Webber through as a Sixer.

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

But disgusted with whom? It doesn't seem quite fair to be disgusted with either Richmond or Webber, who just followed the paths fate put in front of them.

Disgusted with the Kings? If they hadn't moved Richmond, we never would have had Webber...

Face it, Slim. The Kings are not now and are in no immediate danger of becoming a dynasty franchise. We don't have the sticker appeal of the Lakers. We're actually pretty lucky to have had some of the players we've had, all things considered.

I beg your pardon?

Why do I have to justify my disgust? I'm disgusted with the whole damned situation: I'm disgusted that ownership never put a winning team around Rock, and that he never got the shot at winning that he deserved while he was in Sacramento. I'm disgusted with the fact that Rock had to spend the prime of his career in basketball hell and, even though he finally got the ring that he'd earned, that it was basically as an afterthought on a team that would have won it with or without him. He deserved better.

I'm disgusted that Webber was cheated out of a championship twice, once by the whistle, and once when his own body betrayed him. I'm disgusted that he had to suffer through the indignity of his last ten months in a Kings uniform, when so many Kings Fans turned their backs on him, when so many of the talking heads vilified him. I'm disgusted that he's had to suffer the indignity of the last two years in Philadelphia, before finally being shoved out the back door. And I'm disgusted that people are talking about what a good fit Webber would be on the only team in the entire NBA that I actively loathe.

I'm ****ing disgusted, alright? I'm not even sure why I have to explain myself...

 

[NikateeN]

Alright, i havnt read the past couple of pages so i dont know if this was posted yet...

"The Detroit Pistons are close to reaching an agreement with free agent Chris Webber, sources close to the negotiations said Thursday night.
Webber, 33, who had the final two seasons of his contract bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, will return to his Michigan roots where he once starred for Detroit Country Day High School and the University of Michigan.
Webber, who's still clearing waivers, can't officially with a team until Monday. He is expected to sign for a pro-rated $1.87 million-a-season, 10-year-veteran contract.
All along, sources said, the Pistons were Webber's No. 1 choice upon leaving the 76ers. They would give him a chance to finally reach the NBA Finals and perhaps compete for his first NBA title."


http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_y...vLYF?slug=aw-webber011107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

 

[BMiller52]

I beg your pardon?

Why do I have to justify my disgust? I'm disgusted with the whole damned situation: I'm disgusted that ownership never put a winning team around Rock, and that he never got the shot at winning that he deserved while he was in Sacramento. I'm disgusted with the fact that Rock had to spend the prime of his career in basketball hell and, even though he finally got the ring that he'd earned, that it was basically as an afterthought on a team that would have won it with or without him. He deserved better.

I'm disgusted that Webber was cheated out of a championship twice, once by the whistle, and once when his own body betrayed him. I'm disgusted that he had to suffer through the indignity of his last ten months in a Kings uniform, when so many Kings Fans turned their backs on him, when so many of the talking heads vilified him. I'm disgusted that he's had to suffer the indignity of the last two years in Philadelphia, before finally being shoved out the back door. And I'm disgusted that people are talking about what a good fit Webber would be on the only team in the entire NBA that I actively loathe.

I'm ****ing disgusted, alright? I'm not even sure why I have to explain myself...

Co-sign. That's exactly how I feel.

 

[nbrans]

I'm disgusted that Webber was cheated out of a championship twice, once by the whistle, and once when his own body betrayed him. I'm disgusted that he had to suffer through the indignity of his last ten months in a Kings uniform, when so many Kings Fans turned their backs on him, when so many of the talking heads vilified him. I'm disgusted that he's had to suffer the indignity of the last two years in Philadelphia, before finally being shoved out the back door. And I'm disgusted that people are talking about what a good fit Webber would be on the only team in the entire NBA that I actively loathe.

Can someone please give me a $37 million shove?

Um.. Please?

And I'm very sorry to the Webber fans, but if he somehow gets a championship out of this -- how could he have pride in it? Don't you think it would be tainted by the fact that he could have opted out of his contract, took the $42 million instead, promptly extorted the Sixers by becoming such a cancer they wanted to be rid of him, and then picks the situation where he can ride the coattails of other players on a roster that could never have been possible if he hadn't extorted the Sixers?

It's all dirty business, and he's now joined the ranks of Vince Carter and Alonzo Mourning - guys who blackmailed franchises for the almighty $.

I know there are some die-hard Webber fans on this board and this is probably an unpopular opinion, but it's dirty pool.

 

[VF21]

I'm ****ing disgusted, alright? I'm not even sure why I have to explain myself...

Gee, I don't know. Maybe because you're posting a comment on a message board where ideas are traditionally exchanged, debated, etc.?

I found your use of the word "disgusted" puzzling, which is why I brought it up. Sorry if I committed some kind of egregious error or something...

 

[VF21]

And I'm very sorry to the Webber fans, but if he somehow gets a championship out of this -- how could he have pride in it? Don't you think it would be tainted by the fact that he could have opted out of his contract, took the $42 million instead, promptly extorted the Sixers by becoming such a cancer they wanted to be rid of him, and then picks the situation where he can ride the coattails of other players on a roster that could never have been possible if he hadn't extorted the Sixers?

It's all dirty business, and he's now joined the ranks of Vince Carter, Steve Francis and Alonzo Mourning - guys who blackmailed franchises for the almighty $.

I know there are some die-hard Webber fans on this board and this is probably an unpopular opinion, but it's dirty pool.

This rant, IMHO, is not even worthy of a reply but I will say one thing. A MAJOR part of what has ever been good with the Sacramento Kings was because of Chris Webber. It's truly a shame that your hatred won't allow you to see it.

He didn't force the Kings to offer him the mega-bucks. They did so to keep him. He didn't ask for his knee to crumble beneath him. Webber gave his all every single minute he was in the uniform of the Sacramento Kings. To deny that is to participate in some kind of blind revisionist history.

Webber didn't ask for nor did he want the trade to the Sixers.

If Webber finally gets a ring, it will be because he's contributed to the team that wins it. Just like Mitch Richmond...or do you hate him, too?

 

[VF21]

Alright, i havnt read the past couple of pages so i dont know if this was posted yet...

"The Detroit Pistons are close to reaching an agreement with free agent Chris Webber, sources close to the negotiations said Thursday night.
Webber, 33, who had the final two seasons of his contract bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, will return to his Michigan roots where he once starred for Detroit Country Day High School and the University of Michigan.
Webber, who's still clearing waivers, can't officially with a team until Monday. He is expected to sign for a pro-rated $1.87 million-a-season, 10-year-veteran contract.
All along, sources said, the Pistons were Webber's No. 1 choice upon leaving the 76ers. They would give him a chance to finally reach the NBA Finals and perhaps compete for his first NBA title."


http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_y...vLYF?slug=aw-webber011107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Yes, it's already been posted.

 

[nbrans]

This rant, IMHO, is not even worthy of a reply but I will say one thing. A MAJOR part of what has ever been good with the Sacramento Kings was because of Chris Webber. It's truly a shame that your hatred won't allow you to see it.

He didn't force the Kings to offer him the mega-bucks. They did so to keep him. He didn't ask for his knee to crumble beneath him. Webber gave his all every single minute he was in the uniform of the Sacramento Kings. To deny that is to participate in some kind of blind revisionist history.

Webber didn't ask for nor did he want the trade to the Sixers.

If Webber finally gets a ring, it will be because he's contributed to the team that wins it. Just like Mitch Richmond...or do you hate him, too?

Whoa, whoa, I do not hate Webber, I have never tried to downplay his contribution to teh Kings or anything like that. This has nothing to do with what happened in Sacramento.

Look, I really, really liked Webber when he was with the Kings. I thought it was time to move on, but I was there when he scored 51 against Indiana, I was there during the Lakers series, I rooted for him as long as he was with the Kings. I thought it was time to move on after his injury, but that doens't mean I hate the guy.

But the fact is, he chose to accept $42 million from the Sixers. He had the opportunity to leave. He is not earning that $42 million. He extorted the franchise. I know money talks, etc. etc. etc., but it's really, really ugly.

Richmond finished out his contract, signed with the Lakers and earned his championship. That's respectable. That's not what's happening here. This is different. Vince Carter is loathed around the league for dogging it forcing a trade -- he didn't force Toronto to pay him $37 million on top of dogging it and forcing a trade. The Webber situation is worse than the Carter situation, but hey, Webber seems like a good guy so people are giving him a pass. He asked for a trade from Philadelphia, repeatedly. When that didn't work he came down with mysterious injuries and questioned his role in the media. It's all extremely ugly, and if anyone on the Kings were doing anything similar right now I think we'd be all over them, and justifiably so.

But look, I'm just expressing my opinion. It's not our money, it's just basketball. Webber fans -- try not to take this stuff so personally!

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Can someone please give me a $37 million shove?

Um.. Please?

Yeeeaah... because making a lot of money means it's okay if fans treat him like ****, right?

Gee, I don't know. Maybe because you're posting a comment on a message board where ideas are traditionally exchanged, debated, etc.?

I found your use of the word "disgusted" puzzling, which is why I brought it up. Sorry if I committed some kind of egregious error or something...

You know what? To my way of thinking, I've made my opinion on these matters clear enough on this board over the past five years that I shouldn't have to explain myself. Anybody who's been here for more than a couple of months should know how I feel about Webber, how I feel about Richmond, and how I feel about the Lakers.

I shouldn't have to restate the totality of my feelings every time the subject comes up; a quick summary ought to do. And my version of a summary was: I'm disgusted.

 

[4cwebb]

And I'm very sorry to the Webber fans, but if he somehow gets a championship out of this -- how could he have pride in it? Don't you think it would be tainted by the fact that he could have opted out of his contract, took the $42 million instead, promptly extorted the Sixers by becoming such a cancer they wanted to be rid of him, and then picks the situation where he can ride the coattails of other players on a roster that could never have been possible if he hadn't extorted the Sixers?

It's all dirty business, and he's now joined the ranks of Vince Carter and Alonzo Mourning - guys who blackmailed franchises for the almighty $.

Wait, how did he blackmail the 76ers into buying him out? I don't think this situation is in anyway analagous to Vince or Zo...both of those guys effectively refused to play for the Raptors, or refused to play well, but I have not seen any indication from CWebb that he refused to play for the 76ers...in fact, if anything, it seems to me that the 76ers refused to play him, or at least play him the minutes he felt he deserved given the talent on the team (and considering that the other bigs are Dalembert, Hunter and Alan Henderson, I cannot really blame him).

Yes, I'm a CWebb homer...I may be a bigger one than just about anyone on this board, but I am not a CWebb apologist. If he's acted improperly, I don't have any problem acknowledging it. But I haven't seen one report that indicates what you have stated in your post.

CWebb and the 76ers had a disagreement about the direction of the team and his role in that process, but to this point I have not seen any indication that he flat out refused to show up for work like Vince and Zo did at times.

May be I've just missed all of the articles discussing this point up to now...but when Vince tanked, everyone knew it, and Zo refused to show up in Toronto when he was traded. CWebb has not played in a number of games recently, but I have not seen anything to indicate that was at his insistence.

 

[supamari0]

Can someone please give me a $37 million shove?

Um.. Please?

And I'm very sorry to the Webber fans, but if he somehow gets a championship out of this -- how could he have pride in it? Don't you think it would be tainted by the fact that he could have opted out of his contract, took the $42 million instead, promptly extorted the Sixers by becoming such a cancer they wanted to be rid of him, and then picks the situation where he can ride the coattails of other players on a roster that could never have been possible if he hadn't extorted the Sixers?

It's all dirty business, and he's now joined the ranks of Vince Carter and Alonzo Mourning - guys who blackmailed franchises for the almighty $.

I know there are some die-hard Webber fans on this board and this is probably an unpopular opinion, but it's dirty pool.

This is just silly. You'll find that many more superstars have bullied teams into higher contracts and more money. Let's think of some recent examples.

Michael Redd promises the Bucks that he WILL resign with them and then flirts with the Cavs and pressures the Bucks into giving him a max contract.

Carlos Boozer straight up LIES to the Cavs when he promised them that he'd resign and then jumps to Utah for bigger bucks.

Grant Hill (who I love as a player and is a great guy) hid the extent of his ankle injury from the Magic when they were completing that sign and trade for him.

Amare Stoudamire basically did the same thing when he hid the knee cartilage damage in his knee from the Suns until after he signed his max contract.

And even my personal favorite player, Hakeem Olajuwon, faked an injury and refused to play because he was in a contract dispute with the team.

So wake up, this is real life and you'll fight for every dollar. NBA players are guilty of all sorts of shenanigans in order to get more money but then again a lot of us do stuff to get extra money too. It's not fair and not right but it's how it is. Webber gave a lot to Sacramento and you should be thankful for that. He and the others (Peja/Vlade/J-Dub/Bibby) put this team on the map and made them an NBA favorite. We used to watch sportscenter highlights to see what nonsensical play Jason Williams and Chris Webber created.

Wish him well, hope he wins (except against your Kings) and move on. There's no point in being bitter about a person who represents the greatest stretch in Kings basketball because if you're that mad, then go re-live the days when Mitch Richmond carried a bunch of scrubs to a low playoff seed so the team could be crushed by some team in the first round. Or better yet, remember the days before Mitch when the team just plain sucked.

If you can't appreciate your players or team, then no one needs you as a fan. I hate many things about players that have been on my team. I went through 10 years of garbage basketball with the Rockets until now and I didn't complain like this or call out former players. (exception being Scottie Pippen because he bailed on the team and insulted fellow teammates on the way out)

Things will get better. You just need some patience. You've been spoiled by the good years of the guy you're criticizing.

 

[nbrans]

Wait, how did he blackmail the 76ers into buying him out? I don't think this situation is in anyway analagous to Vince or Zo...both of those guys effectively refused to play for the Raptors, or refused to play well, but I have not seen any indication from CWebb that he refused to play for the 76ers...in fact, if anything, it seems to me that the 76ers refused to play him, or at least play him the minutes he felt he deserved given the talent on the team (and considering that the other bigs are Dalembert, Hunter and Alan Henderson, I cannot really blame him).

Yes, I'm a CWebb homer...I may be a bigger one than just about anyone on this board, but I am not a CWebb apologist. If he's acted improperly, I don't have any problem acknowledging it. But I haven't seen one report that indicates what you have stated in your post.

CWebb and the 76ers had a disagreement about the direction of the team and his role in that process, but to this point I have not seen any indication that he flat out refused to show up for work like Vince and Zo did at times.

May be I've just missed all of the articles discussing this point up to now...but when Vince tanked, everyone knew it, and Zo refused to show up in Toronto when he was traded. CWebb has not played in a number of games recently, but I have not seen anything to indicate that was at his insistence.

I guess I was referring to the repeated trade requests, the open questions in the media about his role, and rumors and innuendo in the media about the relationship between his injuries and his unhappiness with his role. Granted, nothing on the record there, but a whole lot of smoke. I don't think Philadelphia would have agreed to buy him out if they actually thought he was a positive influence on the team. It was cold calculus on both sides, but I think the onus is ultimately on Webb since he could have opted out of his contract.

 

[acisking]

Actually...it has been confirmed even by Billy King that Webber never really demanded a trade earlier this season...even ESPN corrected their mistake in reporting it. With regards to the "dirty" aspects of this buyout, I think its safe to say that it was pretty much impossible for Webber to be traded. The team is clearly in rebuilding mode and not only does Webber want to compete for a title but thee Sixers will probably benefit without him dominating the ball. Furthermore accoring to early reports, it is estimated that Webber took off anywhere from 5 to 10 million dollars from his contract in order to leave (which if true certainly makes the whole thing a lot less dirty).

 

[4cwebb]

But the fact is, he chose to accept $42 million from the Sixers. He had the opportunity to leave. He is not earning that $42 million. He extorted the franchise. I know money talks, etc. etc. etc., but it's really, really ugly.

Richmond finished out his contract, signed with the Lakers and earned his championship. That's respectable. That's not what's happening here. This is different. Vince Carter is loathed around the league for dogging it forcing a trade -- he didn't force Toronto to pay him $37 million on top of dogging it and forcing a trade. The Webber situation is worse than the Carter situation, but hey, Webber seems like a good guy so people are giving him a pass. He asked for a trade from Philadelphia, repeatedly. When that didn't work he came down with mysterious injuries and questioned his role in the media. It's all extremely ugly, and if anyone on the Kings were doing anything similar right now I think we'd be all over them, and justifiably so.

But look, I'm just expressing my opinion. It's not our money, it's just basketball. Webber fans -- try not to take this stuff so personally!

I think the above is all opinion (and I'm not just saying this because I'm in line for CWebb's #1 fan).

My opinion is that it seems to me that the Sixers are as active a participant in this scenario as CWebb, if not moreso. For no reason did they have to buy out his contract, but it was the best option for them considering that CWebb's contract basically made him untradeable. And they didn't consider CWebb to be part of the future of the franchise (as he has not played as well or fit in with other personnel as well as they had hoped, and he probably does not see eye-to-eye with Mo Cheeks). But I do not think that his failings have been purposeful. Do you think CWebb is intentionally playing poor defense and short-arming his jumpers?

I may be mistaken, but I think the Sixers will receive luxury-tax related benefits from buying out his contact. And, if CWebb was such a bad actor in this whole process, why didn't the Sixers just force his hand by benching him until he agreed to a lower buyout?

And I'm not entirely certain that CWebb is solely responsible for his recent "injuries"...but that may just be my rose colored glasses.

 

[nbrans]

This is just silly. You'll find that many more superstars have bullied teams into higher contracts and more money. Let's think of some recent examples.

Things will get better. You just need some patience. You've been spoiled by the good years of the guy you're criticizing.

Just because it happens doesn't mean I have to like it. Hey, animal abuse happens. That doesn't mean I'd be happy if someone kicked my dog.

And seriously, save the lecture on patience. I'm perfectly fine with the direction of the team (assuming changes keep coming). And I'm glad CWebb broke down and caused problems on the Sixers and not on the Kings. Respect everything he did here, glad he's not our problem anymore.

 

[nbrans]

I think the above is all opinion (and I'm not just saying this because I'm in line for CWebb's #1 fan).

My opinion is that it seems to me that the Sixers are as active a participant in this scenario as CWebb, if not moreso. For no reason did they have to buy out his contract, but it was the best option for them considering that CWebb's contract basically made him untradeable. And they didn't consider CWebb to be part of the future of the franchise (as he has not played as well or fit in with other personnel as well as they had hoped, and he probably does not see eye-to-eye with Mo Cheeks). But I do not think that his failings have been purposeful. Do you think CWebb is intentionally playing poor defense and short-arming his jumpers?

I may be mistaken, but I think the Sixers will receive luxury-tax related benefits from buying out his contact, but if CWebb was such a bad actor in this whole process, why didn't the Sixers just force his hand by benching him until he agreed to a lower buyout?

And I'm not entirely certain that CWebb is solely responsible for his recent "injuries"...but that may just be my rose colored glasses.

These are all good points -- I have seen that the Sixers get some luxury tax relief, so maybe it wasn't all CWebb. I still stand by the gist of my points though. If he didn't want to be there he didn't have to be.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Richmond finished out his contract, signed with the Lakers and earned his championship.

Rock averaged a career-low 4.1 points on a career-low 40.5% shooting for the gd lakers; 1.5 ppg in the playoffs. He didn't earn squat.

That's respectable. That's not what's happening here.

Like hell it isn't; the Wizards bought out Rock's contract. He got paid ten million dollars in 2001-02; the gd lakers paid one... It's EXACTLY the same thing. Rock got paid, got waived, and then rode somebody else's coattails to a ring... the same "respectable" thing that Webber's about to do.

 

[4cwebb]

These are all good points -- I have seen that the Sixers get some luxury tax relief, so maybe it wasn't all CWebb. I still stand by the gist of my points though. If he didn't want to be there he didn't have to be.

I guess that's understandable if your point of view is that he's getting paid for services which he did not yet render, although I don't know many people who would walk away from $30+ million as a severance package if they could get it.

 

[nbrans]

Rock averaged a career-low 4.1 points on a career-low 40.5% shooting for the gd lakers; 1.5 ppg in the playoffs. He didn't earn squat.


Like hell it isn't; the Wizards bought out Rock's contract. He got paid ten million dollars in 2001-02; the gd lakers paid one... It's EXACTLY the same thing. Rock got paid, got waived, and then rode somebody else's coattails to a ring... the same "respectable" thing that Webber's about to do.

I stand corrected on Rock's contract, however, to my knowledge it was more like the Mo Taylor situation -- guy is showing up for work and is being a good citizen, but the team doesn't have use for him anymore so they save some money on the buyout.

And yes, 4cwebb is right, leaving $37 on the table is not something most people would do, so maybe I'm holding Webber to too high a standard. I just think it's fishy the way he seemed to be causing so many problems to force the Sixers hands. Just my opinion.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

I stand corrected on Rock's contract, however, to my knowledge it was more like the Mo Taylor situation -- guy is showing up for work and is being a good citizen, but the team doesn't have use for him anymore so they save some money on the buyout.

And yes, 4cwebb is right, leaving $37 on the table is not something most people would do, so maybe I'm holding Webber to too high a standard. I just think it's fishy the way he seemed to be causing so many problems to force the Sixers hands. Just my opinion.

What problems? You have reason to believe that he was anything less than a model citizen? Anything more substantial than a RealGM article that says that he actually caused them problems?

 

[LPKingsFan]

Called this one in December: http://www.kingsfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16559&page=2

 

[BMiller52]

Free-agent forward Chris Webber and the Lakers took another step toward each other Thursday, with Webber's agent saying his client was highly interested in heading west, and the Lakers acknowledging they were more than willing to listen.

"They're definitely a team that Chris is considering," agent Aaron Goodwin said. "He wants to be in a situation where he can continue to play and get significant minutes. He's rested, healthy and ready to go. The Lakers are playing well. Kobe's doing a great job of integrating everybody and turning it into a winning organization this year."

"There's a few teams that he's reviewing and then we're going to move forward. He's definitely excited."

Webber has narrowed his choices to the Lakers, Dallas, Detroit, Miami and Orlando, Goodwin said.

The Lakers weren't unhappy to hear they were on Webber's short list.

"Whenever a player like that is available and expresses interest, as an organization, you have to huddle with your coaches and discuss it," Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said. "We'll discuss this some more [Friday]. I think the first hurdle is for us to figure out what makes sense for us. He's a heck of a player."

The Lakers could offer Webber, 33, a two-year contract worth about $2 million, and they would have to waive a player to make room for him, probably Aaron McKie.

The Lakers will have to decide whether Webber, a jump-shooting power forward, will get the playing time he wants. Lamar Odom, their starter at the position, is due back by the end of the month from a sprained knee ligament.

Webber's weighty $43-million contract was bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers, who waived him Thursday. He can't officially sign with another team until Monday, although he will be having over-the-phone discussions with his teams of choice. He will not work out for any teams, Goodwin said.

The top pick in the 1993 draft, Webber averaged 11 points and 8.3 rebounds in 18 games this season. The five-time All-Star has averaged 21.4 points and 10 rebounds in his 14-year career.

Other teams could offer Webber more than the Lakers. Miami has its full mid-level exception, worth about $5 million this season, and Orlando has about half of its mid-level exception.

Dallas, Detroit and the Lakers used their mid-level exceptions during the off-season, the Lakers to sign Vladimir Radmanovic.

There is, however, another factor tilting in the Lakers' favor, Goodwin said.

"Chris loves Los Angeles," he said.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakerep12jan12,1,3500163.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nba-lakers&ctrack=1&cset=true

 

[TheJoker]

Sigh...
​

 

[Gargamel]

Rock averaged a career-low 4.1 points on a career-low 40.5% shooting for the gd lakers; 1.5 ppg in the playoffs. He didn't earn squat.

He hit the final shot of the season in the Finals. Clutch.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

If he hits the last shot, and you win by six, how is that clutch?

 

[hoopsfan]

He hit the final shot of the season in the Finals. Clutch.

Haha...sarcasm.

 

[ReinadelosReys]

They didn't re-air his interview. Grrrrr

So he's going to DET. No he's not. Yes he is. No, maybe he is, LA is nice too!

OY! This is worst than 5 years ago. But I really think he's going to LA. Its the team he would be able to make the most impact on, he loves Kobe, respects PJ, loves the offense....coincidently enough its probably the team (of his short list) least likely to make it to the finals.

 

[DocHolliday]

Basically the ESPN Insider is saying that he'll most likely go to Detroit, and we might know someting by Sunday night, early Monday. Here is the problem I see though. Detroit most likely isn't winning a championship this year. He's a little late on that bus, and here is a quote from Chris:

"He says he wants a championship, but he wants to play, too," said one source, who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity."Look at that Detroit roster. On that team, how it is now, C-Webb might be the fourth-best big man, maybe."

Which means he's not completely basing the team he selects on Championship potential, he's selecting based on that, and the place that will give him the most playing time.

Chris SHOULD NOT be worried about that at this point. Get 12-15 a minutes a game, do what you can while you're in, and most of all...KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!!

 

[love_them_kings]

These are all good points -- I have seen that the Sixers get some luxury tax relief, so maybe it wasn't all CWebb. I still stand by the gist of my points though. If he didn't want to be there he didn't have to be.

Well, here's the way I look at it. If you took a job against your will, tried to make the best of it, and it clearly (for a variety of reasons) wasn't working well for either party, it's time to go. IF you had your choice of receiving a 2 year severance package or retiring without any pay, what would you do?

I believe Webb tried hard in Philly. I think it was an awful fit from the beginning, and it just got uglier this year. I have seen Webb cheering on the guys from the sidelines and supporting the younger players, and according to Mo Cheeks he has done so. I don't think his heart has completely been in it, and how could it be, at this point in his career I don't think he's going to be excited about playing 20 minutes/game on a horrible team.

But, I think he kept his end of the deal. And, I think if I was in a job where we agreed it just wasn't working out, I'd agree to take the severance package. It's a business. For gosh sakes, my husband works for HP,and when Carly left her severance package was somewhere around $80million. Even though all this talk of $40 million sounds incredibly huge to me, we're talking about a couple years salary in severance.

 

[nbrans]

Well, here's the way I look at it. If you took a job against your will, tried to make the best of it, and it clearly (for a variety of reasons) wasn't working well for either party, it's time to go. IF you had your choice of receiving a 2 year severance package or retiring without any pay, what would you do?

I believe Webb tried hard in Philly. I think it was an awful fit from the beginning, and it just got uglier this year. I have seen Webb cheering on the guys from the sidelines and supporting the younger players, and according to Mo Cheeks he has done so. I don't think his heart has completely been in it, and how could it be, at this point in his career I don't think he's going to be excited about playing 20 minutes/game on a horrible team.

But, I think he kept his end of the deal. And, I think if I was in a job where we agreed it just wasn't working out, I'd agree to take the severance package. It's a business. For gosh sakes, my husband works for HP,and when Carly left her severance package was somewhere around $80million. Even though all this talk of $40 million sounds incredibly huge to me, we're talking about a couple years salary in severance.

I always respect your opinion and the way you state it, but I have to disagree with this here. Webber had a trade escalator in his contract and he could have blocked the Philly deal, but he chose not to. It may not have been his first choice, but he had a role in going to Philly. He did not have to go there. I definitely agree with you that he gave his all in Philly for a year and a half.

Maybe most of us would have taken that $40 million. But right after taking that $40 million he became a distraction, openly questioning his role in the media and having very public behind-closed-doors meetings with the front office. At best he was a distraction, at worst, if you believe some of the rumors, he was a cancer. He could have played out his contract for the team that was paying him $40 million, he could have been a mentor to the young players, he could have accepted a Vlade role and adapted his game to his current abilities. But, for whatever reason, he refused to. He became a problem. I think he deserves some flak for the way he conducted himself.

Maybe his desire for a championship trumped everything and that's all he wanted, or, more likely in my opinion, maybe he has never been able to reconcile his immense pride/ego with his current abilities. It really seems to me like he has never been able to come to terms with his broken down body, and he is causing problems because he has the mind of a superstar but not the abilities. It's painful to watch, and I'm sure it's ridiculously hard for someone who so badly wanted to be the centerpiece of a championship team to watch that dream fade away. But that doesn't excuse him from the necessity of being a team player, doing what it takes to win, and conducting himself with class and dignity, all of which he has sacrificed in the mistaken notion that he is still a superstar.

I really think this disconnect is driving his choice of team (he wants playing time), and it makes me think his next stop is not going to be a bed of roses. Teams need him to take a step back, become a passing/rebounding roleplayer, take fewer shots and shoot a higher percentage. Webber still wants to be a centerpiece. If that conflict is not resolved there are going to be problems everywhere he goes.