NBA: Ranking the 10 greatest Duke players in NBA history

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Ranking the 10 greatest Duke players in NBA history: 3. Elton Brand

The 1999 Duke Blue Devils were one of the most talented teams in modern NCAA basketball history, making it to the title game of the NCAA Tournament before they were upset by the Connecticut Huskies. Elton Brand, the ACC Player of the Year, decided at that point to make the leap into the NBA.

Taken first overall by the Chicago Bulls, Brand was dominant even as a rookie, winning Rookie of the Year along with Steve Francis. After two years in Chicago, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he continued to grow as one of the league’s best interior scorers, earning his first All-Star berth in 2002.

In total Brand would play 1,058 games over 17 years in the league. The bulk of his athletic prime came with the Clippers, where he earned both of his All-Star nods and averaged 20.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He then played a number of years in Philadelphia, a franchise he would later work for as general manager.

While he certainly hit a high peak, Brand’s spot on this list is also a nod to his longevity. His 1,058 games are the most for any Duke player in NBA history, and his 109.6 win shares far outstrip any of his Blue Devil alumni. He finished with two All-Star nods, an All-NBA spot and the respect of many of his peers.