Elton Brand announced his retirement from the NBA during an event at his high school alma mater Tuesday in New York.
“The Knicks are giving out T-shirts,” Brand said during his announcement. “I really appreciate that and I have always supported and wished the hometown team well. I could get in shape if I got the call but this looks like the end of the run for me, right now it is family time.”
Brand was the first overall pick of the 1999 NBA draft by the Bulls after a standout career at Duke, where he was named ACC player of the year and national player of the year.
The forward was named the NBA rookie of the year in 2000 after averaging 20.1 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulls. He played one more season in Chicago before being traded to the Clippers for Tyson Chandler and Brian Skinner.
Brand played for five teams — the Bulls, Clippers, 76ers, Mavericks and Hawks — during his 16-year career. He went to two All-Star games during his seven years in Los Angeles.
