PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Elton Brand has been anything but a bust this season for the Philadelphia 76ers.

He’s finally healthy and happy to shed the label that became attached to his name after his first two disappointing seasons with the Sixers.

Brand signed a five-year deal worth nearly $80 million in the summer of the 2008.

Brand was hurt most of his first season. Former coach Eddie Jordan buried Brand on the bench last year even before the season completely unraveled and the Sixers spiraled toward the draft lottery.

This season, coach Doug Collins has raved about Brand. With good reason. Brand is averaging 14.9 points and 8.7 rebounds. He’s also been durable. Brand’s 35.1 minutes per game are the most for him in four years.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)