sloter
Starter
Ah I get that feeling here often as well.
webb to detroit
- Thread starter Big Cuz 15
- Start date
Ah I get that feeling here often as well.
KP
Starter
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070211/SPORTS03/702110594/1051/SPORTS
Webber's presence energizes once stagnant team
February 11, 2007
BY KRISTA JAHNKE
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
In the past few weeks, the Pistons have been a different team. A better one.
And that goes beyond the flexibility and wow factor Chris Webber's addition has brought to the offense.
For the first time this season, this team is playing like it's excited. The players look as if they are having fun.
That's an important change from the season's opening 10 weeks, when the Pistons rarely looked inspired or energized, two factors inherent in most championship-caliber teams. Although there were moments of greatness -- a fine win over Dallas on the road, a great team performance at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, a calculating win over the Cavaliers in Cleveland -- rarely did the players look like they were enjoying themselves.
After much success and so many years of sharing the floor together, the Pistons carried themselves with a case of been there, done that. For many fans, even the Pistons' best moments seemed stale.
It was worth wondering whether it was the team's desire to pace itself or whether such a blasé squad could really compete for a title.
That all changed with Webber's arrival.
Now, as Lakers coach Phil Jackson noted last week, the Pistons look enlivened, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Webber's game alone has been like pouring a gallon of Red Bull into a sleepy teenager. The energy was always there, it just needed help to resurface, and Webber's passing abilities, great hands and skill at playing alongside another great offensive big man in Rasheed Wallace have done that.
It's hard to quantify something like this. There's more talking on defense; everyone is locked in. There is more hustle in everyone's step, even against bad teams. There are more assists, more passing because, as coach Flip Saunders put it, Webber's "passing breeds passing."
And there is more movement on offense.
"Guys seem to cut harder, because they know if they cut hard and they're open, he's going to get him a pass," Saunders said. "You don't know what kind of pass might be coming, where it's going to be coming from. Those type of things do energize."
And when a team finds a new sense of energy like this, the great part is that it begins to snowball. First the players feel it. Soon opponents can sense it, too. Then it seeps into the stands. "I think people come to the game waiting to see what's going to happen," Saunders said. "And when your crowd is a little bit more on the edge of your seat, players sense that, and players play with more of a sense of urgency. What players want to do is entertain, so I think that whole thing has energized everyone."
And so does winning. The Pistons are 10-2 entering Saturday since Webber was inserted into the starting lineup Jan. 19. "You always have fun when you win," Saunders said. "But also how we're playing is fun. I think each guy has been a little more motivated."
Contact KRISTA JAHNKE at 313-223-4493 or klatham@freepress.com.
Webber's presence energizes once stagnant team
February 11, 2007
BY KRISTA JAHNKE
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
In the past few weeks, the Pistons have been a different team. A better one.
And that goes beyond the flexibility and wow factor Chris Webber's addition has brought to the offense.
For the first time this season, this team is playing like it's excited. The players look as if they are having fun.
That's an important change from the season's opening 10 weeks, when the Pistons rarely looked inspired or energized, two factors inherent in most championship-caliber teams. Although there were moments of greatness -- a fine win over Dallas on the road, a great team performance at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, a calculating win over the Cavaliers in Cleveland -- rarely did the players look like they were enjoying themselves.
After much success and so many years of sharing the floor together, the Pistons carried themselves with a case of been there, done that. For many fans, even the Pistons' best moments seemed stale.
It was worth wondering whether it was the team's desire to pace itself or whether such a blasé squad could really compete for a title.
That all changed with Webber's arrival.
Now, as Lakers coach Phil Jackson noted last week, the Pistons look enlivened, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Webber's game alone has been like pouring a gallon of Red Bull into a sleepy teenager. The energy was always there, it just needed help to resurface, and Webber's passing abilities, great hands and skill at playing alongside another great offensive big man in Rasheed Wallace have done that.
It's hard to quantify something like this. There's more talking on defense; everyone is locked in. There is more hustle in everyone's step, even against bad teams. There are more assists, more passing because, as coach Flip Saunders put it, Webber's "passing breeds passing."
And there is more movement on offense.
"Guys seem to cut harder, because they know if they cut hard and they're open, he's going to get him a pass," Saunders said. "You don't know what kind of pass might be coming, where it's going to be coming from. Those type of things do energize."
And when a team finds a new sense of energy like this, the great part is that it begins to snowball. First the players feel it. Soon opponents can sense it, too. Then it seeps into the stands. "I think people come to the game waiting to see what's going to happen," Saunders said. "And when your crowd is a little bit more on the edge of your seat, players sense that, and players play with more of a sense of urgency. What players want to do is entertain, so I think that whole thing has energized everyone."
And so does winning. The Pistons are 10-2 entering Saturday since Webber was inserted into the starting lineup Jan. 19. "You always have fun when you win," Saunders said. "But also how we're playing is fun. I think each guy has been a little more motivated."
Contact KRISTA JAHNKE at 313-223-4493 or klatham@freepress.com.
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What??? I really think you need to quit trying to read more into what I've said that what is there.
VF21 said:
That was in response to a very well-written post by Mr. S£im Citrus:
I was thanking Slim for his response to sloter, who has long been an obvious Webber basher.
I'm not going to rehash this whole thing. It's over ... and has been for a very long time. You tend to always assume I'm taking a stance that insults Peja at the expense of Webber and that's not the case. And I'm tired, quite frankly, of defending it.
Perceptions differ, Ryle.
You were constantly commenting about the need to get rid of Adelman. So now, when you've gotten your wish and our team is in the cellar, you have to be willing to accept that a lot of people are going to hold you accountable for your words.
But, the main thing is that you're pretty much synonymous with Adelman dislike. In that way, and that way only, you're like sloter and his unceasing hatred of Chris Webber.
AleksandarN
Starter
ok thanks for the reply that why I asked I was not sure no hard feelings
No problems here. We're cool...
Webber with another nice performance. 19/9 and 2 steals on %67 shooting. He went out and abused yet another bigger-but-slower center in Kaman.
Webber only had 2 assists, but one of them was a spectacular dish to a cutting Rip Hamilton for a dunk.
The highlight of the night though- he had an awesome one handed tip-dunk, vintage CWebb. It got taken away (unfairly) because of an offensive goaltend, but I think the ref simply didn't believe Webber could dunk like that anymore.
I hope they replay the thing, even though it was waived off. It was a nifty one-handed jam.
Oh yeah, that's 11-2 Since Webber joined the starting lineup, and he's played exceedingly well in 10 of those games.
Looking forward to see how we do against the Spurs on Wednesday.
Webber only had 2 assists, but one of them was a spectacular dish to a cutting Rip Hamilton for a dunk.
The highlight of the night though- he had an awesome one handed tip-dunk, vintage CWebb. It got taken away (unfairly) because of an offensive goaltend, but I think the ref simply didn't believe Webber could dunk like that anymore.
I hope they replay the thing, even though it was waived off. It was a nifty one-handed jam.
Oh yeah, that's 11-2 Since Webber joined the starting lineup, and he's played exceedingly well in 10 of those games.
Looking forward to see how we do against the Spurs on Wednesday.
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piksi
Hall of Famer
always did well against Duncan
love_them_kings
Starter
KP, thanks for the great article, and Kstat, thanks, as always, for the update for those of us that no longer have the privelege of watching Webb on a regular basis.
Like VF21, Webb's success will always be bittersweet for me, because it brings back that "what might have, could have, should have been" feeling that has never quite disappeared even 2 years after the trade.
Nonetheless, I am thrilled to see him do well. I agonized over the situation in Philly & hated watching him struggle on a team that clearly couldn't find the ways to utilize his strengths. I love seeing him a succeed on a team that is allowing him to do what he still can, and what he does best. Motivating a team, passing the ball, and inspiring others... and, watching the Pistons play right now is just flat out fun. Honestly I can't do a before/after comparison, because I haven't really watched Detroit this year until Webb joined them, but watching them now is vaguely reminiscent of a team I used to love, one who moved the ball, whose passes took you by surprise, and who played like they loved the game. That is just fun to watch.
Like VF21, Webb's success will always be bittersweet for me, because it brings back that "what might have, could have, should have been" feeling that has never quite disappeared even 2 years after the trade.
Nonetheless, I am thrilled to see him do well. I agonized over the situation in Philly & hated watching him struggle on a team that clearly couldn't find the ways to utilize his strengths. I love seeing him a succeed on a team that is allowing him to do what he still can, and what he does best. Motivating a team, passing the ball, and inspiring others... and, watching the Pistons play right now is just flat out fun. Honestly I can't do a before/after comparison, because I haven't really watched Detroit this year until Webb joined them, but watching them now is vaguely reminiscent of a team I used to love, one who moved the ball, whose passes took you by surprise, and who played like they loved the game. That is just fun to watch.
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sloter
Starter
Perceptions do differ, and this is precisely how I perceived your attitude towards Stojakovic.
Then all you need do to correct that perception is actually go back and look at my PBP threads, etc. I NEVER said anything about hating Peja. Your perception is twisted and I've tried numerous times to correct you to no avail. If you want to think I hated Peja, so be it.
What I hated, BTW, wasn't Peja. It was the Peja fans who never could let him be the subject of any kind of criticism without having to turn it into a Webber vs. Peja debate. If the shoe fits, wear it.
What I hated, BTW, wasn't Peja. It was the Peja fans who never could let him be the subject of any kind of criticism without having to turn it into a Webber vs. Peja debate. If the shoe fits, wear it.
sloter
Starter
And I have tried to correct you, same results.
Heuge
Starter
One thing I have appreciated about VF over the years is that she hasnt resorted to player bashing. This is a tough accusation to make considering her track record.
kennadog
Dog On It!
Webber has long since passed from the Kings. It would be nice if we could just enjoy Kstat's posts about how Webber is doing in Detroit, without dredging up all the old stuff.
Can't we just have one thread without it?
I'm glad that he seems to be doing well in Detroit after his unhappiness in Philly. I wish him all the success he can garner, up to and including a ring, if possible.
Can't we just have one thread without it?I'm glad that he seems to be doing well in Detroit after his unhappiness in Philly. I wish him all the success he can garner, up to and including a ring, if possible.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-070213
Substance is Webber's style
Mashburn
By Jamal Mashburn
ESPN.com
Chris Webber's time in Detroit continues to be a triumphant homecoming. The latest success came with a 92-74 win over the Clippers, with Webber's 19 points and nine boards helping Detroit take its seventh straight win. The East-leading Pistons are now 11-3 with Webber, who averaged 14 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 3.2 apg over his last five games entering Monday's win.
Answering a few questions about Webber's time in Detroit . . .
Are you enjoying the crafty veteran stage of his career?
Very much. I like this Webber, who underwent microfracture surgery in 2003, even more than the explosive Fab 5 guy who first came into the NBA. But, I'm admittedly a weird guy, because I liked watching Michael Jordan with the Wizards better than with the Bulls. I enjoyed seeing the game he had beneath the great athleticism. You see that now more and more with Webber.
But how would he match up with Shaq in the playoffs, giving up two inches and maybe 75 pounds, at least?
Shaq's going to dwarf most anybody, and that's true when he faces Webber in the paint. But Webber can step out and hit the 15-footer. When Shaq defended former Pistons center Ben Wallace in the past, he knew Ben would be coming in and cutting to the hoop. Webber's a tougher matchup.
OK, then how about Big Z in Cleveland?
That's a guy he can even post up. As big as he is, Zydrunas Ilgauskas is not a threat to block a lot of shots.
Which ex-Philly star is thriving best?
Looks like Webber's doing better than Iverson, whose been injured, in Denver. It's no fun when you're upset with your role, like Webber was in Philadelphia. Going to the lottery is no fun at this stage of his career.
Kobe Bryant said after facing Webber recently: "When he comes in the game, you can see all of those guys start licking their chops and cutting even harder to the basket, because they know what he will be giving them.'' OK, whose chops are getting a big workout?
Rip Hamilton. He's a guy who moves well without the ball, and benefits from a big man who can get him the ball. Good basketball players want to play with other players who have a high IQ for basketball. Webber's played with some like that in Sacramento (Vlade Divac, Mike Bibby) and Washington (Rasheed Wallace and Rod Strickland).
Anybody else who bears watching as his physical skills erode?
If you take away Vince Carter's ability to explode, I think he could still be effective. Bryant, Iverson (as a point guard more than scorer he could be highly effective) and Steve Nash. Down the road, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony could emphasize a different part of their games.
What's the immediate future look like for Webber?
This is when the vets rest up during the All-Star break, and then get dialed in. Pat Riley's doing it -- it looks like he's coming back after the break too. Look for the East contenders to raise their games.
Webber's 33 and looking for that first ring. Will he have many chances to reach for it?
A friend always says, "You don't know how many jumps you have in your body." It's not a gradual thing -- sometimes losing it just happens, and you're not the same. That's where technique can keep your career going. I think Webber has some good years ahead.
ESPN analyst Jamal Mashburn retired last season after averaging 19.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game over 12 NBA seasons.
Substance is Webber's style
Mashburn
By Jamal Mashburn
ESPN.com
Chris Webber's time in Detroit continues to be a triumphant homecoming. The latest success came with a 92-74 win over the Clippers, with Webber's 19 points and nine boards helping Detroit take its seventh straight win. The East-leading Pistons are now 11-3 with Webber, who averaged 14 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 3.2 apg over his last five games entering Monday's win.
Answering a few questions about Webber's time in Detroit . . .
Are you enjoying the crafty veteran stage of his career?
Very much. I like this Webber, who underwent microfracture surgery in 2003, even more than the explosive Fab 5 guy who first came into the NBA. But, I'm admittedly a weird guy, because I liked watching Michael Jordan with the Wizards better than with the Bulls. I enjoyed seeing the game he had beneath the great athleticism. You see that now more and more with Webber.
But how would he match up with Shaq in the playoffs, giving up two inches and maybe 75 pounds, at least?
Shaq's going to dwarf most anybody, and that's true when he faces Webber in the paint. But Webber can step out and hit the 15-footer. When Shaq defended former Pistons center Ben Wallace in the past, he knew Ben would be coming in and cutting to the hoop. Webber's a tougher matchup.
OK, then how about Big Z in Cleveland?
That's a guy he can even post up. As big as he is, Zydrunas Ilgauskas is not a threat to block a lot of shots.
Which ex-Philly star is thriving best?
Looks like Webber's doing better than Iverson, whose been injured, in Denver. It's no fun when you're upset with your role, like Webber was in Philadelphia. Going to the lottery is no fun at this stage of his career.
Kobe Bryant said after facing Webber recently: "When he comes in the game, you can see all of those guys start licking their chops and cutting even harder to the basket, because they know what he will be giving them.'' OK, whose chops are getting a big workout?
Rip Hamilton. He's a guy who moves well without the ball, and benefits from a big man who can get him the ball. Good basketball players want to play with other players who have a high IQ for basketball. Webber's played with some like that in Sacramento (Vlade Divac, Mike Bibby) and Washington (Rasheed Wallace and Rod Strickland).
Anybody else who bears watching as his physical skills erode?
If you take away Vince Carter's ability to explode, I think he could still be effective. Bryant, Iverson (as a point guard more than scorer he could be highly effective) and Steve Nash. Down the road, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony could emphasize a different part of their games.
What's the immediate future look like for Webber?
This is when the vets rest up during the All-Star break, and then get dialed in. Pat Riley's doing it -- it looks like he's coming back after the break too. Look for the East contenders to raise their games.
Webber's 33 and looking for that first ring. Will he have many chances to reach for it?
A friend always says, "You don't know how many jumps you have in your body." It's not a gradual thing -- sometimes losing it just happens, and you're not the same. That's where technique can keep your career going. I think Webber has some good years ahead.
ESPN analyst Jamal Mashburn retired last season after averaging 19.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game over 12 NBA seasons.
sloter
Starter
Heuge, you are not the most biased on the subject either.
Heuge
Starter
I know I am biased, I bashed Peja a ton (probably shouldnt have, I probably was reacting to the perfect Peja crowd), but VF corrected me on a number of occassions regarding player bashing. Im just saying you might be accusing the worst person on this board to accuse on this subject.
At this point, I'd like to ask people to let the off-topic stuff go. This thread can be an ongoing report of how Webber is doing with the Pistons and I think that's a lot more relevant than whether or not sloter thinks I hate Peja.
So, from here on out, I'm going to be deleting posts that aren't germane to the topic at hand. Thanks, all, for understanding and keeping to the topic...
So, from here on out, I'm going to be deleting posts that aren't germane to the topic at hand. Thanks, all, for understanding and keeping to the topic...
acisking
Bench
I think this is a key point, that few people are mentioning. Webber at the center position is perfect for him. both offensively and defensively. At this position, HE actually has the speed advantage. And defensively, Webb has always been good against gaurding slower post players simply by the means of his bball IQ. The funny thing about it is that the idea of Webb at center was actually his idea during his hiatus on the bench in Philly. Guess it ended up working out.
kennadog
Dog On It!
Webb always played pretty well against Duncan. Sorry you guys lost, tho.
piksi
Hall of Famer
Prince sucked and Sheed wasn't much better
love_them_kings
Starter
Sorry about the loss, breaking a winning streak is never fun. As always, thanks for the update.
Prince has always struggled against the Spurs, but Sheed usually dominates them. Rare to see him play poorly.
As losses go, this was about as easy to stomach as you can get. We just didn't have it tonight, and they did. Wasn't an effort or chemistry issue, the ball just didn't go through the basket.
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piksi
Hall of Famer
Daniela
Bench
Kstat, I to am a big Pistons fan. My husband growing up in Michigan and all. Where I agree that showing up was an issue, I also have to say the officiating was pretty one sided in the 2nd half. That said, I am thrilled to see C-Webb contributing and being utilized in such a productive way. I think he fits in quite nicely with Chauncey, Rip, Tey and Sheed. Those are the hands you want out there on an unselfish team.
I refuse to blame officiating for a loss. That's just me. I think when you do that, you give the players a free pass for not playing better than the opponent. Bad calls infuriate me like everyone else, but I don't believe in blaming the refs for a loss.
The Bad Boys were universally disliked outside of Detroit and had to routinely plow through referee favorites Jordan, Magic and Bird, and they still managed to win two championships.
If you're mentally tough enough, the referees can't beat you.
The Spurs beat us, bad calls or not.
The Bad Boys were universally disliked outside of Detroit and had to routinely plow through referee favorites Jordan, Magic and Bird, and they still managed to win two championships.
If you're mentally tough enough, the referees can't beat you.
The Spurs beat us, bad calls or not.
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