Elton Brand is still making an impression on his young teammates despite a lack of playing time. Brand said one player, also dealing with a lack of minutes, told him he was encouraged to keep working through the situation at the sight of the 14-year veteran’s work ethic.
“Always stay prepared and keep working,” Brand said of his position. “I’m 34, going on 35. There are definitely days I wake up and say ‘Could I play 35 minutes if I had to?’ I just keep grinding away. I just think (general manager) Danny (Ferry) did a good job bringing in some good players, like Pero (Antic), (Gustavo Ayon), Mike (Scott), and that’s just the bench. Everybody does something different.”
The Hawks signed Brand to a one-year, $4 million contract during the offseason. He was expected to play minutes as the backup center. In the past eight games, Brand has played 21 minutes (11 of which came Friday against the Mavericks). There were three games in which he did not play, and he was inactive twice.
Brand entered Saturday’s game against the Wizards averaging 2.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 9.9 minutes in nine games.
Coach Mike Budenholzer said Brand continues to be a leader despite the lack of playing time. He is vocal in the locker room and during timeouts.
“The more we communicate with our guys the better, so he and I have had some conversations,” Budenholzer said of keeping Brand involved. “He’s been really good. He’s a real pro. He really wants whatever is best for the team. For me, as a coach, I feel very fortunate to have Elton and his leadership.”
Korver out: Kyle Korver missed his third consecutive game as he continues to deal with a bruised rib. Korver did not make the trip to Washington, D.C., and remained in Atlanta for additional treatment. Cartier Martin got his second start in place of Korver.
Not making the first leg of the two-game trip does not preclude Korver from joining the Hawks in San Antonio for Monday’s game against the Spurs. Budenholzer said the situation will be reassessed as Korver responds to treatment.
Carroll appeals technical: DeMarre Carroll said he will appeal the technical foul, and accompanying $2,500 fine, he received Friday. Carroll received the technical after a hard foul by the Mavs' Vince Carter with 1:29 remaining in the third quarter following his steal and layup attempt.
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