Brand Named Winner of Magic Johnson Award

Brand recieves the 2002 Magic Johnson Award from Sam Smith, President of the Pro Basketball Writers Association (Gregory Katz/NBAE/Getty Images)

The Pro Basketball Writers Association have named Clippers forward Elton Brand as the 2002 Magic Johnson Award winner. The award, given in recognition of basketball excellence both on and off the court, was presented to Brand prior to game four of the 2002 NBA Finals.

“Elton Brand is an ideal example of what we had in mind when we inaugurated the Magic Johnson award,” stated Pro Basketball Writers Association President Sam Smith. “We hoped to award a combination of basketball excellence, decency, cooperation and awareness. In recent years, many of the top players in the NBA have forgotten what it's like to be that kid looking for an autograph or that fan who lives for their team or player. Magic Johnson always understood that and lived it. Elton Brand does, as well. He is an excellent talent, but also an All-Star person. He's cooperative and understanding of the media and the public, the ultimate All-Star. We are proud that he is this year's winner of the Magic Johnson award.”

The award, created by the Pro Basketball Writers Association, was designed to recognize the NBA player who best performed at an All-Star level on the court, with the media and in the community. Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets finished second in this year’s voting.

Brand, who averaged 18.2 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks during the 2001-02 season, took part in a number of community activities in the Los Angeles area during the season. In addition to being named to his first All-Star team during the season, it was also announced today that Brand has been selected to be a member of Team USA which will participate in the 2002 FIBA World Basketball Championship for Men this August in Indianapolis.

The 2001 winner of the first annual Magic Johnson Award was Ray Allen of the Milwaukee Bucks.