Brand Stays Optimistic About Season

Elton Brand went for a swim Saturday, the first step in rehabilitating his surgically altered right knee.

The Clippers’ latest estimate for Brand’s return from arthroscopic surgery to remove torn cartilage is four to six weeks from Saturday, which would sidelined him for the season-opening game Oct. 30 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Brand, who was joining his teammates at training camp for the first time, said it will be “only a couple of weeks” before he’s ready to go.

“It feels much better than before the surgery [Sept. 26],” he said. “It’s lots better already. I’m looking forward to a great season. I think we can do some big things. There’s lots to prove.”

Brand and the Clippers were unable during the off-season to complete a long-term contract for the All-Star power forward, agreeing to pick up the negotiations next July 1.

Brand sought a six-season contract worth about $75 million. The Clippers offered $60 million over the same span.

“I’m not worried,” Brand said of the stalled contract talks. “I’m very confident. I’m going to have a great season. The team is going to have a great season. I won’t worry about that.”

Brand discounted the notion that the young and immature Clippers will be distracted by the task at hand because so many of them have contract issues. Brand, Corey Maggette, Andre Miller and Lamar Odom are eligible for long-term contracts until the NBA’s Oct. 31 deadline.

Michael Olowokandi agreed to take the team’s one-season qualifying offer of $6.1 million last month and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Depending on the day and the person asking the questions, Olowokandi is either content to prove his status as a so-called “max-out” contract player next summer or frustrated beyond hope. He’ll either listen to the Clippers’ offer or sign with another team even if it’s for less.

Brand, the Clippers’ resident optimist and their leading scorer and rebounder last season, isn’t concerned.

“A great season and a winning record is going to work well for everyone,” said Brand, who averaged 18.2 points and 11.6 rebounds last season. “I think we all understand that.... Players are judged by stats. Coaches are judged by wins.”

He hopes the team doesn’t let contract concerns get in the way of a standout season.

“I’m excited to play with my team now,” he said. “I really can’t wait to get the season started. I think we’ll do some great things. There’s not a weakness out there. Well, there’s not too many weaknesses.”