Elton Brand may be the answer for a Dallas Mavericks team looking for an enforcer to protect the paint. The team struggled at times to protect the rim last season after losing center Tyson Chandler, and Brand discussed his role on the defensive side of the ball as the Mavs' training camp got underway (via Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas)
"I'm definitely going to have to anchor the defense, bring toughness," the 6-foot-9, 254-pound Brand said. "I'm not proud of it, but I think I led the league in flagrant fouls last year. You've got to bring that. In order to win, you've got to do those kind of things, protect that paint."
Brand was a name offseason acquisition for Mark Cuban, and his power forward build certainly enables him to play the role of enforcer.
The veteran has dealt with knee injuries throughout his career, but he started 60 games for the Sixers last season, playing just under 30 minutes per game. He averages nearly two blocks per game for his career, and a front line led by Dirk Nowitzki will certainly look for his help on the defensive end of the floor.