[dalmations202]

Originally Posted by jthig32

First of all, there isn't a chance in hell that the Mavs take on Brand and Iggy's contracts. It's just not happening. So it's pretty pointless to debate.

Beyond that, Brand is not "in a slump". He's no longer very good. And he's an undersized PF that can't play any defense. He's like a more expensive version of Drew Gooden that scores a little better. There's no way he plays more than 20 minutes a night for this team, and he's making $51 million over the next three seasons.

You'd be insane to trade anything of any value to Philly for Elton Brand. Again...yuck.

Brand can't play defense ? ? Historically he has been a very good defender, and has a 7'5.5" wingspan which has made up for his 6'9" frame. He is known as a player with the strength of Damp. He is in no way undersized to be a PF. He is a player that plays much bigger than he actually is. He is known as a shotblocker because of his strange 9'2" standing reach.
Yes we have been spoiled having a 7' at PF, but Dirk is taller, not smaller than most PF and many centers.
I am not saying that the injuries haven't limited Brand, but he really is on pace to be coming back to form this year -- and he seems to be. I am uncertain if he will ever regain the quick explosive jumping he was blessed with before the injuries.
IMO, He would easily play 30+ minutes as the C/backup PF on this team.

In fact, if they made a deal w/o Damp having to be included I suspect that Dirk/Brand/Damp would be the PF/C rotation for 95% of the time.

As far as contracts go -- that is Marks money.

Would Brand be a flop -- maybe. Would Brand be the inside force that Dirk needs -- maybe. Would Iggy be the SG that this team needs -- maybe.
Do you have enough touches for Dirk, Brand, Iggy, Terry, Marion -- when Kidd is going to have the ball as much as possible????

Lots of questions. I just don't think Brand is done like you seem to. I just think his injury is taking 2 years to get back.