Brand declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year and was selected as the first overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 1999 NBA Draft. His rookie season was impressive, as he averaged 20.1 points and 10 rebounds per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award, which he shared with Steve Francis. Brand's early years with the Bulls showcased his ability to score and rebound effectively, establishing him as a reliable power forward in the league.
In 2001, Brand was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he spent the majority of his career. During his time with the Clippers, Brand became a cornerstone of the team, consistently putting up strong numbers. In the 2005-2006 season, he led the Clippers to the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, averaging 24.7 points and 10 rebounds per game. His performance earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team and his second NBA All-Star selection.
Brand's tenure with the Clippers was marked by his ability to perform at a high level despite the team's struggles. However, injuries began to take a toll on his career. In 2007, he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, which sidelined him for most of the 2007-2008 season. Despite this setback, Brand opted out of his contract with the Clippers and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2008.
His time with the 76ers was marred by injuries, but Brand remained a valuable player when healthy. He played four seasons in Philadelphia, providing veteran leadership and contributing both offensively and defensively. In 2012, Brand was waived by the 76ers under the amnesty clause, which allowed him to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.
Brand's stint with the Mavericks was short-lived, as he played only one season before joining the Atlanta Hawks in 2013. With the Hawks, Brand took on a mentorship role, helping to guide younger players while still contributing on the court. After two seasons in Atlanta, Brand announced his retirement in 2015.
However, his retirement was brief, as he returned to the 76ers in 2016 to provide veteran leadership to a young team. Brand officially retired from playing in 2016, transitioning to a front-office role with the 76ers. He served as a player development consultant before being named the general manager of the Delaware 87ers, the 76ers' G League affiliate.
In 2018, Brand was promoted to general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played a crucial role in shaping the team's roster and strategy. His experience as a player provided valuable insight into team dynamics and player development.
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