30 players who define each NBA franchise
By Adam McGee
Elton Brand. #42. player. 77. . PF/C. Los Angeles Clippers 2001-08
Honorable Mentions: Bob McAdoo, Chris Paul, Corey Maggette
Elton Brand retired this summer after having been around the NBA for a long time – something that can often be a double-edged sword. Obviously, it shows great consistency and longevity, but on the other hand some times it can make people forget just how good a player once was.
Brand was an increidbly positive influence for the Atlanta Hawks last season, but there was little about his lumbering up and down the court that would remind people of the hard hitting, explosive young big who dominated the paint during his time with the Clippers.
We play the same position and watching him do it in past years, it’s inspirational to watch the things that he’s been through. – Paul Millsap
The Clippers have had one of the more unfortunate histories of NBA teams up until recently, but that doesn’t make Brand’s exceptional play in L.A. any less impressive. In franchise history, Brand ranks third in points, first in rebounds and second in blocks.
During his seven seasons in the City of Angels, Brand averaged 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, and even helped give a hapless team a brief taste of success with a playoff appearance in 2005-06.
Next: Los Angeles Lakers