I'm about 24 hours late to the party, or so it seems, but let me first say that I'm disappointed to see CWebb travel to Philly. As my name indicates, I was a CWebb fan long before I was a fan of the Kings, and in truth I haven't been happy with any of the trades he has been involved in when they went down. This last trade worked out better than I had hoped for CWebb, and were it not for some free throw jitters or a busted knee, may have worked out perfectly.
Still, from a Kings' perspective, I've only seen a few posts stating that this isn't the end of the world, and that's the side of the fence I am on as a continuing Kings' fan.
First, one of the Kings' bigger problems has been interior athleticism. They get that with Skinner, who isn't a stud starting PF in the NBA, but I would wager he got a great recommendation from Terry Porter about his play in Milwaukee last year. He's got the size and athleticism to at least help the Kings out in the area of interior defense.
Second, another problem the team has had has been consistent bench production. Williamson gives the Kings that *if* Adelman will pull his head out of the sand and use Corliss like the Raptors, Pistons and Sixers used him -- as a sixth man PF to take advantage of the other team's second string. Corliss is quite effective in this role. I wish Adelman would've used him there prior to trading him.
Third, the Kings only (and I use that word lightly) really gave up CWebb. Barnes and Bradley are clearly throwaways. Each of the players they received from the 76ers is better than either of those two (unfortunately, none of them hold a candle to CWebb at this point). The problem is that none of the three really play back up SF all that well. I'm quite surprised that Petrie couldn't pry a little more versatility out of this deal.
Fourth, the Kings with Mobley had too much offense, and they knew it. And as some pointed out often on this board, the least efficient scorer on the team was the guy taking the most shots. Trading CWebb, I'm sure Petrie is hoping, will be akin to addition by subtraction for the Kings' offense. Without CWebb taking 20 shots per game, those shots get spread around to more efficient scorers (Bibby, Peja, Mobley, Brad). Sure, some of those shots may be tougher without the defense having to focus on CWebb, but I think the Kings offense can function quite well following this trade.
Are there downsides to this trade for the Kings? Plenty...roster is now pretty heavy in the big guy area...Songaila has played well in a back up role, but does he get squeezed here since he lacks the athleticism of Skinner or Thomas? I'm still shocked that the Kings / Maloofs were so anxious to unload CWebb that they traded him without getting a truly valuable commodity back in return from the Sixers (Igoudala, Dalembert) that they could develop. It's also the end of the run, in a way, that CWebb and Vlade started in the late 90s.
But this team still makes the playoffs (presuming Peja has been playing possum on his injuries to some degree) in the Western conference, and slipping to 6 or 7 might not be too bad if it allows missing the Spurs in the first round.
Now, anyone know of a Philly fan board? I'd like to check 76ers' fan reaction.