OFFICIAL: Kings trade Webber to Philly!!!!!
- Thread starter G_M
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I'd say probably not, but I doubt they have a better chance now.
And to say that we "tried that for several years" and infer that the formula itself didn't work is pretty inaccurate. The Kings had one legitimate chance to win with the Webber-led team, and they came about as close as you can come without getting there. Yes, they failed, but a second chance was not out of the question.
And to say that we "tried that for several years" and infer that the formula itself didn't work is pretty inaccurate. The Kings had one legitimate chance to win with the Webber-led team, and they came about as close as you can come without getting there. Yes, they failed, but a second chance was not out of the question.
I finally have couple of minutes to chime in on this trade. All I can say is Wow! I still can't believe this trade has actually gone down.
My feelings are that along with Vlade, Chris Webber was the heart and soul of the Kings for the last 6 years and basically two of them (with J-Will to a lesser extent) turned the whole franchise around. OK, Maloof's money, Adelman/Carrill and GP had something to do with it too, but we're talking from pure player personnel perspective here. When J-Will was traded it was for the arguably better player and for the benefit of the team (Willimas being to erratic). When Vlade left it was with understanding that he gave his all and returned to LA to play out his last year or two.
Webber was basically traded while he still had some gas in the tank and while it seemed (or so it was rumoured) that GP was trying to bring on fresh blood (Cuttino, rumours of trades for Odom), younger more athletic players to give Webber and the Kings one last big push for championship.
I did not see this one coming. I also believe that Sixers took on Webber because they too calculated that he is good for one or two more runs at the NBA championship. With Sixers, it is much more black and white. They have good, promissing youngsters and AI who's carried them for so long but who is not going to be around forever. They must try to win it all this or next year or they are in for long rebuilding.
I am just not sure what does it all mean for the Kings? Are we rebuilding? Is GP confident that with Bibby-Miller-Stojakovic he has a core of the guys to work with and we will not miss a step? Is there another trade coming down (if not now, then in the offseason) that will put a seal on it (old Kings/new Kings)?
All I know is that there is a lot of upset Kings fans around here. As a fellow Kings' fan I really, really feel for you and I hope that this (trade) will be worth it and work out for you in the long run. But let's also be realistic - we will only be truly happy if Kings win the championship - even if it takes another 5 trades to do so.
As some of you know, it would be really hypocritical of me to say that I will miss Webber and that I wish he was still a King. I respect the guy for what he did for the Kings (easily the best Kings player ever) and I even "secretly" liked him: I always felt that he is being unfairly labeled as soft and I hated how everybody would always bring up the "time-out", even though his "hard a55" act infuriated me as of late. But some time during his Kings career, Chris succumbed to the "superstar and a leader" mythos of NBA that calls for one (sometimes two) guy to take on his team on his shoulders and carry it to the promised land. This is anathema to the basketball that I like and by the way, the playing style that made me a Kings fan in the first place. But that is all in the past now. I really wish him the best and I hope that he stays healthy and that he is very successfull with his new team (except against the Kings).
My predictions (of trade impact):
Sixers will make ECF.
Kings will have better record for the rest of the year (then up to now) but will fold in the play-offs (2nd round).
My feelings are that along with Vlade, Chris Webber was the heart and soul of the Kings for the last 6 years and basically two of them (with J-Will to a lesser extent) turned the whole franchise around. OK, Maloof's money, Adelman/Carrill and GP had something to do with it too, but we're talking from pure player personnel perspective here. When J-Will was traded it was for the arguably better player and for the benefit of the team (Willimas being to erratic). When Vlade left it was with understanding that he gave his all and returned to LA to play out his last year or two.
Webber was basically traded while he still had some gas in the tank and while it seemed (or so it was rumoured) that GP was trying to bring on fresh blood (Cuttino, rumours of trades for Odom), younger more athletic players to give Webber and the Kings one last big push for championship.
I did not see this one coming. I also believe that Sixers took on Webber because they too calculated that he is good for one or two more runs at the NBA championship. With Sixers, it is much more black and white. They have good, promissing youngsters and AI who's carried them for so long but who is not going to be around forever. They must try to win it all this or next year or they are in for long rebuilding.
I am just not sure what does it all mean for the Kings? Are we rebuilding? Is GP confident that with Bibby-Miller-Stojakovic he has a core of the guys to work with and we will not miss a step? Is there another trade coming down (if not now, then in the offseason) that will put a seal on it (old Kings/new Kings)?
All I know is that there is a lot of upset Kings fans around here. As a fellow Kings' fan I really, really feel for you and I hope that this (trade) will be worth it and work out for you in the long run. But let's also be realistic - we will only be truly happy if Kings win the championship - even if it takes another 5 trades to do so.
As some of you know, it would be really hypocritical of me to say that I will miss Webber and that I wish he was still a King. I respect the guy for what he did for the Kings (easily the best Kings player ever) and I even "secretly" liked him: I always felt that he is being unfairly labeled as soft and I hated how everybody would always bring up the "time-out", even though his "hard a55" act infuriated me as of late. But some time during his Kings career, Chris succumbed to the "superstar and a leader" mythos of NBA that calls for one (sometimes two) guy to take on his team on his shoulders and carry it to the promised land. This is anathema to the basketball that I like and by the way, the playing style that made me a Kings fan in the first place. But that is all in the past now. I really wish him the best and I hope that he stays healthy and that he is very successfull with his new team (except against the Kings).
My predictions (of trade impact):
Sixers will make ECF.
Kings will have better record for the rest of the year (then up to now) but will fold in the play-offs (2nd round).
And of all of those players on the second list, I would say that only 2 are near locks to return (Bibby/Miller) with Peja third depending on performance/attitude. Everybody else is a free agent, potential trade fodder, a free agent AND trade fodder, etc. Its really pretty mucha full scale rebuilding, but an attempted redbuilding on the fly.
and it infers that we had a fair shot each year, which, due to injuries we didn't. I would have loved to have a shot at is this year and be healthy, but it wasn't meant to be. I think we were a long shot for the championship this year, but after this trade I think it almost impossible. But, that's just my opinion, and I would LOVE to be proven wrong.
Totally agreed. With Webber gone, Pedja will be No1 in one respect at least - accountability. No matter what, fans here (and elsewhere I guess) will hold him to the standards previously reserved for Webber. See how he likes that. 20-4-2 is not going to cut it. Anthing less then stellar play-offs and he will force GP's hand. I don't think he will get a chance to leave the Kings. he will eitehr _earn_ max contract here or he will be run out of town. Literally.
interesting situation for peja, cuz we dont really know for sure if he still wants to be here, even with webb gone. i'm not so certain it's a lock that he will stay of his own accord. of course, as you point out, he may just be run out of town if he continues performing below his abilities. dunno whats gonna happen. i would hope he would come out with some heart and shows that he is, in fact, "the man." he doesnt have to be the leader like webb was, cuz thats completely out of his scope of ability, but if he can be an example of kings basketball on the court, then he would regain some of the respect that i (and i believe many others) had lost for him.
After 24 hours to think about it, I like the trade.
How many times this season, and the end of last season, did you watch a game and see Webber slow down the offense, hoist up ill-advised shots, and just let opposing players walk to the front of the rim. The Kings just don't seem to play with intensity with Webber on the court. Yes, his passing was pretty, but there was no hustle.
Plus, how many times do you hold your breath during a game when Webber comes up limping. He could be finished in a flash.
So the Kings must now employ "forwards by committee." But these guys can grab rebounds, and they will be infinitely more effective on defense (especially if Adelman reminds them that they have six fouls to give). The Kings have plenty of offense (only one guy can shoot the ball with each possession, afterall). Let Peja, Bibby, Mobley, and Miller score. Give the PF position to those who can play D and who hustle.
Webber surprised me with his play this year. But all commentary noted that he is "playing pretty good for someone who can't jump anymore." We need some players who can jump.
How many times this season, and the end of last season, did you watch a game and see Webber slow down the offense, hoist up ill-advised shots, and just let opposing players walk to the front of the rim. The Kings just don't seem to play with intensity with Webber on the court. Yes, his passing was pretty, but there was no hustle.
Plus, how many times do you hold your breath during a game when Webber comes up limping. He could be finished in a flash.
So the Kings must now employ "forwards by committee." But these guys can grab rebounds, and they will be infinitely more effective on defense (especially if Adelman reminds them that they have six fouls to give). The Kings have plenty of offense (only one guy can shoot the ball with each possession, afterall). Let Peja, Bibby, Mobley, and Miller score. Give the PF position to those who can play D and who hustle.
Webber surprised me with his play this year. But all commentary noted that he is "playing pretty good for someone who can't jump anymore." We need some players who can jump.
What I mean when I agree that the offense is "not as good" is that it didn't LOOK the same as in the past. These Kings have never been known as a team that can't put of shots and get their points - but the game they play now, while still very efficient, just looks different; it doesn't look as free and flowery as it did in the past. (I know that may not make sense to anyone, but whatever).
I don't think that was Chris' fault, though - people just STOPPED moving and doing what they needed to do to get the ball.
I still don't know....
I don't think that was Chris' fault, though - people just STOPPED moving and doing what they needed to do to get the ball.
I still don't know....
BUMP
With the new season upon us, I think its easy to say this could be the best team we've had in quite a while....CERTAINLY better than a team with Chris, Vlade, and Doug this year.the starting 5 can compete with any in the NBA, and Kenny, Corliss, and Skinner provide the bulk of a scrappy, tough-minded bench.
Some reports say that Chris is basically done, due to his knee. Anyone care to revisit their thoughts? Just say the following:
IN PETRIE WE TRUST.
RINSE.
REPEAT......
With the new season upon us, I think its easy to say this could be the best team we've had in quite a while....CERTAINLY better than a team with Chris, Vlade, and Doug this year.the starting 5 can compete with any in the NBA, and Kenny, Corliss, and Skinner provide the bulk of a scrappy, tough-minded bench.
Some reports say that Chris is basically done, due to his knee. Anyone care to revisit their thoughts? Just say the following:
IN PETRIE WE TRUST.
RINSE.
REPEAT......
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