Sixers help out at NBA Cares community service event in Shenzhen, China

SHENZHEN, China — It was hard to say who enjoyed their time more: the 76ers or the students at Lishan Migrant School.

Combo guard Markelle Fultz and general manager Elton Brand were the headliners of a Sixers group that participated in the dedication of the school's "learn and play" center on Sunday as part of the NBA Cares.

Sixers Mike Muscala, Landry Shamet, Jonah Bolden, Shake Milton, Antony Brown and assistant coaches Kevin Young and John Bryant also represented the team.

The NBA, Vivo, Clear, SAP and Dongfeng Nissan combined to make renovations to the school's outdoor basketball court, reading room and Ping-Pong tables. The seven blue Ping-Pong tables have a huge NBA logo on one side of the net. There's a 76ers logo on the other side. The school also received donated computers, basketball equipment, and books.

The Sixers are in the city as part of the NBA China Games. They defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 120-114, in a preseason game Friday at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai. The two teams will meet for a second time in China on Monday at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre.

"It's a special feeling to give back," Brand said. "Not only in our homeland, our hometown, but here in China to be able to refurbish a court, give some computers, give some books to makes a child's life a lot happier. So it's a special feeling."

After  an opening program, Fultz and Brand played students in Ping-Pong.

Brand played for both teams competing in the NBA China Games.

The new Sixers GM had two stints playing with the team. Brand also played for the Mavericks during the 2012-13 season. He saw action in 72 games, starting 18.

He played for Mavs coach Rick Carlisle and teamed up with Dallas' future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki. The team also featured Vince Carter and Shawn Marion. "So I definitely made some good friends in that program," Brand said.

But …

"Of course, it's competitive. I wish them the worst," he said with a laugh.