Elton Brand Chat Transcript
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Unfortunately, despite starting out the 2003-04 season with a monster game of 21 points, 15 rebounds and 8 blocked shots, Elton will spend the next 4-6 weeks resting and rehabbing a hairline fracture in his right foot. However, its safe to say Brand will return to his consistent form in no time.
Brand chatted with fans on Tuesday, Nov. 11 and talked about getting healthy, helping the Clippers reach the playoffs and playing Madden 2004 with his friends. See the entire chat transcript below.
Clint (Walnut Creek): Mr. Brand, what's the news on your X-ray that was scheduled for this morning? Is the timetable of 4-6 weeks still correct?
Elton Brand: Actually, I am on my way to get the X-Ray right now. Four to six weeks is being conservative. That's just a timeframe. I'm trying to get back as soon as possible.
Doug (Los Angeles): Elton - I'm a die hard Clips fan, and a huge fan of your game. Tell me, how has the atmosphere in the Clips clubhouse changed since Coach Dunleavy has taken over the reigns?
Elton Brand: It's changed in that the guys and the team have a sense of togetherness. We feel we can compete with any team.
Fabian (Feldkirch/AUSTRIA): I'm one of your biggest fans and just wanted to ask you: Who is your best friend on the clippers squad, with whom do you hang out most? I'm looking forward to see you on the court again, hitting jumpers and getting rebounds!
Elton Brand: Everybody on the team is cool. We are all young and we all get along. I'd say Corey Maggette is my closest friend on the team since we went to college together and he slept on my couch.
Talen (McAlester): How do you feel about the Clippers deciding to build around you and Corey Maggette? Do you two feel any added pressure?
Elton Brand: Yeah, there is some added pressure involved. Once you sign a big deal after your rookie contract, you are looked at to win games. When you are young, you are looked at for your potential, now we are looked at directly to produce wins. I'm looking forward to stepping up and meeting that pressure.
Dennis: How do you think Chris Kaman will develop as low post presence in this league?
Elton Brand: I think he will develop well. He uses both hands and has good footwork. He is a rookie and has some work to do, but I think he will keep improving and get more and more minutes.
Tom (Detroit, MI): Injuries are always apart of the NBA game, what are the things you cab do when you are nagging an injury, like you are now?
Elton Brand: First of all, I need to keep in shape. I need to keep my conditioning at a high level. I also want to keep my flexibility. Otherwise I will be around the team and learn new plays and offer my support and be ready to help the team right away when I get back.
Durham, NC: Elton, you currently play with a former Blue Devil and are coached by a former Blue Devils father. What is this like? What is it like going pro and playing with a former teammate? Do you still keep up with the Blue Devils during the season? Please tell we all want to know what that experience is like. Thanks!
Elton Brand: That's a long question. It's always good to have a Duke connection. Coach Dunleavy's son went there, and Corey and I know each other very well from Duke. I also keep in touch with Coach K and Coach Johnny Dawkins and Quin Snyder. I see some of the other guys in the league, like Shane Battier, too.
Tai (Toronto): Did you sample any Japanese food while you were in Japan?
Elton Brand: (Laughing.) Yeah, I had some sushi. But they cooked alot of American style food for us to at the hotel. But we enjoyed that Japanese style influence too.
Ashley. Texas: Who beside Tim Duncan And Shaq is the hardest to guard?
Elton Brand: I think guys like Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki are very tough too. They are power forwards but they can play away from the basket and dribble. They are multitalented.
Nehemia (New Jersey): I met you last seasons when you played the Nets. You are a very sweet and humble player. What do you like to do on your spare time?
Elton Brand: In my spare time I like to relax and hang out with my boys and play Madden 2004. I like to kick back when I can. I also like to read and go to my Mom's house and have some good company and some good food.
Ryan Schoebach: Lenexa, Kansas: I'm 19, and i have been a clippers fan my whole life. I have never seen anyone beter then you at rebounding on the glass. So i was wondering what tips you can give me on rebounding, because i play center, and i am the worst rebounder. On defense I always end up being behind the offensive player i'm guarding and he gets the rebound. Thanks for your time, GO CLIPS.
Elton Brand: I'd say the first thing you need is that desire and that will to go out and get that ball, not wait for it to come to you. Secondly, you need to work on your footwork and conditioning. Also you need to anticipate where that ball will come off the rim and box out and keep those other guys from getting the rebound. Also you need to hopefully grow tall and get some long arms.
Mario X(Los Angeles): what's up Elton? I am like the biggest Clipper fan at my school and I take a lot of heat from Lakers fans, but my question to you is, whhat do you think you and your Team-mates have to do to start earning respect in this town and, for YOU to be on the Billboards by the Staples Center instead of Kobe and Shaq?
Elton Brand: We have to start winning games. That will help us leave our mark. The Lakers have lots of tradition, banners and championships. Once we get to the playoffs we can start building that too.
Clint (Walnut Creek): Who is your favorite team in Madden 2004? And do you play online?
Elton Brand: I play with Oakland and the Titans. I used to play with the Titans and my friends starting beating me, so now I went to Oakland.
Elton Brand: Thanks alot for chatting with me. I will be back on the court soon. Keep supporting me and the Clippers and we'll keep working hard to win games. We look forward to seeing you at the STAPLES Center.
