to stay away from the team for a while and let the bum shoulder heal.
Brand has been back since January 24, six games during that span. And it has not been pretty.
In those six games, his production has been hindered by the inability to shoot the ball. That statement is reflected in his two games of zero points and one double-digit showing. His defense has been the only facet of his game keeping him on the floor. Well, that and the $80 million contract.
But beyond the big-money deal, Brand has been trying, this much we know. He has 13 blocks over the last six and is rebounding well. The fact of the matter is, if he is less than 100 percent healthy, which it appears he is, then he should not play. With Brand on the court, rookie Marreese Speights is missing out on important minutes that can only help him grow. Wasting 15 to 20 minutes right now shouldn't be an option while every game is gaining more and more importance.
His comeback is admirable and it should be noted that most players would hang it up after a dislocation that severe. But Brand obviously wants to make good on his giant contract, and by coming back he is showing he at least cares about his new team. But for the good of everyone involved, it may be best to sit back, let the wound heal, and let the team move on for the rest of this season.
Brand is an exceptional talent, one of the few guys who have average 20 points and 10 rebounds this decade. On the flip side, if you cant shoot, and if normal basketball activities become a chore, it might be time to rethink the course of action.
Right now, Brand is day-to-day, but then again aren't we all. It would be silly to have this situation hang over the heads of an already fragile team. A definitive decision needs to made soon, or else guys like Speights will not be able to find that necessary rhythm while his minutes fluctuate wildly.
Basically, I think the choice has been made for them. The numbers speak for themselves.
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