Last season, Elton Brand averaged 24.7 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots per game, but he has began the 2006-2007 season sluggish, according to scouts.

"I told him that we know he's got great work ethic," Mike Dunleavy said. "Nobody is going to question his toughness or anything about him based on what he's done.

"He just needs to understand that the most valuable thing he could do for us is give us himself as close to 100% on the floor at all times. That's the main thing."