Webber, O'Brien meet to clear air over

[Peja4threee]

By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer
March 7, 2005
MIAMI (AP) -- Chris Webber and Philadelphia 76ers coach Jim O'Brien met Monday to clear the air about Webber's lack of playing time two days earlier against Atlanta.

Webber, recently acquired from Sacramento, played 28 minutes in Philadelphia's 98-97 win over Atlanta. He came out with 3:38 left in the third quarter, returned with 3:43 left in the fourth and scored four late points to help the 76ers pull out the win.

``Chris has a lot of confidence in himself. He knows what he can bring to the table,'' O'Brien said. ``I have a number of reasons why I do what I do from the standpoint of playing guys a certain amount of minutes. ... I didn't know it was going to be an issue. It bothered him. So I dealt with it.''

Webber averaged 33 minutes in his first five games with Philadelphia; he played an average of 36.3 minutes in 46 games for the Kings earlier this season.

Webber said the shock of the trade had worn off, and insisted that he was only aiming at helping the 76ers find their way to the Eastern Conference playoffs. Philadelphia entered Monday tied with Indiana for the eighth and final postseason spot.

Webber averaged 16.6 points and 8.8 rebounds in his first five games with Philadelphia; he averaged 21.3 points and 9.7 rebounds with the Kings.

``It's definitely an adjustment,'' Webber said. ``It's my first time being traded in the middle of the season. It's an adjustment for all of us. We'll be able to tell how good it goes, hopefully, we make a playoff run.''

If Webber has problems, O'Brien said, he'd rather have them voiced than fester.

``Every relationship that I've ever been involved with that has been a good relationship is always based on communication,'' O'Brien said. ``Good communication never fails. It takes a while for a player and a coach to develop a relationship.''

For his part, Webber said he believes he and his new teammates are starting to come together.

``There's a little more of a comfort zone,'' Webber said. ``Playing in a new environment, you know, is always different for everybody. If we do what's expected, make a push and get into the playoffs, then we'll be fine. That's my goal.''
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylc=X3oDMTBpZmFlcXBpBF9TAzk1ODYxOTQ4BHNlYwN0aA--?slug=ap-76ers-webber-obrien&prov=ap&type=lgns

 

[Twix]

^Glad that O'Brien and Webber talked... I just finish reading this article before reading the above post:

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/100-03072005-459568.html


O'Brien gives Sixers time off to recharge
By TOM MOORE
phillyBurbs.com

MIAMI - Jim O'Brien gave the Sixers the day off Sunday.

"I went with the mental [needs] over the physical," O'Brien said.

After going 3-1 in a stretch of four games in five nights, some free time in South Florida was undoubtedly appreciated.

But the Sixers still have some work to do before completing the busiest eight-day period of the season. They visit Shaquille O'Neal and the Southeast Division-leading Heat tonight and host the Warriors on Tuesday.

The day off may have served to calm down Chris Webber.

In his fifth game as a Sixer, Webber was upset at sitting out from the 3-minute, 38-second mark of the third quarter until 3:43 to go in the game.

"I've never sat that long in my life," Webber said afterward. "I don't know what to think."

Perhaps adjusting to being the second option to Allen Iverson after a career as No. 1, on top of having his minutes cut, was too much for Webber not to say anything.

"He wants to play a lot of minutes," O'Brien said on Sunday afternoon. "I'm going to play him a lot of minutes. We had a situation [Saturday] night where Marc was carrying us down the stretch."

Jackson accounted for 11 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, when he hit all seven of his free throws and the Sixers were 17-for-17 from the line.

Asked if he thought he had to talk to Webber as a result of Saturday's comments, O'Brien said, "We have constant communication. We're just trying to get to know one another."

Webber finished with 18 points on 6-for-12 shooting and a team-high eight rebounds in 28 minutes. He is averaging 16.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 33.0 minutes as a Sixer after averaging 21.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 36.3 minutes for the Kings this season.

Saturday wasn't the first time Webber expressed dissatisfaction since the Feb. 23 trade with the Kings, according to a story in Sunday's New York Daily News. The story claimed that in one of his first games as a Sixer, Webber "sat down on the bench and said, loudly enough for his teammates to hear, 'I can't wait 'til this year is over.' "


On the Sixers' possession prior to the one that produced the winning free throws, Webber turned it over when he threw an errant pass intended for McKie. As Iverson walked to the bench, he muttered, 'The ball should be in my [expletive] hands.' "

It was on the final possession - Iverson's pass to Marc Jackson led to two foul shots.

Iverson played all 48 minutes, accumulating a game-high 33 points, six assists, five steals, five turnovers and shooting 10-for-31.

The Sixers (29-30) are going to have to play better than they did in coming from behind to edge the league's worst team, the Hawks, 98-97, Saturday night in Atlanta if they plan on making the playoffs.

The Sixers were out-rebounded 50-35, including 16-8 on the offensive boards, and missed a chance to take control in the first half against a starless team going nowhere.

"These games are huge," Aaron McKie said. "We go out there and think teams are going to lay down for us. Against teams like that, you've got to put 'em away early. You don't want it to come down to a shot like [Tom] Gugliotta made. You don't want it to come down to free throws."

Starting center Samuel Dalembert sat even longer than Webber on Saturday. He was on the bench from 3:38 remaining in the third quarter until the final 1.2 seconds, when O'Brien re-inserted him for the Hawks' last possession.

O'Brien went with the undersized combination of Rodney Rogers at power forward and Jackson at center for the bulk of the fourth quarter. The Sixers were out-rebounded 16-9 in the period, 8-2 on the offensive end. Webber had as many rebounds (two) as Rogers and Jackson did in the final quarter, despite playing considerably less (3:43) than Rogers (8:17) and Jackson (11:59).

Dalembert played well, ending up with 10 points, five rebounds, two steals and three blocks in 25 minutes.

Tom Moore can be reached at 215-345-3070 or tmoore@phillyBurbs.com.

 

[love_them_kings]

Poor Webb! Sounds like he's still struggling. I don't believe the quote where he said "I can't wait for this year to be over though" according to the Philly fans on the message board that reporter is known for completely making things up.

Didn't like AI's comment-- he has quite the ego.

Oh well, I'm sure things will work out eventually. I just hope it's sooner rather than later.

 

[Bricklayer]

er... phillyburbs.com ???

 

[iheartBrad]

well they have their hands full with Miami tonight

Sixers down 29-27 at the near end of the first quarter...still anyones game i suppose

 

[Twix]

I also read this quote in another article:

Asked if he's happy to be in Philadelphia, Webber said, "I'm happy to be alive and happy to be playing basketball. I'm trying to make the best of the situation. All I can do is be honest right now. That's about all I got."
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/100-03062005-459212.html

He didn't say he's happy to be in the city of Philly...? just happy to be playing basketball??

 

[love_them_kings]

I also read this quote in another article:

Asked if he's happy to be in Philadelphia, Webber said, "I'm happy to be alive and happy to be playing basketball. I'm trying to make the best of the situation. All I can do is be honest right now. That's about all I got."
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/100-03062005-459212.html

He didn't say he's happy to be in the city of Philly...? just happy to be playing basketball??

I saw that too He's obviously not happy, but hopefully it will come in time. I just keep hoping he will string together several REALLY strong games, and I think things would fall into place. Tonight the 76ers have a tough game..it would be a great game to shine....

 

[Bricklayer]

I also read this quote in another article:

Asked if he's happy to be in Philadelphia, Webber said, "I'm happy to be alive and happy to be playing basketball. I'm trying to make the best of the situation. All I can do is be honest right now. That's about all I got."
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/100-03062005-459212.html

He didn't say he's happy to be in the city of Philly...? just happy to be playing basketball??

Again, phillyburbs.com? Even having visited the website now, I still have no idea who/what that is.

 

[Twix]

Again, phillyburbs.com? Even having visited the website now, I still have no idea who/what that is.

I found the article/site from a 76ers forum. I'm not sure what kind of site it is though but all the 6ers fan were talking about it like it was reliable?

 

[love_them_kings]

Again, phillyburbs.com? Even having visited the website now, I still have no idea who/what that is.

I'm not sure either, but the impression I get is that they just collect and post articles, I don't think they right them. The quote about Webb being happy to play (but not necessarily in Philly) I think was originally from the New York Daily News, which again, is not a great source.


Hmm.. looks like he's played about 11 minutes and has shot 3/5, has 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 assist. GO WEBB!

 

[Twix]

Hmm.. looks like he's played about 11 minutes and has shot 3/5, has 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 assist. GO WEBB!

Sixers lose 108-100

Webber: 26 mins, 10 pts (4-13 FG), 7 rebs, 3 assists, 2 steals
AI: 42 mins, 27 pts (8-19 FG), 4 rebs, 6 assists, 3 steals

Haslem: 12 pts, 10 rebs, 3 assists
Wade: 32 pts, 5 rebs, 7 assists
Shaq: 25 pts, 5 rebs

 

[iheartBrad]

well they definetly cut the deficit cuz the game is on in my room (though im not in there watching it) but when i went to check how they were doing...i guess it was sometime in the 3rd they were down by 20....75-55....and then with 5 mins and change left i went to check it out and they had just gone on a 9-1 run and cut the deficit down to 13....and as i can see they ended up losing by 8

thats tough but at least they made it respectable...showed that they could make a run...and they weren't just gonna roll over

Wade had 32 pts but like 18 of them were from the FT line...whoa!

 

[love_them_kings]

Sixers lose 108-100

Webber: 26 mins, 10 pts (4-13 FG), 7 rebs, 3 assists, 2 steals
AI: 42 mins, 27 pts (8-19 FG), 4 rebs, 6 assists, 3 steals

Haslem: 12 pts, 10 rebs, 3 assists
Wade: 32 pts, 5 rebs, 7 assists
Shaq: 25 pts, 5 rebs

ouch. I liked the stats better when he was 3/5. Gee, glad he & O'Brien "cleared the air" about his play time, I bet he's much happier sitting on the bench now.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Maybe he's resting Webb for a playoff run. It would be easier to take if they were winning, though.

 

[G_M]

Maybe he's resting Webb for a playoff run. It would be easier to take if they were winning, though.

Well, they are the 9th seed now! So, unless somehting changes there won't be a playoff run. I just don't see it working. Webber is not a complimentary player, he needs the ball. As long as AI is ther Webb is going to be brining up the rear.

 

[Andriod_KiNg]

Man, i dont know... this situation is waiting to explode...

 

[VF21]

I do not like Jim O'Brien. I have never liked Jim O'Brien. I think he's a control freak and I think his whole thing right now is that he's going to "show Webber who's boss," even if it costs the 76ers a chance at a playoff slot.

I have to wonder if push comes to shove, is Billy going to keep an anal-retentive coach or some guy he's committed to paying $65 million?

 

[love_them_kings]

I do not like Jim O'Brien. I have never liked Jim O'Brien. I think he's a control freak and I think his whole thing right now is that he's going to "show Webber who's boss," even if it costs the 76ers a chance at a playoff slot.

I have to wonder if push comes to shove, is Billy going to keep an anal-retentive coach or some guy he's committed to paying $65 million?

Yeah, I was wondering if OBrien was trying to make a point too. I don't like him either, and from what I've seen, neither do the 76er fans. Don't think many tears would be shed in Philly for him if Billy did get rid of him.

 

[LPKingsFan]

I haven't read up on this, but my initial reaction is not to buy the idea that O'Brien is benching Webb simply to show him who the boss is. I think he's smarter than that. If I were O'Brien, I wouldn't play Webb that many minutes right off the bat either. Weren't people here all over Adelman last year for forcing Webb into the lineup too soon?

 

[VF21]

I haven't read up on this, but my initial reaction is not to buy the idea that O'Brien is benching Webb simply to show him who the boss is. I think he's smarter than that. If I were O'Brien, I wouldn't play Webb that many minutes right off the bat either. Weren't people here all over Adelman last year for forcing Webb into the lineup too soon?

Based on what I've read about O'Brien I think it's more likely than not that it's exactly what he's doing...

People here may have been all over Adelman for forcing Webber into the lineup too soon last year, but at least they had a good reason. This year, there is no reason whatsoever not to play the guy who's earning the big bucks and is capable of putting up triple-doubles on a regular basis.

 

[Vlad]

Like with Doug, I think Webb is very frustrated that he had to leave the Kings. I can't see him being to happy being a distant second fiddle to AI. Webb has always been a leader, and if he can't do that, he will be unhappy and it will show in his play.

 

[VF21]

Well, the teaser on the sports just said they have an interview coming up with Webber about this very thing so maybe that will shed some light on the situation.

 

[Britina]

What channel, VF21? ESPN?

 

[VF21]

Ch. 40 -

 

[LPKingsFan]

Based on what I've read about O'Brien I think it's more likely than not that it's exactly what he's doing...

People here may have been all over Adelman for forcing Webber into the lineup too soon last year, but at least they had a good reason. This year, there is no reason whatsoever not to play the guy who's earning the big bucks and is capable of putting up triple-doubles on a regular basis.

You may be right about O'Brien, but I'm still not convinced. Webb has been putting up triple doubles, but not in the 76ers system. He needs to be worked in, just like he did last year.

 

[VF21]

We shall simply agree to disagree. But something to think about...would you say that about any other premiere starting PF who was traded to a new team?

Bottom line is I cannot argue about Chris Webber any more.

 

[VF21]

Jim Crandall on Ch. 40 basically just rehashed the article above. Nothing new...

 

[ImaKingsFan]

Can someone please post Webbs comments.

 

[VF21]

They didn't show any. All that happened was Crandall reported the story that Webber had met with O'Brien. He didn't give any details but he did say that Webb also played limited minutes in today's game.

 

[c-webb1s#1]

Webber is going to have to learn to play in the style iverson is used to.I think O'Brien is trying to get that through to Webber.The whole Phili offense isnt going to revolve around Webber,and the sooner Webb realizes that the sooner he becomes more effective