The Hawks signed Elton Brand to a one-year contract Monday, a move that adds depth to the team’s frontcourt.
The deal, worth $4 million, also gives the Hawks another experienced presence in the locker room and a big body to back up center Al Horford. The 34-year-old Brand (6-foot-9, 254 pounds) spent last season in a similar role with the Mavericks.
Brand chose the Hawks over several other suitors.
“Elton brings a veteran presence both on and off the court and is a welcomed addition to our locker room,” general manager Danny Ferry said in a statement. “His ability to play center or power forward will give our frontcourt a great deal of versatility and we think he will be an outstanding fit to our program.”
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. 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.
In 14 seasons, he has also played for the Bulls and Clippers. The Bulls made him the No. 1 overall pick of the 1999 NBA draft out of Duke. He was co-Rookie of the Year with Steve Francis and named to the league’s First Team All-Rookie team after being National Player of the Year.
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 has appeared in 30 playoff games.
Notes: The Hawks defeated the Heat 75-71 in the Las Vegas Summer League Sunday night. John Jenkins led all scorers with 19 points. The guard has totaled 43 points in the two games for the Hawks (1-1). They conclude their three scheduled games Monday against the Spurs. The will play a minimum of two more games once seeded for tournament play. … The Hawks will continue their affiliation with the Bakersfield (Calif.) Jam of the NBA Development League.
