http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/16427901.htm
Mavericks interested in C-Webb
By ART GARCIA
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The Mavericks plan to take a look at Chris Webber if and when he gets released by the Philadelphia 76ers, but the chances of signing the former All-Star power forward are believed to be slim.
Despite his diminished production this season, Webber figures to command a lot of interest from the league's elite teams. The list of possible suitors would also likely include San Antonio, Phoenix, defending champion Miami, Detroit and others in need of a battle-tested veteran once considered among the best in the league at his position.
"If I'm putting myself in his shoes, he would want to compete and play for a championship-caliber team," Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said Wednesday. "We're one of those teams he could make a 'run for the roses' with."
Webber, a native of Detroit, is on the verge of being bought out of his contract, according to reports out of Philadelphia. He's averaging 11 points and 8.3 rebounds this season in 18 games, having missed 10 of the last 13 games because of ankle and foot problems.
The Mavs would be able to offer Webber their $1.75 million biannual exception. Webber was scheduled to earn more than $20 million this season and next before the buyout.
The word out of Webber's camp is he's looking for a situation where significant minutes are available. That wouldn't be the case with the Mavs because of the presence of All-Star power forward Dirk Nowitzki and the fact that Dallas has one of the deepest rosters in the league.
Webber (6-10, 245) was traded to the Sixers last season after six-plus years in Sacramento. The 14-year veteran has also played for Washington and Golden State, averaging 21.4 points and 10 rebounds for his career.
Nelson and coach Avery Johnson both have ties to Webber dating to 1993-94, his rookie season with the Warriors. Nelson served on his father's staff. Johnson was the starting point guard.
Nelson said the next step is to discuss the situation with Johnson and owner Mark Cuban pending Webber's release. The three men could talk in person before the Mavs face Portland tonight at American Airlines Center.
Johnson would also have to meet with Webber before any decision is made.
"Avery is a meeting guy," Nelson said. "Before we come to terms with players, he wants to sit down face-to-face, eye-to-eye."
Nelson added that the advantages to adding Webber stem from his track record. The Mavs also could have a need for a true power forward behind Nowitzki, as Austin Croshere has struggled this season. Devean George has played a number of backup minutes there, but he's a true small forward at 6-8.
The disadvantages could be the lack of playing time with the Mavs – Nelson estimates it's somewhere between 7 and 15 minutes per game – and Webber's physical state.
"Can he add something to the mix? The obvious answer is yes," Nelson said. "But it's complicated. We don't want to do anything to upset the balance of this really cool chemistry we have on this team right now."
Nelson added "there's something to be said" to keeping Webber away from a rival, but that wouldn't be the priority.
Webber also has had a reputation of being difficult. Nelson doesn't anticipate that being a problem, noting the success the Mavs have enjoyed with Jerry Stackhouse and Nick Van Exel.
"The majority of NBA players, they're like great artists or musicians," Nelson said. "They like things done a certain way. That's nothing new. That's what makes them great talents.
"With age comes wisdom and understanding and more openness. We experienced that with Jerry and Nick and on down the line. Their priorities shift."
Since the Mavs have the league-maximum 15 players on the roster, one would have to be waived to make room for Webber. All 15 have guaranteed contracts.