It’s no secret the Hawks are using the Spurs as the new model for the franchise. But do not overlook Danny Ferry’s relationship to Duke as he assembles the roster.
The Hawks general manager convinced unrestricted free agent center/forward Elton Brand, a fellow Blue Devil, to pick the Hawks over several other suitors. Brand signed a one-year, $4 million contract Monday.
“It was Danny Ferry and that Duke connection,” Brand told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Tuesday. “The way he wants his team built, he wants hard-working, compassionate guys and I feel like I fit that mold.”
Assistant coach Quin Snyder played four years with Ferry at Duke.
Brand, the 14-year veteran of the NBA, said the Hawks contacted him soon after the start of free agency. He believes he can help the Hawks be competitive.
“It was attractive to me because I like what Danny is trying to put together there and the part that I would play,” Brand said. “It was a tough decision because there were some other teams that courted me. … I will be able to play and I love to play still. It was a great opportunity for me.”
Brand already has had several conversations with head coach Mike Budenholzer about his role with the team. He figures to be a backup at the center position and play some power forward depending on matchups. It was that ability that attracted Ferry to Brand.
“He fits the values we have for a player, being tough and physical and competitive,’ Ferry said. “He brings versatility in being able to play 4 and 5. He’s probably more of a 5 rather than a 4 at this point of his career. He’ll fit in very well with our group and add veteran leadership.”
Agent David Falk said Brand has five more seasons left in his 34-year-old battle tested body. While the player thinks that might be stretching it a bit, he said he has no doubt in his ability to compete at a high level. He said there are no playing time limitations on him.
Brand, a two-time All-Star, averaged 7.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game last season for the Mavericks. He appeared in 72 games, including 18 starts. He signed a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Mavericks after the 76ers used the amnesty provision on him and his remaining $18.1 million in salary. He has also played for the Clippers and Bulls, who drafted him with the No. 1 overall selection in 1999.
These days Brand is more concerned with team goals.
“Once I understood the game more it became more about the team. As a youngster I was pretty stubborn and thinking about other things. Now it’s like I don’t care about all that stuff. I just want to help the team win and help the younger guys get better.”
In 932 career games he averaged 17.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 blocks in 35.2 minutes. Brand ranks second among active NBA players in offensive rebounds (3,170), fifth in blocks (1,707), seventh in total rebounds (8,516), 14th in field goals made (6,347) and 17th in points (16,242).
Brand joins a roster still in progress. That is fine with him.
“I looked at the pieces that they had and what they were trying to put together and I felt I wanted to be one of those pieces,” Brand said.
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