Elton Brand Is Finally Playing His Role  Three years later, the
Sixers finally have the power forward they were expecting when
they lured him away from the Clippers for the Philly Max.  Elton
Brand's tenure in Philadelphia couldn't have started worse. He
was the big fish when he signed his "Philly Max" contract three
summers ago. The big feather in Ed Stefanski's cap. The guy who
was going to elevate an up-and-coming low seed in the Eastern
Conference to a fringe contender, or better. Things didn't play
according to plan, but after just about everyone had given up on
him, Brand is finally playing one of the roles he was brought
here to play, on and off the court.  His first season in Philly
was a total loss. Maurice Cheeks suddenly went from coaching an
upstart with a ton of athleticism and no expectations to an
expensive, veteran team with big plans. He didn't get much time
to figure things out and he was let go before Christmas. Then
Brand dislocated his shoulder and was lost for the season. I
remember the