Ex-Bull Brand doing fine in Philly

The 10-year anniversary of one of the more controversial trades in Bulls history is approaching. The Bulls sent former No. 1 draft pick Elton Brand to the Los Angeles Clippers for Tyson Chandler on draft night 2001.

“Not knowing any player personally from when I played, it makes me feel like a vet,” said Brand, now in his third year with the 76ers. “But it has been a long time.”

After a rough start in Philadelphia, Brand finally is enjoying some success. He leads the Sixers’ balanced attack with 14.8 points and 8.5 assists.

Even better, he reports playing for first-year coach Doug Collins hasn’t been at all stressful.

“From what I’ve heard, he’s toned it down a little bit. He’s not a fiery,” Brand said. “We lost a tough overtime game to Sacramento (on Sunday). We came in and had shootaround, which is not ordinary for a back-to-back.

“But he didn’t lay into us or anything. He just said, ‘Let’s keep grinding.’

“He holds guys accountable. That’s what we really needed. He holds himself accountable and his staff and everybody around us accountable. I think that was the biggest need for us.”

More about Rose:

Philadelphia coach Doug Collins paid another compliment to Derrick Rose before beating the Bulls on Monday.

“I think the neatest thing about him is as great a player as he is, I think he’s a better kid,” Collins said. “I think that kind of humility … these fans are so blessed to have a guy like that they can cheer for. Hopefully, he’s going to stay healthy and have a long, long career here.”

Collins picks two:

Doug Collins, himself a candidate for the award, suggested NBA coach of the year is between Tom Thibodeau and Portland’s Nate McMillan.

“All that stuff’s not important,” Thibodeau said. “Getting ready to play and winning is what’s important.”

Rose in exclusive club:

When Derrick Rose piled up 30 points and 17 assists against Milwaukee on Saturday, it was the first 30-15 game for a Bulls player since Michael Jordan on March 24, 1989. In Bulls history, Jordan did it three times and Guy Rogers once.

Bull horns:

Philadelphia’s bench outscored the Bulls 31-14 on Monday, the largest deficit in bench scoring for the Bulls since Dec. 26 at Detroit. The Bulls had won the bench scoring in 11 of the last 13 games. … The Bulls will join the White Sox and the Blackhawks in hosting a 10K charity run Sunday. The run will start at the United Center and finish at U.S. Cellular Field. For more information, go to hometeamcharityrun.org.