According to Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania, the Sixers are set to sign Elton Brand to a contract. No one seems to be sure what “contract” means in this case, with Hoops Rumors acknowledging that no one was sure if the contract was for a “playing, coaching or front office role.” Brand hasn’t played this season and has been mulling retirement. Teams can sign players to 10-day contracts starting tomorrow, so if the Sixers are bringing Brand in as a player (presumably in orthopedic shoes), that might be their best move.

Ideally, Brand could be brought in with some made-up title to play mentor to the young players. Like “front court coaching assistant” or “mentor for basketball operations” or “guy who stops Jahlil Okafor from being killed.”

And just as we were about to hit publish on this, here’s Elton Brand in his own words on The Cauldron:

“Now, here in Philadelphia, my adopted hometown, I’m excited to have a chance to do things differently — be a positive influence and help the organization get back on track.

You might’ve noticed we’ve got a pretty talented kid on the roster in Jahlil Okafor, someone I happen to share some things in common with. Despite how he’s been portrayed, I know Jahlil. He’s a good kid with a good heart. He’s not unlike most 20-year-olds you probably know, and he’s definitely not at all different than most of his fellow players. Hell, if camera phones were around when Brad Miller, Ron Artest, and I were Jahlil’s age, we might’ve been banned from the league altogether, never mind suspended for a few games.

I’m not coming here to hold Jahlil’s hand — or anyone else’s, for that matter — because that’s not what he needs. But I do believe my experience and wisdom can benefit him and my other young teammates. It’s about communicating with them like men, starting to grow together, and — hopefully, eventually — winning some ballgames. That’s what Sam Hinkie and I talked about when he approached me about joining the team, and what has me so excited about this opportunity.”

A HINKIE MOVE! Now I’ve seen it all.