[外電] Change for Brand Helps Kaman Too
Change for Brand Helps Kaman Too
By Mike Terry, Times Staff Writer
March 31, 2006
When Elton Brand and Chris Kaman were preparing for this season last
summer, they did not work out together, or even discuss how they were
going to approach the season.
But a change in Brand's style has benefited both players, and the
Clippers as well.
In his six previous seasons, Brand was primarily an inside or post
player. He was effective, averaging 19.5 points and 10.4 rebounds.
But the constant pounding he'd take from bigger players wore on him
late in the season. And the space he took up inside cut down on the
operating room for Kaman.
This season, however, Brand added a consistent perimeter jump shot to
his skills. That jumper has forced bigger (and at times slower)
opponents to guard him on the outside. He is averaging a career-best
25.2 points (with 23 games of 30 or more), is shooting 52.8% from the
field, still pulls down 10 rebounds a night, and — despite averaging
39.6 minutes a game — shows no signs of wearing down.
Kaman, in his third season, continues to evolve into a top-flight NBA
center. His points (11.6) and rebounds (9.5) are well above his career
averages, and he's making 51.7% of his shots. He has recorded 24
double-doubles in points and rebounds. He collected a career-best 23
rebounds against Minnesota on March 13.
Brand and Kaman are the only NBA tandem to rank among the league's top
15 in rebounds per game and field-goal percentage.
All because Brand moved his game outside and gave Kaman more room on
the inside.
"It's something that evolved naturally," Brand said after Thursday's
practice. "You take a pounding [inside], and he's got a bigger body.
Plus he can shoot the ball with either hand, and it makes him harder
to defend."
Kaman also said that getting more playing time, in part because of
early-season injuries to Corey Maggette and Zeljko Rebraca, has aided
in his development. But the fact that Brand altered his game has
helped him maximize his opportunities.
"I know he worked his heart out [last] summer to develop everything,"
Kaman said. "It's a testament to how he's played this year. And the
biggest thing is him being able to shoot that [outside] shot. It
stretches the floor for the guards, and also opens things up on the
inside for myself."
Update — A win tonight would give the Clippers their first season
series win over Utah since 1985-86, Karl Malone's rookie season with
the Jazz.
--
你們認為海南高高在上,位於雲端嗎?他們真的就這麼高不可攀嗎?
他們的成績的確是有目共睹的。以他們過去的戰績來看,我們和海南的確有天壤之別。
但是----
我在睡前,都會想像著有一天......
我每晚都在腦裡描繪我們和海南大學附屬高中參加IH的戰況。
從那一年前起,每晚都如此!
--
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