Elton Brand, 36 years old and five months into retirement from the NBA, rejoined the 76ers on Monday as part of Jerry Colangelo's plan to settle down a situation that had gotten badly out of hand. On Wednesday, Brand took part in a full practice for the first time since last May. On Thursday afternoon, coach Brett Brown sidled up to him.
"You going tonight?" Brown asked.
Brand laughed. Not quite yet.
"Let's give it some time," Brand said. "Maybe a week or two, for sure. Let me get some practices."
Brand had turned down the offer to hang around in a mentoring role several times to several teams since he announced his intention to retire.