Based on the report that came out earlier the team values the executives that the NBA placed in the organization and were looking to hire someone that would go along with them. Brand fits that narrative as an inexperienced front office guy that the fans might like since he’s an ex-player. The fact that they just hired a guy whose executive experience consists of 1 season as a general manager...in the D-League? Or that they reportedly hired him because they wanted to keep the existing front office structure and personnel intact, and weren't willing to give potential outside GM candidates personnel control?
It's a combination of: 1) He is among the least experienced GM's to ever be hired, 2) The Sixers are at an absolutely critical juncture where they could turn into a contender for 5 years or flop very soon, 3) The Sixers management have made two consecutive boneheaded decisions in firing Hinkie and hiring Colangelo; and 4) It's never good for your GM to be indebted to your coach, they should function independently and harmoniously. The Sixers are at a juncture where everything depends on the handling of high pressure, complex, non-standard opportunities (like Kawhi Leonard becoming available) and high pressure, complex non-standard problems (like: do we get something out of Nerlens Noel or take a chance he pans out). Someone like Morey - who they initially tried to hire - has been in the room while those things happen dozens if not hundreds of times. Someone like Zannic or Rosas may not have led those crisis moments, but they have watched masters dealing with it dozens of times or more. That stuff matters, even if Elton Brand could in the long run turn out to be the best GM in the league. The Sixers in particular don't have the leeway to allow him the breathing room than any inexperienced GM should have to learn the ropes, nor should he be at the mercy of his coach/owner. Different interests, and he could get saddled with the blame.
Brand was a beast as a player when he was healthy. It's a surprise pick, sure, one I hope bombs for Philly, but that hope is purely Rocket centric. If he bombs, it hurts a potential rival down the road. Otherwise, I wish him well.
I remember Jerry Krause gushing over Elton Brand and made him the Bulls' #1 pick because of many reasons including the fact that Brand had a short neck so there's no wasted height.
Christian Laettner went to the same school. Ask him how he is doing right now, or give him money because all Dukies know how to manage money.
