With his buyout from the Philadelphia 76ers on the verge of completion, Chris Webber has established a Fab Five wish list of high-profile teams he'd like to play for. Webber's wish list reads as follows.
Dallas Mavericks
Detroit Pistons
Los Angeles Lakers
Miami Heat
San Antonio Spurs
Webber told ESPN.com on Wednesday night that 17 of the league's 30 teams have already called to register interest in his services, but the free agent-to-be hopes to sign with one of the teams on his wishlist. His hometown is Detroit, thus there is more than one reason to consider the Pistons. He can play for his hometown and play for a ring. "This is the best I've felt in three years," Webber said in a phone interview. "Now the thing I want to do most is win a championship, put myself back on that kind of level."
Webber didn't divulge any order or preferences when listing those teams but did acknowledge that the Mavericks, believed to be offering less playing time than anyone in the group, was the least likely destination.
Early indications in San Antonio, meanwhile, suggest that the Spurs -- whose desire to get younger and more athletic and the swing positions is well-chronicled -- may be unlikely to pursue Webber. When asked before Thursday night's game by Bill Walton if the Spurs were interested in Webber, Spurs Coach Greg Popovich seemed cool to the idea. But, was that sincere or a poker face? This writer believes the Spurs might want Webber and may be willing to send Brent Barry packing to get him. Yes, Barrys a guard and Webbers a forward, but what the Spus need more than anything, if they are to get back up to the level that the Mavs and Phoenix Suns are at is points off of the bench that Webber may be able to deliver better than Barry.
Each of the other three teams on Webber's list appear to have an interest.
Miami has major depth issues even when Shaquille O'Neal and Dwayne Wade are healthy and pursued Webber's former Michigan teammate Jalen Rose when he was bought out by the New York (what the heck are) Knickerbockers in November. The Heat, possessing their full mid-level salary-cap exception worth in excess of $5 million, also have the ability to outbid any of the aforementioned suitors, although Miami will stray into luxury-tax territory if it spends, say, $2 million to bring Webber in for the rest of the season. But can Miami win another championship?
The Pistons, sources said, immediately thrust themselves into the running, intrigued by the idea of adding the local legend as they continue to revamp their front line in the wake of Ben Wallace free-agent defection to the Chicago Bulls.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Chris Webber complains about a call during the second half of their basketball game against the Orlando Magic in Orlando, Fla., in this Dec. 9, 2006 file photo. The 76ers completed the paperwork to buy out the remaining 1 1/2 seasons on Webber's contract Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File) http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/teams/photo?photo Id=1401288&team=phi
Webber's experience, size and game are also bound to appeal to the young Lakers, who recently lost two frontcourt starters to injury (Lamar Odom and Kwame Brown) and run an offense (coach Phil Jackson's triangle) that could make the most of Webber's passing skills. However, many question Webber's willingness to learn the triangle and if Phil will take a chance on that or want to add Webber's ego to a roster that already includes the strongheaded Kobe Bryant.
"My father said I haven't smiled on the court in about three years," Webber said. "I just want to get back to playing with a smile on my face and playing with a team that can really vie for a title. I want to be an integral part of a championship team." The 33-year-old added that he hopes to have his new address "by Monday, even though three or four teams want me by Friday."
A new deal can't happen that quickly because Webber must wait two business days to clear waivers once his buyout from the Sixers is made official. Webber said he expects paperwork on the buyout to be completed by Thursday morning at the latest.
Webber finished last season with solid averages of 20.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 75 games, the most games he'd played in the last six seasons. He said in training camp he was feeling as strong physically as he had since undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee in June 2003. But Webber appeared to fall out of favor with 76ers Head Coach Maurice Cheeks early this season, and was benched in several fourth quarters with little explanation. His minutes and production dramatically declined, and Webber eventually met with 76ers President Billy King to express his unhappiness over his situation.
Webber made it clear several times this season he wanted to end his career with a contender. With Allen Iverson traded to Denver last month, that's two all-stars off the roster in a matter of weeks. The Sixers have three first-round picks in the draft and are rebuilding through youth.
"I think he's been a total pro, done everything we've asked of him," King said. "This allows us to go in a different direction. Now I think there's clarity for the organization."
Webber reportedly agreed to a $5 million reduction in his contract, which pays him $20.7 million this season and $22.3 million next season. The buyout allowed the 76ers to drop below the league's luxury tax threshold of $65.4 million.
"I wish the 76ers organization the best and I thank the fans for their support during my time in Philadelphia," Webber said in a statement. "I appreciate Team Owner Ed Snider and Billy King for their cooperation with the buyout of my contract. I believe this is the best situation for both parties and I look forward to continuing my basketball career."
"He was a great teammate," Kyle Korver said after the Knicks beat the Sixers 106-99 on Wednesday night. "I'm going to miss him a lot. I wish I could have played with him more. He's a great person and if he gets put in the right spot he's going to do really well somewhere."
C-Webb to Miami is an intriguing possibility since Miami can offer him the most money.
Webber to Detroit would also be interesting but I don't feel that C-Webb's personality would mesh well with the egos of the other aging big men on that team- Dale Davis, McDyess, and Wallace.
The best fit for Webber to shine and win is L.A. Not only will he be a mentor to all the young Laker bigs, but Webber would see significant minutes either as a starter or backup. He would have no problem learning the triangle quickly because he played in a similar passing oriented system in Sacramento, where he would receive the ball in the high post and look for cutters.
Webber should go somewhere where his playing time is limited and the expectations are low.
He could come off the bench in Dtown score a few points and hopefully contribute in the playoffs.
14Falcons, so what do you think about C-Webb's probable signing with the Pistons?
Personally, I think C-Webb is making a mistake. I'm willing to bet that he won't be happy there. he will clash with all of those veteran PF's who all have egos as big as him. He'll get like 15 minutes a game and wonder why Flip Saunders doesn't know how to use him.
I hope Shaq demolishes the Pistons just like he did when L.A. beat on the Kings all those years.
I think the Nuggets will improve once they have their team at full-strength.
People are questioning the Boykins trade but it was for the better.
Earl dominates the ball and bringing in Blake allows them to have a point guard who can distribute the rock.
We already see AI making a commitment to passing the ball. The only thing missing in Denver is the consistent contributions of guys like Nene and Camby. If Karl can get them to play as a unit, Denver potentially end up being a four or five seed. We'll see...
True dat... that is why we will see how good of a coach George Karl really is.
There ain't no more excuses. You've got the top two scorers in the league and a top five shot blocker and rebounder. If you can't get past the first round your #### should be canned
14Falcons- I missed the game but I saw the highlights.
I don't expect much from Denver right now since 'Melo is not back yet. But then again, Houston is without Yao so the chemistry with the Nuggets is still questionable with Allen Iverson
Most Interesting Blog, June 16, 2008 and six other occasions. Lisa awarded him Best "breaking news" blogger March 31, 2008. Blog of The Day, Christmas Day, 2007. edhardiman wrote, "Falco's tribute to Rocket Richard reminds us all the stars of today stand on the shoulders of giants..." October 23, 2007. Three Golden Swirrly p00p Awards (Hockey, NASCAR and Use of Graphics), FlyingPig, July 18, 2007. 2007 Memorial Day Weekend Trifecta sponsored by williamwilman . Featured on WFORacingFans April, 2007. "Stylin'" award, Dusty, February 07. "One of ten new bloggers to watch" Dudski, January 2007.
