Change for Brand Helps Kaman Too

When Elton Brand and Chris Kaman were preparing for this season last summer, they did not work out together, or even discuss how they were going to approach the season.

But a change in Brand’s style has benefited both players, and the Clippers as well.

In his six previous seasons, Brand was primarily an inside or post player. He was effective, averaging 19.5 points and 10.4 rebounds. But the constant pounding he’d take from bigger players wore on him late in the season. And the space he took up inside cut down on the operating room for Kaman.

This season, however, Brand added a consistent perimeter jump shot to his skills. That jumper has forced bigger (and at times slower) opponents to guard him on the outside. He is averaging a career-best 25.2 points (with 23 games of 30 or more), is shooting 52.8% from the field, still pulls down 10 rebounds a night, and -- despite averaging 39.6 minutes a game -- shows no signs of wearing down.

Kaman, in his third season, continues to evolve into a top-flight NBA center. His points (11.6) and rebounds (9.5) are well above his career averages, and he’s making 51.7% of his shots. He has recorded 24 double-doubles in points and rebounds. He collected a career-best 23 rebounds against Minnesota on March 13.

Brand and Kaman are the only NBA tandem to rank among the league’s top 15 in rebounds per game and field-goal percentage.

All because Brand moved his game outside and gave Kaman more room on the inside.

“It’s something that evolved naturally,” Brand said after Thursday’s practice. “You take a pounding [inside], and he’s got a bigger body. Plus he can shoot the ball with either hand, and it makes him harder to defend.”

Kaman also said that getting more playing time, in part because of early-season injuries to Corey Maggette and Zeljko Rebraca, has aided in his development. But the fact that Brand altered his game has helped him maximize his opportunities.

“I know he worked his heart out [last] summer to develop everything,” Kaman said. “It’s a testament to how he’s played this year. And the biggest thing is him being able to shoot that [outside] shot. It stretches the floor for the guards, and also opens things up on the inside for myself.”

TONIGHT

vs. Utah, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Clippers 41-29, Jazz 34-37.

Record vs. Utah -- 1-1.

Update -- A win tonight would give the Clippers their first season series win over Utah since 1985-86, Karl Malone’s rookie season with the Jazz.