76ers forward Elton Brand has been in regular communication with new head coach Doug Collins this offseason. Brand also came to Philadelphia two weeks ago to work out with strength and conditioning coach Jesse Wright. "He had a great workout," Collins said. "More importantly, he weighed 255. That's the weight I want him. I said, 'Elton, I'd like to see you at 255.' Here it is early August at 255. It's going to take all that stress off his legs. To me, that's an incredibly positive sign to what Elton would like to see happen this year." Brand weighed in the mid-260s last season, when he averaged career-lows in scoring, rebounding and minutes. "I've talked to Elton numerous times on the phone and we've texted," Collins said. "He's in shape and his legs feel good. He feels like he's getting more lift. In his words, 'I'm ready to go.' " Brand has three years and $51 million remaining on his contract. http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/new...collins-reaching-out-to-sixers-players-1.html
