Collins to meet with Brand after draft

As it should, family came first.

There was no meeting yesterday between new 76ers coach Doug Collins and forward Elton Brand because Collins and his wife, Kathy, were celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary.

Collins has said that he wanted to meet with Brand to talk about how he will use the 6-9 big man next season. Both sides said yesterday that there will be a meeting, but not until after the NBA draft, on June 24. The Sixers have the second pick in the draft and are expected to select 6-7 Ohio State swingman Evan Turner.

Brand averaged 13.1 points and 6.1 rebounds last season in 76 games, which included 57 starts. He had missed most of the prior two seasons with Achilles' and shoulder injuries.

- Bob Cooney