Write to Elton
Elton answers questions from fans see what he had to say.
Elton Brand offers his insights on what it takes to become a successful glass cleaner.

-Write to Elton:

Elton Brand c/o Los Angeles Clippers
STAPLES Center
1111 S. Figueroa St., Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90015

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-Elton answers questions from fans:

Elton, I am still a loyal Bulls fan even out here in Missouri. When you played in the Schick Rookie Challenge on Feb. 10, 2000, who were your best teammates?
Brand: The best teammate ... you know there's were so many ... with Lamar Odom, Steve Francis, Andre Miller. It's too tough to pick.

Are you still in contact with your ex-teammates from Duke University and Coach K? What does this legendary coach represent in your career?
Brand: I'm still talking to the Dookies a lot. Shane Battier ... I talk to him quite frequently. I talk to him the most. I've talked to Jason Williams a few times. Coach K means a lot. I still talk to him a lot. He's helped mold me into the player I am today.

Hey Elton, many people, including myself, believed that you were going to be selected to the All-Star Game in 2001. How does it feel, knowing the type of season that you had, not to get picked?
Brand: I'm not disappointed at all. Winning means a lot. I agree that it should be based on wins -- what you do for your team in winning. We were in last place back then in the NBA. I wasn't deserving. A lot of those guys, like Anthony Mason, had helped their teams win a lot of games so I feel they deserved to be on the All-Star team.

Mr. Brand, you really were a great reason for people in Chicago to be proud when you were here! If you could have chosen any player from the league, regardless of salary cap, contract legalities, etc. to had play with you and your teammates, who would you have wanted in a Bulls uniform? I know there are many great players in the league, but which do you think would have fitted on the Bulls the most?
Brand: I'd have to say Shaq. He's just unstoppable, brings that defense, 7-2, have a big body down there and brings that defensive pressure. Definitely Shaq.

Elton, what do you think the Bulls need in order to reach the next level of competitiveness?
Brand: I think right now they need to grow; they all need to improve. They're a young team. I don't know what type of player they need, but I'm just waiting for them to jell and grow on their own. All of them need to improve and learn how to win games.

Elton, you've been No. 42 at Peekskill, Duke and the Bulls. Any special reason you wear that number?
Brand: No special reason. Forty-two was just like the biggest jersey when I little and I was always the biggest guy. I just kept it. People have said, "You wear it because of Jackie Robinson." No, I just wear it because it has the number I was given when I was little.

Hey Elton, I was wondering what kinds of things you do to take your mind off the stress of competing in the league.
Brand: I just like to hang out with my friends, watch DVDs, you know, every young adult-type things ... hang out with my friends, my teammates, just relax. I like to read books and just relax.

Have you ever met Michael Jordan? If so, how was the experience and what did he tell you?
Brand: Yeah, I've Michael Jordan a few times -- we have the same agent in David Falk. He's just told me to keep working hard. Chicago's a great city and the fans are very loyal so just give it all you've got out there.

What other NBA power forward do you get hyped up for to play against the most? Which one do you think is your biggest challenge?
Brand: I just get hyped to play against the best. And the best to me are Chris Webber and Kevin Garnett. I think those are the best power forwards.

Mr. Brand, what is your favorite TV show?
Brand: Favorite television show ... huh ... I'm not sure, that's tough. Let me think about what I like to watch. I just watch whatever's on. See, I like to watch a lot of videos, so I'd have to say Rap City would have to be my favorite show. Temptation Island though, I'm going to check that out. I've heard that's good.

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-The Secret to Rebounding:

Desire. That's the key to being a great rebounder. You have to have the determination to go after the ball, regardless of the size of your opponent. In pursuing the ball, you must keep your concentration, which is difficult because play under the basket can be physical at times. That's why positioning is so important. You need to make sure you "box out" your opponent to allow yourself the best possible chance to grab the rebound. To do that, you need to stand between the basket and the opposing player. It doesn't matter if that player is bigger than you. If you box out properly, you'll have a great chance of grabbing the ball. Rebounding isn't as glamorous as scoring and is a lot of hard work but teams can't be successful if they don't clean the glass properly.

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