gotpitbull
G-League
Couldn't find this article posted yet, but then again, there have been about a million posts since 9pm last night. Sorry if this is a duplicate:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/marty_burns/02/24/webber.reax/index.html?cnn=yes
WHY THE KINGS MADE THE TRADE
Chemistry. Chris Webber is an All-Star caliber talent, but he didn't get along with Peja Stojakovic. One of the two had to go, and Kings GM Geoff Petrie apparently decided Webber's knee problems and huge contract (three more years, $62 million) made him more expendable. Also, Webber's tendency to hold the ball and his limited mobility on defense since returning from left knee surgery last year had become on-court issues for Sacramento. The Kings had lost some of the flow they displayed last year when Stojakovic was more of a focus of the offense, and on defense they were giving up too many points in the paint. Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson and Brian Skinner are solid players who should help fortify Sacramento's defense while bringing much-needed frontcourt depth. But it remains to be seen how well they will fit into the Kings' free-flowing offense since none is known for his passing.
WHY THE SIXERS MADE THE TRADE
It's not everyday a 6-foot-10 five-time All-Star becomes available. With Allen Iverson coming out recently and saying he wanted more help, the chance to add Webber was simply too good to pass up. Even with his gimpy knee, C-Webb is averaging 24 points and nine boards this season. Not since Jerry Stackhouse has Iverson had a legit healthy 20-point scorer alongside him. Webber also is a great passer who can work the high post. The Sixers will miss the frontcourt depth provided by Thomas, Williamson and Skinner, but GM Billy King felt the Sixers needed a big-time scorer more. Philly hopes that coach Jim O'Brien and assistant Dick Harter can mask Webber's flaws on defense. The Sixers are also taking a huge gamble that Webber's knee holds up for the remainder of the contract. But with Iverson getting older, and the Atlantic Division race wide open, they want to win now.
BOTTOM LINE
This trade makes sense for both teams. Philly needed another scorer to complement Iverson, who is having an MVP-type season. Webber, though a long-term risk because of his knee, should at least provide an immediate offensive boost. It might even be enough to push the Sixers over the top in the Atlantic. As for the Kings, they had been shopping Webber for months, so that part of it is not a big surprise. But few would have guessed they would take back three role players for their five-time All-Star. Obviously, Petrie believes he has enough scorers in the likes of Stojakovic, Mike Bibby, Cuttino Mobley and Brad Miller to make a run for the NBA title this year. Meanwhile he felt the C-Webb Era had run its course and that he needed to get his contract off their books. Even if the Kings don't win the title this year, it all but assures that Stojakovic will rescind his earlier request to be traded.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/marty_burns/02/24/webber.reax/index.html?cnn=yes
WHY THE KINGS MADE THE TRADE
Chemistry. Chris Webber is an All-Star caliber talent, but he didn't get along with Peja Stojakovic. One of the two had to go, and Kings GM Geoff Petrie apparently decided Webber's knee problems and huge contract (three more years, $62 million) made him more expendable. Also, Webber's tendency to hold the ball and his limited mobility on defense since returning from left knee surgery last year had become on-court issues for Sacramento. The Kings had lost some of the flow they displayed last year when Stojakovic was more of a focus of the offense, and on defense they were giving up too many points in the paint. Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson and Brian Skinner are solid players who should help fortify Sacramento's defense while bringing much-needed frontcourt depth. But it remains to be seen how well they will fit into the Kings' free-flowing offense since none is known for his passing.
WHY THE SIXERS MADE THE TRADE
It's not everyday a 6-foot-10 five-time All-Star becomes available. With Allen Iverson coming out recently and saying he wanted more help, the chance to add Webber was simply too good to pass up. Even with his gimpy knee, C-Webb is averaging 24 points and nine boards this season. Not since Jerry Stackhouse has Iverson had a legit healthy 20-point scorer alongside him. Webber also is a great passer who can work the high post. The Sixers will miss the frontcourt depth provided by Thomas, Williamson and Skinner, but GM Billy King felt the Sixers needed a big-time scorer more. Philly hopes that coach Jim O'Brien and assistant Dick Harter can mask Webber's flaws on defense. The Sixers are also taking a huge gamble that Webber's knee holds up for the remainder of the contract. But with Iverson getting older, and the Atlantic Division race wide open, they want to win now.
BOTTOM LINE
This trade makes sense for both teams. Philly needed another scorer to complement Iverson, who is having an MVP-type season. Webber, though a long-term risk because of his knee, should at least provide an immediate offensive boost. It might even be enough to push the Sixers over the top in the Atlantic. As for the Kings, they had been shopping Webber for months, so that part of it is not a big surprise. But few would have guessed they would take back three role players for their five-time All-Star. Obviously, Petrie believes he has enough scorers in the likes of Stojakovic, Mike Bibby, Cuttino Mobley and Brad Miller to make a run for the NBA title this year. Meanwhile he felt the C-Webb Era had run its course and that he needed to get his contract off their books. Even if the Kings don't win the title this year, it all but assures that Stojakovic will rescind his earlier request to be traded.
