Scouts say Brand is missing spark
CLIPPERS REPORT
By Jason Reid, Times Staff Writer
It might be time for Elton Brand to ease off the accelerator.
The All-Star power forward's work ethic is second to none in the league, his teammates and opponents say, but Elton Brand has often appeared out of sync in the Clippers' first four games.
Elton Brand has not been as active on offense after his heavy workload last season and in the summer with the U.S. national team, Western Conference scouts following the Los Angeles Clippers said. Moreover, opponents are double-teaming Elton Brand more than they did at the outset of last season.
The seven-year veteran's high energy level was evident as he averaged a personal-best 24.7 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots last season, but the scouts have said that Brand hasn't displayed a similar spark this season.
Elton Brand has started slowly with an average of 14.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in the first four games. He failed to score in double figures for the second time in the last three games in Monday's 102-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.
In Monday's game, Elton Brand missed six of eight shots and had only eight points and four rebounds.
Coach Mike Dunleavy says he has noticed.
Out of respect for Elton Brand, Dunleavy hasn't insisted that the Los Angeles Clippers' franchise player alter his intense post-practice routine of shooting and weightlifting. Dunleavy, however, recently encouraged Elton Brand to reduce his workload after practice "just until he gets his second wind."
The Los Angeles Clippers need Elton Brand for the long haul, Dunleavy said.
"I told him that we know he's got great work ethic," Dunleavy said. "Nobody is going to question his toughness or anything about him based on what he's done.
"He just needs to understand that the most valuable thing he could do for us is give us himself as close to 100% on the floor at all times. That's the main thing."
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