Northern Bracket: Brand(4) vs. Gay(13)

[roseorbust]

Please indicate who would you rather have take both now and the future into account.

Elton Brand (4)

Brand was origianlly selected by the Chicago Bulls. He played a few seasons there before being traded to the Clippers. Brand has developed into a great Power forward on offense. He had a major injury this year, keeping him out for almost the full year, but he may return for the final five or so games. He is being critiscized by many because they feel that he is only doing this to showcase himself to potential free agent suitors.
Teammates in 64:1(Chris Kaman)

VS

Rudy Gay (13
Gay was a star at Uconn before entering the draft. he was traded for Shane Battier, a trade that now has many Rockets fans shaking their heads. His game has developed, and he is now a small bright spot for a dismal Grizzlies team.
Teammates in 64:0(Kwame just missed)

[TMACFORMVP]

Brand when healthy is IMO the 4th best PF in the league and one of the best two players we have. Gay's been terrific and has loads of potential but I think Brand has more impact.

[roseorbust]

Someday gay will be really special, but as of now, I don't think he's even close to Brand

[tsherkin]

Right now, a healthy Brand is definitely better. You're talking about a 20/10 guy (or near to it, every year) who scores efficiently and defends well.

Gay might one day exceed a healthy Brand or Brand might never be 100% again too, so if we're talking current timeframe, you might choose Rudy.

But in general, Elton.

[ponder276]

A healthy Brand is way better, but since the question is:
"Please indicate who would you rather have take both now and the future into account"
You have to take Brand's age and injury problems. Not that 29 is that old, but Rudy is only 21, and major injuries like a ruptured achilles tendon age players faster. For those reasons, if I could have either player on my team, I'd take Rudy.

[sh00n]

Brand, no doubt.