The Sixers played an up-tempo style in the second half of last season that helped turn their season around. Stefanski said Brand — even coming off an injury — fits in fine with their running game.

“This guy can run,” Stefanski said. “This is the prototype power forward.”

Now, Philadelphia has made a move that shows it not only expects to make the playoffs — it can be a contender. The Sixers still need a legitimate outside shooter to fill the role vacated by Korver.

“That’s something we’re definitely going to address,” Stefanski said.

Stefanski has worked wonders since he left New Jersey and took over for the fired Billy King in early December. King entered this past season convinced he had management’s backing on a three-year rebuilding plan that he believed would turn the Sixers into a contender in the Eastern Conference.

“So much for the three-year plan,” quipped Peter Luukko, COO of Comcast-Spectacor, which owns the 76ers.

Brand’s defection is another embarrassing blow for the Clippers. Baron Davis opted out of the final season of his contract with Golden State to become a free agent and is on the verge of signing a long-term deal with Los Angeles. The Clippers planned on Brand and Davis to lead them back to the playoffs.

Corey Maggette also was set to join Brand in leaving the Los Angeles Clippers for an offer with the Golden State Warriors.

Now, Davis looks to be stuck on another rebuilding Clippers roster. Brand appears to have moved on to a contender.

Brand also denied making any sort of verbal or handshake deal with Davis that he would return to the Clippers.

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