By ART THOMPSON III
The Orange County Register
EL SEGUNDO - It is all but assured that Clippers forward Elton Brand’s first game this season will occur Thursday, when the Clippers are on the road against the Sacramento Kings.
“That’s coming from Coach (Mike Dunleavy) and J.P. (team athletic trainer Jasen Powell),” Brand said, following Monday’s morning shootaround at Spectrum South Bay. “I’ve got everyone on board now. They know that I’m healthy.”
It has been an arduous journey for Brand, who has not played competitively since last April. Brand suffered a ruptured left Achilles’ tendon seven months ago, during an off-season workout.
Months of therapy, rehabilitation and strength training work have brought Brand back to full health.
Brand’s first game at home figures to be April 6, when the Clippers play the Houston Rockets.
“I’ve had a long vacation,” said Brand.
