Elton Brand
The first Clipper since Danny Manning to make an All-Star team, Brand anchored the franchise's best season in 2006.
Elton Brand was a two-time NBA All-Star who played for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2001 to 2008. He was acquired in a June 2001 trade from the Chicago Bulls for Brian Skinner and the draft rights to Tyson Chandler. In 2002, Brand became the first Clipper since Danny Manning (in 1994) to be selected to the All-Star team. When Brand became a restricted free agent in 2003, the Miami Heat made an offer worth $82 million over six years. In an unprecedented move by owner Donald Sterling, the Clippers matched Miami's offer and kept Brand. Prior to this, the biggest contract Sterling had approved was a five-year, $15 million deal for Eric Piatkowski in 1998.
- Role
- Power Forward / Center
- Affiliation
- Los Angeles Clippers (2001–2008)
- Draft Status
- First Overall Pick in the 1999 NBA Draft
- Status
- Franchise Legend / Retired Player
- Key Achievement
- NBA All-Star Selection with Clippers
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
In the 2006 NBA season, Brand experienced a professional renaissance. He posted career-highs in points per game (24.7) and field-goal percentage (52.7), while leading the Clippers to a 47–35 record, their then-best record in team history, and good enough for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Brand was selected to the 2006 NBA All-Star Game and considered as a strong candidate for the 2006 NBA MVP. He led the franchise to its first playoff series win since 1976, when the team was known as the Buffalo Braves. Although the Clippers eventually lost in Game 7 of the second round (Western Conference Semifinals) against the Phoenix Suns, the Clippers had the best season that their franchise had ever seen at that time. Brand received the Joe Dumars Trophy after being named the 2005–06 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner.
In Their Own Story
Following his stellar 2005–06 season, Brand regressed somewhat in the following season. His scoring average in 2006–07 dropped and the Clippers missed the playoffs. He missed most of the 2007–08 season due to a ruptured left Achilles tendon. However, Brand made his return to the Clippers' lineup on April 2, 2008 after being out since the end of the previous season. He contributed 19 points in his return. Brand played in only eight games that season. Brand later opted out of the final year of his contract and became a free agent. Sources indicated that Brand chose to opt out from his contract in order to provide Clippers with more payroll flexibility in hopes of strengthening their roster. This came to fruition when Clippers landed Golden State Warriors star Baron Davis. Briefly, this gave Clippers' management and the media the reassurance that Brand would indeed re-sign with the team.
Reader's Guide
Brand was traded to the Clippers in June 2001 after two successful seasons with the Bulls. In 2002, he became the first Clipper since Danny Manning (in 1994) to be selected to the All-Star team. When Brand became a restricted free agent in 2003, the Miami Heat made an offer worth $82 million over six years. In what was an unprecedented move by team owner Donald Sterling, the Clippers matched Miami's offer and managed to keep Brand a Clipper. Prior to this, the biggest contract Sterling had approved to that point was a five-year, $15 million deal for Eric Piatkowski in 1998. Sterling had also refused to offer Brand a contract extension one year prior, when he was willing to accept less than the maximum. In the 2006 NBA season, Brand posted career-highs in points per game (24.7) and field-goal percentage (52.7), while leading the Clippers to a 47–35 record, their then-best record in team history.
Did You Know?
- Brand was the first Clipper since Danny Manning (in 1994) to be selected to the All-Star team, earning the honor in 2002.
- In 2003, the Miami Heat offered Brand $82 million over six years, but Clippers owner Donald Sterling matched the offer—an unprecedented move for Sterling, whose previous biggest contract was a five-year, $15 million deal for Eric Piatkowski.
- Brand led the Clippers to their first playoff series win since 1976 (when the team was the Buffalo Braves) during the 2006 playoffs.
- He received the Joe Dumars Trophy after being named the 2005–06 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner.
- Brand opted out of the final year of his contract in 2008 to give the Clippers payroll flexibility, which helped them land Baron Davis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elton Brand?
Elton Brand was selected first overall in the 1999 NBA Draft and spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers starting in 2001. He remains a celebrated figure known for establishing himself as a franchise legend during his tenure.
What position did he play?
Brand primarily operated as a power forward or center throughout his time in Los Angeles. His versatility allowed him to anchor the frontcourt effectively against various opponents.
How did the Clippers acquire him?
The team obtained him from the Chicago Bulls in June 2001 through a trade that included Brian Skinner and draft rights to Tyson Chandler. This transaction initiated his successful run with the organization.
What is his biggest achievement with the Clippers?
Brand earned an All-Star selection in 2002, becoming the first player since Danny Manning to receive such honors from the franchise. Owner Donald Sterling also notably matched a six-year contract offer from Miami to ensure he remained in Los Angeles.
Why is his tenure considered important?
He anchored the team during their strongest regular season performance which occurred in 2006. His consistent play set a high standard for future stars within the organization.