Philadelphia 76ers honor Charles Barkley with a statue

76ers alumni flooded the Complex Friday to witness Charles Barkley taking his place as the eighth Sixer to be immortalized with a statue on Legends Walk.

The celebration began with remarks from 76ers Co-Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, General Manager Elton Brand, President Chris Heck, Barkley’s former coach and Hall of Famer Billy Cunningham, Head Coach Brett Brown, Play-by-Play Broadcaster Marc Zumoff, and Sir Charles himself.

“When you grow up in Leeds, Alabama, in the projects, and all these 56 years later, you’re standing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and you’ve had this amazing journey, all you can really say is thank you,” Barkley said.

During his remarks, Barkley recalled the adversity he faced en route to his illustrious career.

“People always said, ‘He’s undersized,’” Barkley said. “To all the small power forwards and short guards out there -- you can still get your thing done.”

That very spirit seems to have rubbed off on another player who was coming up through the ranks during Barkley’s prime.

“[Barkley] showed me -- It’s not the height, it’s the size of your heart, your will, and your passion to go get it and to compete at the highest level,” Brand said, calling Barkley “someone I looked up to and emulated in my game every day.”

Aside from inspiring young players nationwide, Barkley also managed to become an 11-time All Star, an 11-time All-NBA selection, the 1992-93 MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist before getting enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Today, when Barkley’s not busy voicing NBA broadcasts on TNT, he spends his summers back in the city which drafted him in 1984.

“Man, Philadelphia. What an amazing city,” Barkley said. “My heart will always be here in Philadelphia.”

“He was a massive presence on the court,” Heck said. “What you don’t see is what Charles contributed off the court. He is still very much part of the community in a way that is iconic.”

The sculpture, commissioned by sculptor Chad Fisher, now becomes a permanent fixture in the lives of today’s Sixers.

Brown said he nods the club’s rich history every day when entering the facility, hoping his players do the same.

Considering the statues on Legends Walk and the banners hanging above the court, Brown said, “[It’s] truly breathtaking.”

[SOURCE: NBA.COM/SIXERS]

Sixers promote VP of basketball ops Elton Brand to General Manager

The Philadelphia 76ers hired Elton Brand as general manager on Tuesday, completing a meteoric rise in the franchise's front office, league sources told ESPN.

Brand made a strong impression on ownership and coach Brett Brown in the interview process, beating out several more-experienced candidates inside and outside the Sixers organization, sources said. Ultimately, ownership believed Brand had sold them on vision, preparedness and the ability to grow into the role at a crucial time for the organization.

Brand, 39, had been recently promoted to executive vice president of basketball operations after serving the past year as GM of the Sixers' G League affiliate in Delaware.

After retiring as a player in 2016, he spent two years in the organization before this elevation to oversee the front office.

Among those considered for the vacant GM role were Utah Jazz assistant GM Justin Zanik, Houston Rockets vice president Gersson Rosas and assistant Golden State Warriors GM Larry Harris.

The team also talked to internal candidates, including assistant GM Ned Cohen and senior VP of player personnel Marc Eversley.

Brand replaces Brown, who had been the interim GM since Bryan Colangelo resigned in June after his wife admitted to operating Twitter accounts that criticized team members and propped up her husband.

[SOURCE: ESPN]

Sevyn Streeter to sing anthem at 76ers game on Dec. 16

After not allowing Sevyn Streeter to perform the national anthem because she wore a shirt that read "We Matter" the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to let her sing the national anthem on December 16. Both the 76ers and Streeter released statements on this agreement. Read those statements below.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS STATEMENT

"After thoughtful conversation, the 76ers and Sevyn Streeter have worked together to develop a plan we hope will bring meaningful action to the Philadelphia community. Sevyn has accepted our offer to return to perform the national anthem on Friday, December 16th vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. She will also be joining the organization in our ongoing efforts in the community by partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia. Additionally, the Sixers will make a donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia."

SEVYN STREETER STATEMENT:

"After a meaningful dialogue with the 76ers organization, I have accepted their apology. In order to move forward, it was important to me that we take action and use this as an opportunity to create positive change and dialogue throughout the community. The Sixers and I plan to work together through multiple community outreach programs to promote inclusion and acceptance. Our first initiative will be with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, to whom they are graciously making a donation. I am also looking forward to returning to Philadelphia in December to perform the national anthem wearing my 'We Matter' jersey at the 76ers game vs. the Los Angeles Lakers."

Sixers apologize to Sevyn Streeter

After taking a public beating on social media and a not so public beating from some of the team's players, the Philadelphia 76ers have issued an apology to Sevyn Streeter for not allowing her to sing the national anthem while wearing a shirt that read "We Matter."

The statement reads:

"We are sorry that this happened. After receiving feedback from our players, basketball operations staff and ownership group, we believe that the wrong decision was made, and Sevyn should have been welcomed to sing. We apologize to her, and in an effort to move the conversation forward, we have reached out to offer her an opportunity to return and perform at a game of her choice. We are waiting to hear back.”