Sixers Breakdown: Dissecting Brand's Blocks

By Adam Flango

Few moments have the ability to shift momentum quicker than a perfectly executed, authoritatively-delivered block. It is basketball's version of a goal line stand, a quintessential display of one man's brief but unequivocal dominance over another. There's nothing a player can do after his shot is blocked other than regroup, gather his dignity, and forget it happened.

The list of top ten active shot-blockers on a blocks-per-game basis is filled with defensive specialists like Ben Wallace and Theo Ratliff, athletic marvels like Dwight Howard and Josh Smith, and future Hall of Famers like Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal.

Perched at the tenth spot on that list is the Sixers' veteran leader and stabilizing force, Elton Brand. At 6’ 9” and 254 pounds, Brand does not have the height or athleticism of other prolific shot-blockers. His sweet mid-range jumpers and impressive offensive rebounding (Brand has the fifth most offensive rebounds of active players) liken him more to an offensive force than a defensive specialist.

But just about two times per game for the past 12 years, Brand sends his opponents packing. It might not always be as violent as others' vicious spikes, but his message is still clear: not this time.

In this Sixers Breakdown, we take a look at how Elton Brand seizes the opportunity to send a shot away.

This play is from a November 14 game in Cleveland. After Brand misses a short jumper, the Cavs immediately try to push the ball for a quick score in transition. Back-up point guard Daniel Gibson, one of the fastest players on the Cavaliers, takes it down the court.

Notice that after Brand misses his shot, he wastes no time in getting down the court, a testament to the leadership and consistency that Doug Collins has said is so important to the relatively young team. If Brand hesitates and sulks for even a brief moment, it is unlikely he can catch Gibson.

As Brand trails Gibson, he notices Gibson pick up his speed and Brand follows suit, at this point hoping to just get back on defense. Then, Gibson attempts to cross-over Turner, and in doing so, he stumbles just enough for Brand to see an opening.

When Brand sees the move, he fixates on Gibson until the moment is right. He then slides around, times his jump perfectly, and swats the ball away.

This play from a December 4 game against the Charlotte Bobcats showcases Brand's awareness of his surroundings and ability to take advantage of a stagnant offense.

The Sixers playing the Bobcats man-to-man, with Brand on Boris Diaw in the low post. As Charlotte establishes their half-court set, there is hardly any movement in the frontcourt. After Diaw sets a screen on the baseline, he rolls to the hoop and Brand maintains good defensive position. As the play continues to the other side of the court, Diaw stays put and Brand is able to better position himself for help defense.

When Stephen Jackson drives and dishes to Nazr Mohammed, Brand is able to slide and be in great position to help. Spencer Hawes does a good job of denying an easy look, forcing Mohammed try a reverse. Brand, realizing that Diaw is not going anywhere, can afford to cheat over to Mohammed's anticipated position.

Brand reads the situation perfectly and blocks Mohammed's first attempt, while Hawes cleans up the second attempt. The play helped the Sixers maintain a 7-0 run and eventually post an 18-point win.

Against a young Clippers squad, any mistake or mental lapse tends to result in another endlessly-replayed Blake Griffin slam. But in this play from a December 15 game against the Clippers, Brand does a great job of waiting for the right moment to help out a teammate.

Brand is guarding Griffin, while on the opposite side of the floor, the 6’ 1” Lou Williams is caught in a mismatch against Rasual Butler, 6’ 7”. Butler runs off a baseline screen and Williams is caught, seemingly leaving Butler open for the easy two.

However, once Brand sees where the pass is going, he immediately shades down to the low block and disrupts Butler as he tries to make a move. This gives Williams time to get over and establish better defensive position. As Butler attempts to gather himself, he is cornered by both Brand and Williams and is forced to put up a shot. Brand again times his jump perfectly to reject Butler’s shot and prevent a defensive mishap.