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[font=verdana,geneva,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/12442523p-13298683c.html
Analyzing the deal: Martin McNeal's take on the trade
Published 2:15 am PST Thursday, February 24, 2005
Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie always has said if he decided to trade an All-Star, he likely only would do so to receive another All-Star, preferably a younger one.
So much for that credo.
Explaining why Philadelphia would acquire Chris Webber, Matt Barnes and Michael Bradley is clear. Webber immediately becomes one of the best, most skilled big men in the Eastern Conference.
In a clearly mediocre Atlantic Division, the addition of Webber to the league's leading scorer, Allen Iverson, would seem to elevate the Sixers into the favorite role. Webber's all-around offensive abilities, especially his unselfishness, only can help enhance Iverson's talents.
Why the Kings would acquire Corliss Williamson, Kenny Thomas and Brian Skinner in that same deal clearly brings more questions. There's no doubt they gave up more talent than they received.
Other variables had to play their respective roles. Because of denials from all angles, it's been impossible to prove the actual level of friction between Webber and Peja Stojakovic.
This deal appears to indicate their was more to it, maybe far more to it, than has been evident. Stojakovic, who can opt out of his contract following the '05-06 season, perhaps has made it clear that he was out of town if Webber still was on the team. Perhaps Webber told Petrie he no longer could play with Stojakovic. Who really knows?
The $60 million-plus remaining on Webber's contract certainly played a role in the deal over the next three years.
Does this trade give the Kings a better chance to win this year or in the future than it had before today?
Guess that will be the one question whose answer will be crystal clear.
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Analyzing the deal: Martin McNeal's take on the trade
Published 2:15 am PST Thursday, February 24, 2005
Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie always has said if he decided to trade an All-Star, he likely only would do so to receive another All-Star, preferably a younger one.
So much for that credo.
Explaining why Philadelphia would acquire Chris Webber, Matt Barnes and Michael Bradley is clear. Webber immediately becomes one of the best, most skilled big men in the Eastern Conference.
In a clearly mediocre Atlantic Division, the addition of Webber to the league's leading scorer, Allen Iverson, would seem to elevate the Sixers into the favorite role. Webber's all-around offensive abilities, especially his unselfishness, only can help enhance Iverson's talents.
Why the Kings would acquire Corliss Williamson, Kenny Thomas and Brian Skinner in that same deal clearly brings more questions. There's no doubt they gave up more talent than they received.
Other variables had to play their respective roles. Because of denials from all angles, it's been impossible to prove the actual level of friction between Webber and Peja Stojakovic.
This deal appears to indicate their was more to it, maybe far more to it, than has been evident. Stojakovic, who can opt out of his contract following the '05-06 season, perhaps has made it clear that he was out of town if Webber still was on the team. Perhaps Webber told Petrie he no longer could play with Stojakovic. Who really knows?
The $60 million-plus remaining on Webber's contract certainly played a role in the deal over the next three years.
Does this trade give the Kings a better chance to win this year or in the future than it had before today?
Guess that will be the one question whose answer will be crystal clear.
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