The most underrated power forward of his generation — Co-Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star.
Elton Brand was born in Cortland, New York in 1979. Chicago Bulls selected him first overall in the 1999 NBA Draft after two seasons at Duke University. He co-won the Rookie of the Year award with Steve Francis in 2000. His 15-season career produced 17.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and two All-Star appearances. He was the cornerstone of the Los Angeles Clippers during his years as an emerging team in the mid-2000s — before the era of Lob City and Chris Paul — providing consistent interior scoring, rebounding and post defence. He tore his left Achilles tendon in October 2007, missing the entire season, and then torn his right shoulder in 2008 — back-to-back major injuries that disrupted what should have been his prime years. He signed a five-year, $82 million contract with Philadelphia in 2008. He averaged 20 or more points in three consecutive seasons and could have been considered one of the best power forwards in the league had injuries not intervened. After retirement he became general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers from 2018, overseeing significant roster decisions during the Joel Embiid era.
Dominant power forward with excellent post moves and rebounding
How They Played
Physical post player with strong fundamentals and leadership
Lasting Impact
Two-time All-Star who overcame serious injuries to have solid NBA career
All-Star 2x
Career Honours
- All-Star 2x
- Co-Rookie of the Year (2000)