Teammates on the Move
Former Duke and L.A. Clipper teammates Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, two of the top free agents available this summer, landed lucrative contracts with new teams. Elton, the 1999 National Player of the Year at Duke, secured a five-year deal with the Sixers worth close to $80 million. Corey, 11th in scoring last season in the NBA, agreed to a five-year, $50 million contract with the Golden State Warriors. Brand and Maggette, teammates on the 1999 Duke team, will combine to earn $130 million over the next five years.
Brand Name in Philly
“We needed a power forward. We’re a running team, and this guy can run. He will be perfect for us. He’s the prototype power forward. Besides the basketball, he is one of the good guys in the NBA. He does all the right things. The community of Philadelphia, we just inherited a real good guy.”
-Sixers President Ed Stefanski
“The 76ers have been waiting for a force like Elton Brand to show up. How long? Not since Moses Malone and Charles Barkley were in town has Philly had a power player with the prowess of Brand.”
-ESPN.com
“What can I say? Elton is a great player and an even better person. Knowing that we needed a power forward, I don’t think we could have gotten a better guy for the position. Could we have gotten a better guy? I don’t think we could have gotten a better guy. Elton Brand is a worker. He is a punishing worker that goes all out, and he puts his efforts out on the floor.”
-Sixers Head Coach Maurice Cheeks
“The Sixers got the kind of superstar player required to contend in the NBA. Players like Brand give you a chance to win championships.”
-Philly Inquirer’s Phil Sheridan
Ready for Maggette in Golden State
“He’s been one of the most productive players in our league for the last several years, and provides us with additional versatility and veteran leadership. He gets his points and rebounds. But I just think it’s his approach to the work and his lifestyle that will be a huge benefit for our young guys. They can watch him, see how he approaches it and maybe they can emulate him.”
-Warriors GM Chris Mullin
“To get a 20-point scorer, a guy that can play a few positions for us, rebound the ball… Over the course of his career, he’s been really consistent. I’m really excited about that. His commitment to fitness, I think it’s going to be something for our young guys to see a real pro. We’re going to add depth, spread some minutes out.”
-Warriors GM Chris Mullin
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