Dunleavy Is Supportive of Brand’s U.S. Bid

Coach Mike Dunleavy said Friday he would be supportive if power forward Elton Brand joined the U.S. men’s basketball team, but Dunleavy also would have concerns about the team’s franchise player participating in international competition.

“It’s always a concern, because the more you’re playing, in that regard, the more chance there is for injury and getting worn down,” Dunleavy said. “On the other hand, as a [former] player, if I had a chance to do it, I’d probably do it.”

Jerry Colangelo, managing director of the USA men’s senior national team and chief executive of the Phoenix Suns, met with Brand this week to gauge the six-year veteran’s interest in playing for the team in the 2006 world championships and 2008 Beijing Olympics.

To say the least, Brand would welcome an invitation.

“Like I said the other day, it’s an honor,” Brand said. “I would definitely be ready if it comes. They know how I feel about it. It’s clear.”

Although Brand declined to reveal whether Colangelo extended an invitation, a Clipper source said Brand is expected to soon announce he has joined the team.

There’s a possibility playing for the U.S. could become a three-summer commitment if the team fails to win the 2006 world championships and qualify for the Olympics. In that event, it would also have to play in 2007, which would be fine with Brand. And Dunleavy?

“It’s going to be an individual thing,” Dunleavy said. “It’s kind of not in my control, and I’d have a hard time saying anything really negative against it. But of course, the issues that are presented are real.

“At this point, though, it’s kind of a moot point until somebody gets picked. They’ll pick a team, you’ll find out the process that’s involved and go from there.”

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Brand expressed optimism about the Clipper bench, which has been inconsistent, because the role of rookie forward James Singleton has increased.

Moreover, backup point guard Shaun Livingston had his best performance of the season in Wednesday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns.

“We know it’s going to be tough, we’ve got a lot of road games coming up, but I think we’re prepared,” Brand said. “Guys are getting key minutes off the bench and they’re contributing.

“They’re going to have to step up and keep doing it, but I think they can. I think we’ve got the type of team that can do it.”