Yesterday Wiretap spoke about the surgery that new Clipper Elton Brand had on his left knee.  Today in the Chicago Sun-Times Jerry Krause informs us that the surgery was minor, that he spoke to the L.A. Clippers before the trade of the surgery, and it was Brand's and agent David Falk's idea not to announce it.  "He (Brand) and David Falk chose not to announce it. I asked them if they wanted to, and they said, `No.'"

In other Bulls news, Krause said he does not plan on hosting any free agents on Sunday, the first day teams can talk to free agents and also the day of Krause's 23rd wedding anniversary, according once again to the Sun-Times.  "We'll make our calls, and I'll be on the phone," Krause said.  Please Jerry, this year do not miss the boat.

Marc Stein of the Dallas Morning News writes that the Clippers once again headlined at the draft, this time, by trading out of it.  In trading the #2 for Elton Brand, a proven 20-and-10 guy, the Clippers have got a sure-fire top-notch power forward for years to come -- if Sterling can pay when the time comes.

Elton Brand played out the majority of his final season with the Chicago Bulls injured, according to the Chicago Tribune.  In a game against the Knicks Dec 1 Brand suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, causing him to miss three games.  He returned for the Bulls 20th game of the season, scoring 20 points, then went on to average 20 points and 10 rebounds over the course of the year... again.

In April Elton Brand underwent arthroscopic surgery to fix the tear.  He has since fully recovered, and should have no problems passing today's physical with the Clippers.  It was indicated that the Clippers knew about the surgery before the trade.

The Los Angeles papers arepraising Elgin Baylor's draft day acumen for a second year in a row.  They're even starting to use the "p" word--playoffs.  But on a cautionary note, next summer notorious cheapskate Donald Sterling is going to have to pay Michael Olowokandi, and the summer after Elton Brand (brought to you by the equally notorious David Falk) and Lamar Odom will want maximum contracts.

According to the LA Times, if the Washington Wizards select Kwame Brown with the No. 1 pick in today's NBA draft, as expected, the Clippers figure to follow by taking another high school player with the No. 2 pick: Tyson Chandler of Compton Dominguez. Elgin Baylor, who has been high on Chandler since he began playing for Dominguez High, said it would be difficult to pass on the 7-footer in the draft. "You try to go for the guy who might have the best upside in the long run, but you never know," Baylor said of Chandler, who weighs about 228 pounds. "The other guys may be bigger physically than him, but I don't know if they are any stronger. He passes the ball well and has good hands . . . He's already put on about 17 or 18 pounds. I'm sure he's going to get bigger naturally. He'll get heavier and stronger."