Brand Happy at New Address

Power forward Elton Brand said Tuesday was a good day to be a Clipper--and not a member of the Chicago Bulls.

Come to think of it, tonight will probably be an even better time to be a Clipper. Brand’s new team plays his old team at Staples Center, and he’s prepared to increase the Bulls’ misery quot1768255092 “They’re having a tough little struggle early on this season,” said Brand, who was acquired from the Bulls in a June trade for the rights to No. 2 overall draft pick Tyson Chandler and Brian Skinner. “We want them to have a tough little struggle [tonight] too.”

The Bulls, who began a seven-game trip Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets, are a fragile team in the wake of a 53-point loss last Thursday to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Coach Tim Floyd criticized his players for their lack of effort and veteran Charles Oakley criticized Floyd, who suffered his fourth loss of 45 or more points in three seasons.

The next day, Oakley was fined $50,000 for his comments.

Floyd then said: “I’m not looking for support or hugs. The only difference between this and what has happened to me the last three years is that this was public. But every day has been hell773867892 Brand has followed it all from afar.

“Winning heals all,” he said. “When you lose it’s tough. I know it’s tough on Coach Floyd. I know it’s tough on Charles Oakley. Without a doubt, those guys are going through a lot.”

When asked if he misses Chicago, Brand said: “It’s a great city with great fans. We only won a few games there the last two seasons [15 last season; 17 in 1999-2000], but the fans still supported us.”

Brand leads the Clippers with averages of 22.3 points and 9.9 rebounds, comparable to his averages of 20 points and 10 rebounds in two seasons with Chicago.

If there’s a difference to his game with the Clippers, it’s that he’s not being double-teamed as often. He’s now one of several options on offense.

TONIGHT

vs. Chicago

7:30, Fox Sports Net

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 3-4, Bulls 1-6.

Record vs. Bulls (2000-01)--2-0.

Update--This will be Chandler’s first NBA game in his native Southern California. He was selected from Compton Dominguez High by the Clippers with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, then sent to the Bulls. It has been a rough start for Chandler, a 7-foot forward. He got into a shouting match with teammate Dalibor Bagaric after a loss to the Timberwolves last week and hasn’t been speaking to reporters.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.