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Elton Brand and Chris Kaman
Nathaniel S. Butler (NBAE/Getty Images)
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Next up: Clippers forward Elton Brand.
Heleazar Ramirez: Hi Elton Brand. After last season’s amazing MVP-level performance, what else do you think you can do or have done to elevate your game for this up upcoming season? Also I’m interested in knowing what drives you day in and day out? Good Luck.
Elton Brand: What drives me day in and day out is winning; trying to get the team to get to the ultimate goal, and that’s the championship. The fans also drive the team because they’ve supported us for so many years so we’ve wanted to put together a winning season for them and we want to do it again this season.
My individual goal is just to be a part of the team, whatever role that would be. This year it might be rebounding more or blocking shots more, or whatever the core needs to win.
Kevin Hauser: What do you think of the new basketball? Do you think it will have any impact on the game?
Elton Brand: I don’t mind the new basketball, but I really liked the leather on the old ball. When we got to the NBA there was a unique ball. Now we play with the same ball everyone else plays with, and I don’t really like that aspect of it, but I’m getting used to it.
Martin Salas: How is married life treating you, Elton? Do you think wearing the ring during games will have any effect on your beautiful mid-range jumper?
Elton Brand: Married life is great. I’ve know my wife for a long time so a lot hasn’t changed. I’m not planning to wear the ring during games.
Charles Gary: Elton, you've always been really methodical about working on your game in the off-season. Before the 2005-06 season started, you took your game to a whole new level, and part of that was because you had a chance to rest your body. How does your body feel after the rigors of Playoff and FIBA basketball? What new dimensions can we expect from your game this year?
Elton Brand: I'm feeling good. I’m just going to keep playing the same game that I’ve always played. Actually, I think I’m more in shape now because of FIBA and the travels that we had.
Michael Milligan: How much experience did you gain by having playoff success? Will post-season success change your approach to the regular season?
Elton Brand: I try to play reckless and pay attention to detail but now I really understand what that means. Every play, every rebound, everything counts in the playoffs. So I’m going to try and bring that to the regular season.
Rex Macadangdang: Hello Mr. Brand! What is it like to work with Christian Bale? What do you think of the new addition to the Clippers like Tim Thomas and Aaron Williams? Good luck with the upcoming season and hope all the best for you and the Clippers!
Elton Brand: Christian Bale is a great guy. He’s really down to earth, a great actor and I’m proud to say that I have had a chance to work with him.
On the new additions of Aaron Williams and Tim Thomas, it’ll be great for our team. They’re both veteran players that really know how to play.
Clint Blair: What is it like to play along side a potential fundamental all-star like Chris Kaman?
Elton Brand: It’s great. He uses both hands, he’s ambidextrous, and it’s great having him down there filling up the paint or posting up for us.
Luv Lalwani: Hey E.B. After watching Tim Thomas shoot down teams with his three-pointers and losing a heartbreaker to the Suns in the same fashion during the playoffs, what does it mean to have him on your team this year?
Elton Brand: It’s great to have him on our side. He hit all of those big shots against the Lakers and against us and now he’s on our squad. I’m happy to have him, he’s a winner.
Andrew John: Where do you buy your long sleeve shirts?
Elton Brand: I usually get them made custom by Elevee Clothing or try to just find them. Sometimes my mom will find them somewhere and bring me some long sleeve white tees.
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