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Clipped Achilles
Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Elton Brand was given the summer off by the U.S. national team in order to rehab nagging injuries that limited him last season despite missing only two games. But during his routine workout on Friday, Elton Brand ruptured his left Achilles tendon and is expected to miss no less than the first two months of the regular season. The L.A. Times and the Los Angeles Clippers' website reported that no decision has been made for surgery and no timetable has been set for his return, but Elton Brand has the odds stacked against him. Achilles injuries have typically sidelined NBA players for at least a year, but ESPN.com reported that preliminary medical indications were that Elton Brand would be out six months from the injury.
The Stat: Elton Brand has missed just six games in his last three seasons.
The Quote: "Elton called me after it happened and told me about it," General Manager Elgin Baylor told the L.A. Times. "He said it hurt, but he was in good spirits. I said, 'I went through it. I tore mine [in 1970]. You're young and healthy, you'll come back 100%.' It's just a matter of how much time it takes."
Fantasy Analysis: The Los Angeles Clippers were already reeling from the loss of Shaun Livingston last February to a career-threatening knee injury, but now are completely behind the eight ball with the loss of Elton Brand for at least two months. So now the question is, what do we do with Elton?
This situation is similar to that of Pau Gasol last preseason, although I would argue that this one is much worse. With Gasol we were virtually assured he would be back within the first two months of the season and that it wouldn't take him long to get back to form. He came back on December 15 and scored 28 points while grabbing nine boards on December 22. With Elton Brand , he'll be lucky to be back in the saddle when the calendar turns, and his effectiveness will be a huge question mark.
So, where, if anywhere, do we select Elton Brand this season? Well, Gasol wound up being taken in most leagues in the 5th-6th round range of 12-team leagues and the 6th-8th round of 10-teamers. So, considering how much worse this Elton Brand situation is, a rough estimate before we get a clearer medical picture in the coming days would be 9th-10th round in 12-team leagues and around the 12th round of a 10-team league. Elton Brand 's position goes up in leagues that offer multiple injured reserve spots, but by a round or two at most.
As for who will step in for Elton, let's start by saying he's virtually impossible to replace. The Los Angeles Clippers have Tim Thomas and Aaron Williams available, but Thomas doesn't have the desire or ability to be effective in the post, and Williams lacks Elton Brand 's offensive prowess – especially away from the basket. Both of their fantasy values increase, but Thomas is the only one who should find himself on rosters in all leagues. Williams should only find his way onto rosters in leagues with a heavy emphasis on rebounding.
More info on Elton Brand will likely be available in the coming days and we certainly are hoping for the best, but it appears as though we will be lucky to get even a couple productive months from him this season. If that is the case, expect the Los Angeles Clippers bring in a free agent. Power forwards P.J. Brown, Anderson Varejao, and Brian Skinner are among those still available
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