CLIPPERS NOTEBOOK: BRAND TRYING TO FOCUS.

Byline: Joe Stevens Staff Writer

PALM DESERT - Elton Brand arrived at training camp Saturday, continued rehabilitation on his right knee and explained his thoughts on the offseason.

Brand was eligible for a six-year, $80 million contract extension this summer, as were other NBA players entering their fourth season. Though some members within the Clippers felt Brand was worthy of that money, owner Donald T. Sterling offered only $60 million.

While Brand repeatedly said he wanted to focus on this season and not let his contract situation be a distraction, he cannot fully forget about not getting a long-term deal.

``It's definitely in the back of my mind,'' Brand said. ``It's not lingering. I'm looking forward to a great season. You can't think about that. Even during (negotiations), I wasn't thinking about it. I have a contractual agreement to fulfill this season, and I'm excited about it.''

Brand will become a restricted free agent next summer, meaning the Clippers could match any offer another team gives him. Or, they could give him a contract extension themselves.

But to some, including Brand's agent David Falk, the fact Sterling didn't extend his contract this summer shows that keeping top players isn't a priority.

Brand has averaged 19.4 points and 10.6 rebounds in his career, was an All-Star last season and didn't get an extension. In contrast, the Phoenix Suns' Shawn Marion has averaged 16.3 points and 9.4 rebounds, never was an All-Star and got the $80 million extension.

Brand said he was willing to take less than the maximum, about $75 million, in an effort to keep the Clippers together. But what the team offered just wasn't enough.

``I don't see a lot of guys taking a 20-30 percent pay cut to stay in L.A.,'' Brand said. ``L.A.'s a great city, but I don't see that happening.''

With Brand, Andre Miller, Lamar Odom and Corey Maggette all restricted-free-agents-to-be, and Michael Olowokandi soon to be an unrestricted free agent, there is a possibility the players will start to play for themselves.

Brand said he won't be a player who succumbs to selfishness.

``Players are judged by stats, coaches are judged by wins. If guys aren't getting their stats, if a guy has five points at the end of the season, a lot of guys aren't going to expect much money. I hope a lot of that (selfish play) doesn't go on, but you have to understand if it does.''

--Also: Brand officially is four to six weeks away from returning from arthroscopic surgery in his right knee but said he expects to be back ``in a few weeks.'' ... Rookie Chris Wilcox missed practice with a right quadriceps strain. He is day to day. ... Cherokee Parks, who has strep throat, returned to practice. ... Quentin Richardson partially tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee Friday. He will be re-evaluated Monday but said he expects to play opening night Oct. 30.

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ELTON BRAND

The Clippers forward says the fact he didn't get a new contract is ``in the back of my mind.''