Brand, Francis Share Rookie-of-Year Award

Elton Brand and Steve Francis, the first two picks in last summer’s draft, were co-winners of the NBA’s rookie-of-the-year award Thursday.

It’s the third time two rookies have shared the honor. Jason Kidd and Grant Hill were co-winners in 1994-95, and Dave Cowens and Geoff Petrie shared in 1970-71.

“Any rookie will tell you they want to be the sole winner, but I was going up against the No. 1 pick and it’s tough to beat him out,” Francis said.

Brand said, “I have a part of it, a part of history. You can’t be disappointed about winning rookie of the year. Even if it’s co-winners.”

Brand and Francis each received 58 of 121 votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Lamar Odom of the Clippers received three votes, and Andre Miller of the Cleveland Cavaliers got two.

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