Marreese Speights has been producing more than Elton Brand for the 76ers this season.

Brand, who signed a five-year, $80 million deal in August 2008, is the team's fifth leader scorer (10.1 points).

"This is very difficult," said Brand. "I just root the team on. Hopefully, if I get a chance, I'll be there to box out, rebound and do what we have to do. The guys are playing well, so the decision's (been) made. ... You kind of get to expect it a little bit."

Speights is averaging 14.4 points and 6.9 rebounds through seven games.

"He's getting better defensively," Sixers coach Eddie Jordan said. "That's important to us. He has to be a complete player - not just a scorer."

The second-year forward is averaging 23.4 minutes per game against Brand's 27.6 minutes.

Via Philadelphia Intelligencer

Philadelphia 76ers

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets