When Philadelphia 76ers general manager Elton Brand strode to the makeshift dais inside the team's practice facility the day after last month's trade deadline, he could've downplayed the expectations he had created for his dramatically remade team.
He did not.
"We believe we are in position to contend now," Brand said, "and our moves reflect that belief."
And when 76ers owner Josh Harris was asked by ESPN's Jackie MacMullan about the possibility of a first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics, he could've waved off any real concern about an early playoff exit.