By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Editor 
Following Thursday's practice, Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand announced his retirement. The Sixers signed the veteran to one-year contract in September. Brand had not played in any of the teams' preseason games to this point.
"After 17 years playing game I love I'm officially retiring. It's been a wonderful journey. It's been an honor and a privilege." pic.twitter.com/Jb9wt00tMB
— Philadelphia 76ers (@Sixers) October 20, 2016
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brand will take some time off before making a next step, but could talk to the Sixers about potential front office opportunities. Due to late season injuries last year, Brand played in 17 games for Philadelphia, averaging 4.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
The Sixers signed Brand, at the time one of the best forwards in the league, to a five-year deal worth nearly $80 million after deciding to opt out of his contract with the Clippers in July of 2008. In four years with the team, he averaged 13.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, but injuries and under-performance led to the Sixers waiving him in July of 2012. Overall, he had a very strong career and became a valuable mentor to young centers on the Sixers roster over the last year.
Brand, known to many around the league as the "Old School Chevy" finishes his career with averages of 15.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, and 1.7 BPG in 1,058 total regular season contests.
With Brand now retired, that's one less decision the Sixers have to make in order to get their roster down to 15 to start the season. They currently have 11 guaranteed contracts and eight players on partially guaranteed or non-guaranteed deals.
