Mavs want both Webber and Steve F. ???

[Warhawk]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2935125

By Mark Stein

Steve Francis remains the Clippers' No. 1 free-agent target … and the Clippers are still considered the team most likely to sign Francis.
But don't discount Dallas.
The scoring guard formerly known as Stevie Franchise in Houston has a close relationship with Mavericks coach and offseason Houston resident Avery Johnson, who is heading Dallas' recruitment of both Francis and Chris Webber.
It's believed that the Mavs favor Webber if they have to choose between the two. Yet they're also contemplating whether to divvy up their $5.3 million exception in an attempt to sign both former All-Stars, as Dallas searches for an additional offensive threat or two that can prevent opposing defenses from focusing so heavily on Dirk Nowitzki.
It's safe to say that all of Francis' suitors -- Houston is another top contender, as is Miami if the Heat can't convince Mo Williams to leave the Bucks -- are hoping that the 30-year-old makes situation and fit his greater priorities than money, after Francis received an estimated $30 million buyout from Portland.

 

[VF21]

I could not watch a game with Webb in a Mavs uniform. Some things just aren't right.

 

[Double-K]

I could not watch a game with Webb in a Mavs uniform. Some things just aren't right.

Just the thought of that makes me sick and disgusted.

I will not watch a single Mavs game if they indeed got C-Webb.....

 

[DocHolliday]

You wouldn't even if watch if they were playing the Kings?

 

[supamari0]

I could not watch a game with Webb in a Mavs uniform. Some things just aren't right.

I absolutely HATE the Mavs and Mark Cuban but the same feeling goes for me if I see Steve Francis in a Mavs jersey.

That ain't right either.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Just the thought of that makes me sick and disgusted.

I will not watch a single Mavs game if they indeed got C-Webb.....

I couldnt agree more...that just sounds sickening...Webber all chummy with Mark Cuban. At least it would only be for 1 season. Webber in ANY other uni makes me sick to watch, actually...just too bad we're in re-building mode and cant bring him back to retire here in Sac, the only place he should be retiring...this is his hometown as much as Detroit is his hometown.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

I absolutely HATE the Mavs and Mark Cuban but the same feeling goes for me if I see Steve Francis in a Mavs jersey.

That ain't right either.

I could care less what the hell Franchise does, means nothing to me in the first place, but you as a Rockets fan would probably be soured by that, I'm sure.

 

[piksi]

I don't see Webber going there. In his delusional mind - Webber thinks that he is still a starter and Mavs aren't going to let him start because they want to win. Webber & Irk - that must be a dream defnse to play against.

 

[RIP miyagi]

I just wanna know what happened to steve francis, he just straight fell off the map.

 

[Bricklayer]

I don't see Webber going there. In his delusional mind - Webber thinks that he is still a starter and Mavs aren't going to let him start because they want to win.

Yeah, kinds like those ECF Pistons didn't let Webber start because they wanted to win too, huh?

I would nonetheless agree that a bench cheerleader role is unlikely to appeal to Webb I would think. And while Cuban has money, so does Webb. Doubt its enough to truly convince him unless getting that ring somehow, someway, is just the absolute be all for him.


Some of this just comes down to Webb himself. If he's willing to relocate to Dallas, then is Houston still in play? They look like contenders too, have only a Euro PF coming over, and have the entire old Kings coaching staff for the ultimate comfort zone. What about Miami with only Haslem in the way and Shaq sure to take a chunk of the season off? Sun, sand, Riley, and again maybe a late season title push. What's so special about Dallas?

 

[Evilmav2]

Yeah, kinds like those ECF Pistons didn't let Webber start because they wanted to win too, huh?

I would nonetheless agree that a bench cheerleader role is unlikely to appeal to Webb I would think. And while Cuban has money, so does Webb. Doubt its enough to truly convince him unless getting that ring somehow, someway, is just the absolute be all for him.... What's so special about Dallas?

Well, Dallas desperately needed a reliable low-post scoring threat, as well as a half-court passing playmaker to punish that all-small forwards+Baron+Biedrins gimmick lineup that Big Don threw at us in our first round series against Golden State this season, and I'd bet that Webber's baby hook and passing skills will be just about the last things he ever loses as he ages out of the league.

That considered, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Avery guarantee Webber that he will see 25+ minutes per night and mean it (a move that would see a more perimeter oriented Dirk playing alongside CWebb for major minutes, and that would see Webber filling up the backup PF minutes alongside our Stackhouse-led bench unit). Of course, I'm sure Webber probably wouldn't start in Dallas, but considering the fact that it will be almost impossible for the man to garner more than full MLE money this Summer, I'd bet that Avery's charismatic recruiting efforts coupled with a guarantee of meaningful playing time, and with a good chance of competing for a championship in Dallas might just net CWebb for my beloved Mavericks, and if he arrives in Dallas, don't be surprised to see him retire here after a productive three or four years...

As for Franchise though... Uggghhh... Let him go back to his happy place with Cat Mobley, and keep him away from my Mavs...

 

[venom_7]

I'd bet that Avery's charismatic recruiting efforts coupled with a guarantee of meaningful playing time, and with a good chance of competing for a championship in Dallas might just net CWebb for my beloved Mavericks, and if he arrives in Dallas, don't be surprised to see him retire here after a productive three or four years...

please don't depress me. that makes me gag.

 

[GoGoGadget]

I don't usually view these things from a super emotional place, but considering the connection between Webber, the Mavericks and our steady decline into yucky... Yeah, that would be a tough sight to see.

 

[piksi]

Yeah, kinds like those ECF Pistons didn't let Webber start because they wanted to win too, huh?

They sure didn't get there because of him and then they lost to a "one man team". Signing him was the biggest mistake Pistons have done the whole season. I haven't seen anyone being so slow since Vlade's last season with the lakers.
And it was the worst ECF in the history. Those Cavs could have played best of 51 and they would have gotten swept by the Spurs.

 

[VF21]

You wouldn't even if watch if they were playing the Kings?

ESPECIALLY not if they were playing the Kings. I'm not saying anyone else has to feel the same way, but I simply could not do it.

 

[kennadog]

I'm with you VF. I think if I saw Webb on the Mavericks, I'd think I was in an evil parallel universe. Don't want to go there, nope, not at al.

 

[Bricklayer]

They sure didn't get there because of him and then they lost to a "one man team". Signing him was the biggest mistake Pistons have done the whole season. I haven't seen anyone being so slow since Vlade's last season with the lakers.

Oh really? They were dead in the water before he arrived and Webb is generally accredited to giving them the spark to the second half of their season. He wasn't their best player, but without him they may not have even been there to choke. It was easily the BEST move the Pisotns made all season. The move they had to make to avoid anymore Nazr starting at center silliness.

 

[Fresno King]

Could be worse...

He could sign with the Lakers.

Or the Rockets... oh the irony.

Pass the barf bag.

 

[Bricklayer]

Could be worse...

He could sign with the Lakers.

Or the Rockets... oh the irony.

Pass the barf bag.

Wouldn't mind the Rockets so much. With all the ex-Kings atatchments floating around there that's going to be a clear 2nd team to watch anyway. Might as well add in one more and have somebody to root for in the playoffs while we wait for our next lottery pick.

 

[GoGoGadget]

Or the Rockets... oh the irony.

No. If he and Adelman ended up together in Houston there may be a slight sting of what could have been, but I'd actually be quite happy for both if it turned out the be a successful reunion. And, as Brick pointed out, it would give me someone to root for in the post season.

 

[Warhawk]

No. If he and Adelman ended up together in Houston there may be a slight sting of what could have been, but I'd actually be quite happy for both if it turned out the be a successful reunion. And, as Brick pointed out, it would give me someone to root for in the post season.

Agreed