Elton Brand Emphasizes the Need to stick together during the Lockout – NBA Update
While most players are contemplating their future over the current lockout period, some are staying put and trying to remain in touch with their fellow teammates. Elton Brand of the Philadelphia 76ers is one such player and he
is set to unite with his boys to play ball next week.
Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner and Lou Williams are all expected to attend the workout regime as they plan to meet in Los Angeles and stay there for a few days. They intend to do everything, from playing to working out, in order to
get ready for the next season.
"I can't wait to see where the guys are at," Brand said. "I've been talking to them all summer. They seem to be in shape already in case we get this thing going."
Due to the lockout there are no training sessions for the players and hence, those who want to train and stay fit are taking matters into their own hands and organizing training regimes with their teammates. Just recently, Kevin
Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder also organized a similar session where the Thunder gang got together and played ball.
Such activities are the only way these players can in stay in touch with the game. Although some players including Kevin Durant, Brandon Jennings, Kemba Walker and Kobe Bryant have taken to the summer leagues and are busy lighting
them up, it still does not give them a chance to retain chemistry with their teammates.
Brand recently attended a National Basketball Players Association meeting in lieu of the current lockout situation, where the message was loud and clear, that of ‘sticking together’ through this uncertain period. Big names such
as Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce were at hand to relay the message.
"I can't speak for the owner's side, but on the player's side, there's definitely a sense of urgency to meet and talk," Brand said.
Brand also expressed his uncertainty over the fact whether the Philadelphia 76ers will be opening their season in Toronto on November 2.
"I'll have a better feel closer to training camp," Brand said. "As of now, it doesn't look good. It doesn't look good at all. I don't think we're going to start with a normal training camp because the numbers are so far apart.
But I think as training camp gets closer, we'll know more if we have to miss games."
Brand has also not totally ruled out the possibility of moving abroad, provided the lockout moves into beyond October 1, which is the starting date of the upcoming season. But as of now, Brand is only concerned with the state of
his physical condition. He wants to be in top form, irrespective of when the season starts.
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