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E-News Sign UpElton Brand Chat Transcript: Dec. 16, 2005
Throughout his career, Clippers forward Elton Brand has been regarded as one of the league's most reliable big men. EB has set the LAC franchise record for double-doubles in just a shade over four seasons and is on pace this season to become Clippers' career leader in offensive rebounds and free throws.
However, Brand has managed to take his game even higher in 2005-06. The reigning Western Conference Player of the Month (and two-time Western Conference Player of the Week) is hitting for career averages in points, blocks and field goal percentage this season. He's been tenacious on both ends of the floor and All Star talk has quickly turned to MVP chatter for #42.
Elton chatted live with fans on Dec. 16, 2005. Check out the complete chat transcript below, exclusively on Clippers.com:
Michael, Santa Monica: Wow Elton, you've been playing great. How does it feel to be honored the Western conference player of the month award?
Elton Brand: It's always nice to be honored by the NBA, but individual accolades only come with team success, so I really have to attribute to the early success of the Clippers as a team.
Brian (Indianapolis): In your opinion, what has been the largest factor in the Clippers success to date this season?
Elton Brand: I think adding Sam and Cuttino to the team has added some stability to the team and really helped us out.
Wilber Velazquez Los Angeles California: Hey Brand I see you and the rest of the clippers have good team chemistry on the court. My question is Do you guys hang out together off the court?
Elton Brand: Yeah, we hang out off the court, from time-to-time, we'll hit a nice restaurant. We like to have some good food, get some jokes in and have a good time together off the court.
Matt (Los Angeles): E.B., it's quite obvious that you're the leader of our team and that sam cassell is the floor general out on the court. I was just wondering how vocal you two are behind the scenes (in the locker, at practice, etc.). Thanks, and keep the amazing season
Elton Brand: Well, Sam is one of the most vocal people in the entire world. But seriously, both Sam and I do our best to support our teammates on the court during the games and in practices and off the court. We accept that role and do what we can to help our teammates and help the Clippers win games.
Okinawa, Japan: What's up Elton Brand. Do you mind or does it bother you that you are one of the most underated players in he NBA?
Elton Brand: Not at all. I've learned that you get the pub, you get the individual accolades when you're team does well. In 2001 we did OK, but we are off to an even better start this year, so people are noticing me a little bit now. But that is the way it works, I realize that, so I'm not upset at all.
Warren: If you had a chance to play against one of the all time greatest forwards who will it be?
Elton Brand: Hmmmm. I think I'd want to play against Karl Malone because when I first got into the league, he took advantage of me a few times! Now that I've stepped up my game, I'd like to test myself against one of the greatest to ever play the game.
josh chicago: who did you model youre game after or influenced your game?
Elton Brand: I didn't really model my game after any one player. I just adapted to things, and worked on things through trial and error and tried to improve my game. Growing up I like the flashy players like Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan, but I had to go with my talents and my skills in evolving as a player, not model myseslf on someone else.
Jeff, Durham NC: Hey Elton! You are making us Dukies proud this season with your excellent play. You will definitely make the all-star team. Do you have any interest in playing for the Olympic team, especially since Coach K will be the head coach? Good luck for the rest of the season.
Elton Brand: Without a doubt. That would be a very high honor for me. I've trained with the national team for years and I'd love to be a part of the Olympic Team and work on returning the USA to dominance in world basketball. And then, to get back on the court playing for Coach K, that would be the best of both worlds.
Marc Fiorentino (Los Angeles): Long-time fan here. First off I have to tell you how great it has been to watch this transformation into a contender. We fans are very proud of you guys. My question is what specifically has Dunleavy done different thanprevious coaches such as Gentry and Johnson?
Elton Brand: Coach Dunleavy has put his imprint on this team. He's been here for two years, this is his third year, and we've learned his offense and defensive schemes and we are all growing together and getting better together.
Corey (North Hollywood): Hey Elton. I'm a big fan of everything you do for the Clippers, but an even bigger fan of the way you handle yourself off the court in the community. With all the praise you recieve (contract, media attention, etc.) how do you keep yourself humble and not let it go to your head?
Elton Brand: I just try to stay grounded. I try and understand that we're all people in this world, and it's just that I so happen to have been blessed with one of the greatest jobs in the world, playing in the NBA.
Josh T. ( Houston, TX ): Do you feel you deserve to be talked about as a possible MVP candidate with the way the team is playing?
Elton Brand: I know this sounds repetitive, but it's true: I'm now getting some accolades, but that's because the team is doing well. I'm being mentioned with the other top players in the league, because of my play, but also because of how well my team is playing.
Shanice, Oakland: Hi Elton! What music are you currently listening to or what CD's have you bought lately?
Elton Brand: Right now Jay-Z and one of my other favorite groups Lox are on hiatus, so I'm listening to some other guys like Ty Cobb and The Heights.
Jonathan (Toronto): Hey Elton, what would you want to get for Christmas?
Elton Brand: Ha! I'll take whatever Santa Claus brings me. But mostly I'm hoping all my family and friends have a safe and happy holiday.
Elton Brand: I'd like to thank all the Clippers fans for all your support. Keep following the Clippers and I hope to see you at the STAPLES Center. Happy Holidays to you all!
