76ers bring back Elton Brand for another year

The 76ers have re-signed Elton Brand, giving the veteran center a one-year contract.

Brand, 37, returned to Philadelphia in January after playing for the 76ers from 2008 to 2012. He then went to Dallas and Atlanta, and retired in August 2015. But he un-retired this past winter and joined the 76ers for the second time. He made 17 appearances after coming back, averaging 13.2 minutes, 4.1 points and 3.7 rebounds.

His bigger impact, though, is likely off the court. He is seen as a mentor to the 76ers' young big men, especially Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel.

Over 17 NBA seasons, Brand has appeared in 1,058 career games with 868 starts, posting averages of 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. He has played 34,910 career minutes, which ranks him 67th all-time. Brand was also the recipient of the 2005-06 Joe Dumars Trophy, presented each season to the player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.

Over his 17-season career, Brand has played 1,058 career games. He was the first overall draft pick in 1999, and went on to be named Rookie of the Year.