off the rails off season.

[tyrant]

1. Yes, Iverson did say some things about Webber. Among them was his comment that he was really thrilled to finally have a chance to play with someone like Webber on his team.

2. For the most part, Webber has been well received by the fans. These are the people who booed Santa, however, so an occasional boo in Webber's direction is pretty much par for the course.

Dude, those straws you're grasping at are getting smaller and smaller and smaller...

If you ever watch NBA Rookies on SpikeTV, you'll see an episode or two with the OTHER AI on Philly. He has quite a bit to say about Webber. You might want to try and catch it.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-walkerwebber031105&prov=yhoo&type=lgns


Webber, on the other hand, must feel like Santa Claus the day he was booed at Veterans Stadium: He came in with great intentions and a desire to please people, but apparently forgot to bring the presents.


Webber has struggled mightily with his shot since joining the Philadelphia 76ers, shooting just 34.5 percent in his first seven games, and he has not adapted to the frenetic pace Allen Iverson prefers. Even worse, coach Jim O'Brien doesn't appear to have a lot of faith in Webber, playing him just 31.6 minutes a game.

Webber's ailing knee does not allow him to play the type of aggressive, trapping pick-and-roll defense O'Brien likes. As a result, Webber has found himself on the bench for long stretches. The 76ers have built a team that thrives on forcing turnovers with pressure defense – they're No. 1 in the NBA in steals – but its a style in which Webber does not thrive.

Philly lost four of the first seven games with Webber, and the fans have already turned on him. He was booed in Tuesday's 104-85 home loss to Golden State as the Sixers fell 2½ games behind Boston in the quest for the Atlantic crown.

Renowned as a thin-skinned, sensitive man, Webber left the comforts of small-town Sacramento and now finds himself struggling to succeed in front of perhaps the nation's least charitable fans. With only five weeks left in the regular season, he doesn't have much time to reverse his fortunes. The only way for Webber to win the fans over is to help the 76ers win the Atlantic. That is exactly what was expected, after all, when C-Webb arrived. But with Walker and the Boston fans reunited in a veritable love fest and the Celtics playing well, Philly fans might continue their booing all the way into April.


"slam"

 

[VF21]

You might want to note the date on the article: March 11, 2005, and the author, Steve Kerr.

"slam"? Whatever...

 

[tyrant]

You might want to note the date on the article: March 11, 2005, and the author, Steve Kerr.

"slam"? Whatever...

lol. so what part of the article was not true? all of it pretty much was. but i can't diss my dawg, i love webber; he was the only sixer besides iverson to really stand out during the playoffs.

would you VF21 take webber back if signed for the MLE?

 

[VF21]

I'm not going to bother arguing about the article you posted any longer. If you're using comments by Steve Kerr to try and win your case, I don't even have to put on any witnesses.



As far as your question directly to me goes, you can't go back in time.

The team that was Vlade, Doug, Chris, Peja and Bibby is no more. You can't get it back.

Webber isn't going to be released by the Sixers. And if he was, there would be teams out there - notably the Knicks - who would pay a pretty hunk of change to sign him.

If it came down to actually being able to sign him for the MLE, my vote would be no way. That ship has sailed. It wouldn't do the fans, the organization, the team OR Chris Webber any good.

 

[CruzDude]

"Let’s begin with number one draft pick Francisco Garcia. The consensus seems to be that he was something of a steal at number 23. While he may eventually develop into a solid player, Garcia is exactly what the Kings do not need. That is, another slow-footed defensive liability who settles for the jump shot too much. He fits the Kings mold almost too perfectly, and that is most definitely not a good thing"

The article Sauce-26 found hits some good points but badly misses some. I watched Garcia play several times and saw an excellent, very quick defender with excellent moves who (in 4th game) went to the basket time and again with few jump shots. He rebounds, blocks shots and was a terror on stopping other teams fast breaks several times a game. When was the last time we've seen that by a King?

 

[tyrant]

"Let’s begin with number one draft pick Francisco Garcia. The consensus seems to be that he was something of a steal at number 23. While he may eventually develop into a solid player, Garcia is exactly what the Kings do not need. That is, another slow-footed defensive liability who settles for the jump shot too much. He fits the Kings mold almost too perfectly, and that is most definitely not a good thing"

The article Sauce-26 found hits some good points but badly misses some. I watched Garcia play several times and saw an excellent, very quick defender with excellent moves who (in 4th game) went to the basket time and again with few jump shots. He rebounds, blocks shots and was a terror on stopping other teams fast breaks several times a game. When was the last time we've seen that by a King?

tayshaun prince. oh, he's not a king. uh, christie?

 

[Bricklayer]

"Let’s begin with number one draft pick Francisco Garcia. The consensus seems to be that he was something of a steal at number 23. While he may eventually develop into a solid player, Garcia is exactly what the Kings do not need. That is, another slow-footed defensive liability who settles for the jump shot too much. He fits the Kings mold almost too perfectly, and that is most definitely not a good thing"

The article Sauce-26 found hits some good points but badly misses some. I watched Garcia play several times and saw an excellent, very quick defender with excellent moves who (in 4th game) went to the basket time and again with few jump shots. He rebounds, blocks shots and was a terror on stopping other teams fast breaks several times a game. When was the last time we've seen that by a King?

Now see, thing is I would have concurred with that article in college. I am curious about his summer league performance - as always summer league isn't a great indicator of talent. It should still tell you something about tendencies/style though. I think the difference is this -- Garcia amy well trun out to be a poor man to man defender, but is a gambler and plays with passion and thus is a good help defender. Unless he has improved dramatically, Kobe is going to light him up like a pinball machine. But he will still swoop around and be a pest and distraction with help defense. And of course anybody who wants to play transition defense for us is welcome...in fact we may have to trade him on principle.

 

[G_M]

. Unless he has improved dramatically, Kobe is going to light him up like a pinball machine.

Can't disagree with that. I would only point out, with a small amount of irony, Kobe's complete destruction of Doug Christie on a whenever he wanted to basis. I always thought it was ironic that the Kings "BEST" defender was not a lock down defender in the Bowen or Artest or even Prince mold. Christie was more of a "pest" who disrupted the flow and got into the passing lanes.

I hope Garcia, while not possessing the great foot speed, will play with the same level of passion and become possibly a disruptive force like Christie.

 

[VF21]

Can't disagree with that. I would only point out, with a small amount of irony, Kobe's complete destruction of Doug Christie on a whenever he wanted to basis. I always thought it was ironic that the Kings "BEST" defender was not a lock down defender in the Bowen or Artest or even Prince mold. Christie was more of a "pest" who disrupted the flow and got into the passing lanes.

I hope Garcia, while not possessing the great foot speed, will play with the same level of passion and become possibly a disruptive force like Christie.

And to continue the irony somewhat, Phil Jackson mentions Cuttino Mobley at least four times in his book as being a force that absolutely drove Kobe nuts.

Go figure...

 

[sauce-26]

while reading this article, I became very depressed thinking about the type of team we will field in the coming years. contending with the clippers for who wins more. but then i realized that gp is our gm. and that he has pulled rabbits out of his hat many times before. Some people seem to think he got lucky before with the other trades. He is very capable of doing it again.

 

[AriesMar27]

oh my god..... you guys are nuts, this team isnt that bad... things will be different but damn.... get a grip, the kings really arent that worse, if that... than the mavs, rockets and sonics.... miller had just gotten back from an injury and skinner had both of his thumbs jammed.... what are the chances? well, this is the kings we're talking about nut still....

with a healthy squad this team is just as good as the rest of the western conf outside of the spurs and maybe the suns. but who knows what the suns will be like after losing qrich, maybe jj and adding thomas....

but this team isnt that bad, short as all hell..... but still a good team... i still see them winning 50+....

GO KINGS....

 

[sauce-26]

but this team isnt that bad, short as all hell..... but still a good team... i still see them winning 50+....

GO KINGS....

I agree.

 

[SacTownKid]

Can't disagree with that. I would only point out, with a small amount of irony, Kobe's complete destruction of Doug Christie on a whenever he wanted to basis. I always thought it was ironic that the Kings "BEST" defender was not a lock down defender in the Bowen or Artest or even Prince mold. Christie was more of a "pest" who disrupted the flow and got into the passing lanes.

I hope Garcia, while not possessing the great foot speed, will play with the same level of passion and become possibly a disruptive force like Christie.

Wow, you are exactly RIGHT!!!

And you make some very good points. I think people remember Doug in somewhat of an inaccurate light. He was a good disruptor, like from what I have heard of Garcia, but he wasn't a lock down defender, but who is?

And yes Kobe TORCHED Doug, but Doug made it rough for Kobe. Hopefully Garcia has this potential.

 

[AriesMar27]

kobe torches everyone..... outside of bowen and prince.... bowen is dirty as hell though... and there is a reason that rip doesnt guard kobe that often.....

 

[BibityBobtyBoom]

oh my god..... you guys are nuts, this team isnt that bad... things will be different but damn.... get a grip, the kings really arent that worse, if that... than the mavs, rockets and sonics

Finally someone who isn't a downer! Can we stop the moping? Garcia will be our SAVIOR!!!! hopefully

 

[VF21]

Kobe torches everyone ... outside of Bowen and Prince ... AND CUTTINO MOBLEY!

 

[SacTownKid]

but this team isnt that bad, short as all hell..... but still a good team... i still see them winning 50+....

GO KINGS....

Well if Adelman actually utilized the fitting abilities of Greg Ostertag we wouldn't be so small!!! Thats 7'2" 300 pounds of shotblocking, paint clogging machine right there. Well...maybe 350 pounds worth last season, but he will be in shape this go around, count on it.

Another thing worth noting is that Greg is one of the better shot blockers to ever play this game. Look at his stats, per 48 the guys a MONSTER!!! Here we are wanting Theo Ratliff, when we already have a guy at Ratliffs level. WTF!!??

 

[SacTownKid]

Kobe torches everyone ... outside of Bowen and Prince ... AND CUTTINO MOBLEY!

Yeah too bad Cat only brings it when Kobe is in town.

 

[quick dog]

Pride?

Something struck me in this article that nobody has yet commented upon. This was one of the harshest assessments of the defensive capabilities of Brad Miller, Mike Bibby, and Peja Stojakovic that I have ever read, even here. Do you suppose any of them have read this article?

Earlier public comments by Adelman, Petrie, and the Maloofs regarding the defensive posture of the trio have been clear and precise. Negative public comments are probably ignored by most highly-paid athletes. How do you dance around this kind of pointed attack? I would be thoroughly humiliated if I were them.

 

[BibityBobtyBoom]

i checked the free agent list and seen some still worth while players in the mix, in my opinion that is:

1. Dan Dikau: now his first few years were well... bad because he was stuck on going no where teams. But he emerged late last season on the hornets and he started averaging about 16 ppg and just gave a good burst and is now available.

2. Jaric: hes cool so yeah

3. Joe Freaking Johnson!: even though he is a restricted free agent and phoenix will probably do anything to keep him going to a pacific division rival, but there is no problem with jacking up their salary cap if they resign him

4. Kerry Kittles: he has experience

5. Damon Jones: may want a starting spot though.

Yeah start saying why each one isn't possible... and go!

 

[sono]

Many teams would kill for the Kings recent success. Seven straight trips to the playoffs, including a 2002 run that nearly ended in an NBA finals appearance (and likely a championship). However, this overview ignores the fact that the Kings performance since 1999 has followed a bell curve. Starting at the bottom, with first round losses to the Jazz and Lakers, the Kings reached the apex of the curve with the afore mentioned 2002 conference finals appearance. Unfortunately, since that appearance, the Kings have been traveling down the curve, last year turning in a dismal performance in falling to the Sonics in the first round...

 

[captain bill]

Well if Adelman actually utilized the fitting abilities of Greg Ostertag we wouldn't be so small!!! Thats 7'2" 300 pounds of shotblocking, paint clogging machine right there. Well...maybe 350 pounds worth last season, but he will be in shape this go around, count on it.

Another thing worth noting is that Greg is one of the better shot blockers to ever play this game. Look at his stats, per 48 the guys a MONSTER!!! Here we are wanting Theo Ratliff, when we already have a guy at Ratliffs level. WTF!!??

Per 48 minutes is the worst way to evaluate a player. Yeah, if he plays 48 minutes while his out of shape *** doesn't retire, and of course will play all 48 minutes against the same scrubs he plays against for 10 minutes.

PS- he averages 8 points, 14 rebs, 3.4 blocks and 8 personal fouls. So he probably wouldn't reach the end of those 48 minutes anyway.

Not that I don't think Tag should be used more, provided he's in good shape, but don't get all giddy and call him a monster. I like him if only for his attitude- owning up to his mistakes, wanting to get in better shape, and opting to stick with Sac another year and earn his way back (or just plain on in the first place) to the team.

 

[thesanityannex]

i haven't heard many people who were as bold to say that franco garcia was just "another slow footed liability" i've never seen the guy play, but there is obviously something about him that gave you that assumption. kinda awkward seeing as how others in this forum praise him as possibly "the next doug christie".

.

I had a problem with this in the original post from realgm, and now someone agrees with it??? Until you see Francisco play, don't believe anyone who says he is another slow footed liability. Christie wasn't "Christie" when he first came to the league, and Francisco won't be "Christie" his first year either. Francisco has an excellent wingspan and knows how to use it. If you say he lacks defense, show me. I'm looking at his summer league stats and he has plenty of blocks and steals, bad defense???

 

[LPKingsFan]

I'd rather have someone have the right tools to play D, and learn it, than someone be a good defender in college but not be physical enough to make it in the league.

 

[VF21]

sanity - The author also misspelled Stojakovic, totally forgot about Bobby Jackson and Kevin Martin, and made a number of other misstatements. All in all, I don't think the article was anything to write home about.

 

[thesanityannex]

sanity - The author also misspelled Stojakovic, totally forgot about Bobby Jackson and Kevin Martin, and made a number of other misstatements. All in all, I don't think the article was anything to write home about.

Damn, what will my mom think now???



I'm just sick of Garcia being trashed when only a few have seen him in person on this site. Not only can he play defense, but he TRIES to play defense. Maybe some of the other Kings can pick up on some of his mojo.

 

[VF21]

Most people on Kingsfans.com aren't trashing Garcia. They're simply reserving judgment until they actually get a chance to see him play in a Kings uniform. I don't think that's a bad attitude to have...

 

[thesanityannex]

Agreed, MOST aren't (any more, remember draft day?), but there are a few, who seem to know nothing about the guy except for what is written here. Oh well, its for him to prove, not me, I'll just leave it alone.

 

[sauce-26]

I have seen garcia during the tournament and he is a very good player.

 

[SacTownKid]

Per 48 minutes is the worst way to evaluate a player. Yeah, if he plays 48 minutes while his out of shape *** doesn't retire, and of course will play all 48 minutes against the same scrubs he plays against for 10 minutes.

PS- he averages 8 points, 14 rebs, 3.4 blocks and 8 personal fouls. So he probably wouldn't reach the end of those 48 minutes anyway.

Not that I don't think Tag should be used more, provided he's in good shape, but don't get all giddy and call him a monster. I like him if only for his attitude- owning up to his mistakes, wanting to get in better shape, and opting to stick with Sac another year and earn his way back (or just plain on in the first place) to the team.

Well I thought he was going to at least get the opprotunity to use his 6 fouls here in Sac. It was one of the selling points in signing him last year. Guess what! He didn't get to use those fouls.

BTW the "out of shape" excuse is crap. After Tag played well Adelman repeatedly said he needed to find Tag some minutes, then would proceed to bench him for 4 games. Its BS.