Webber Wants Back

bloom

bloom

Starter
Source: http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/021432.html

Webber Wants Back in Sac

It's all about change from here on out for the Kings, even if there are four more games that must be played for the sake of schedule keeping.

With the obvious focus on changing their own dire situation, it's certain that there will be player changes (they have only eight players on contract for next season) and almost certain that there will be a coaching change. And if it was up to Chris Webber, there would be a front office change as well.

The former Kings forward told me recently that he would like to team with Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie in the Kings' rebuilding effort, rejoining the team in an ambassador-type role in which he could help attract free agents, weigh in on the remaking of the roster and help the organization on all matters of public relations. In an interview that took place before the retiring of Vlade Divac's jersey at Arco Arena on March 31, Webber said he was already talking to three teams about a return to the game as soon as next season (though he would not disclose which ones). And while the Kings aren't one of them, he wishes they were.

"Yeah, I'm definitely going to be in basketball," said Webber, whose official title at present is that of TNT analyst. "I'm deciding now if I want to do TV next year. I have some opportunities (in the NBA). And of course I would like (to be in) Sacramento first. But it is what it is."

The question, of course, is whether the Kings would share his vision. The organization is scaling back across the board, with talks of possible pay cuts and perhaps even layoffs in house. Even if it is Webber, the notion of adding bodies goes against the grain at the moment. One thing is clear, though: Webber wants back in, and badly.

Asked if the team's current sad status would deter him from such a move, he answered definitively that it would not.

"It doesn't matter," he said. "I love Sacramento. It's kind of hard, because (the teams he has been talking to) even said, we want you but if Sac says something, then what?

"They're already asking me that. I live here, have a restaurant here. Of course (he would prefer to be in basketball here), but I'm going to be in basketball and make sure I advance and am in basketball."

As Webber was quick to point out, he had to be convinced to come here from Washington after the Kings traded for him in May of 1998. The reality that Sacramento is not a premier hoops destination remains, he said, but he believes he could help with that obstacle. In truth, I really don't see this happening but it is an interesting idea in what is a very uninteresting time.
Click to expand...
 
This would be great if we're looking to be players in FA and maybe also to work with Hawes and JT. It would say a lot about our organization to those who would write us off.
 
I would love to have him back. Of course, we just hired an assistant GM not too long ago. Not sure if there's a position to put him in. To me, Webb just has a certain "star" quality about him that could only raise visibility for the team that's barely on the map at this point. On the other hand, if he created conflicts or wasn't happy, it could turn out not so good.
 
kennadog said:
I would love to have him back. Of course, we just hired an assistant GM not too long ago. Not sure if there's a position to put him in. To me, Webb just has a certain "star" quality about him that could only raise visibility for the team that's barely on the map at this point. On the other hand, if he created conflicts or wasn't happy, it could turn out not so good.
Click to expand...
I see your concerns with possible conflicts, but I dont see this happening if this was to come to fruition. Webber could only help...and I think that by acting as the Kings 'agent' of sorts, it would be a win-win. I'm sure he would call up some of our former players to possibly assist in this, i.e.: Vlade, Doug, Bobby, etc.
 
kennadog said:
I would love to have him back. Of course, we just hired an assistant GM not too long ago. Not sure if there's a position to put him in. To me, Webb just has a certain "star" quality about him that could only raise visibility for the team that's barely on the map at this point. On the other hand, if he created conflicts or wasn't happy, it could turn out not so good.
Click to expand...
I like how the article (not sure its a Webber quote) said "ambassador" role - not a head coach, and not a GM, but definitely on the payroll. He could be a guy that players relate to, works out with the big men outside of the Kings regular facilities and helps recruit free agents all outside of the typical team/agent/player relationship. Given the independent streak of the modern NBA athlete this type of role seems like it could be natural for many teams. Especially developing teams with a lack of a steady coaching situation.
 
Since the Maloofs won't want to pay him much, I wonder if he can keep his job as an analyst and be a PR/advisor to the team at the same time. The Maloofs only have to pay him a part time type of salary and see how it goes from there. If Webb's contribution is valuable, then they make it into a full time deal.

My hope has always been for Webb to learn from GP in sac and eventually take over as the GM. We'll see how it goes.
 
If Webber and the Maloofs did reach some kind of accord, I'm pretty sure actual monetary compensation would be the least important of the topics under discussion. Webb's not exactly waiting at the post office for his next unemployment check. He wants to do something meaningful within the game of basketball...

I'd love to see him as an ambassador for the Kings. Make it so!
 
yeah, I alluded to this report (its a few days old) in my post about bringing Hedo back. Webb hhas been syaing he'd like to come back, Bobby would like to come back under the right circumstances, and if you did both those things and had Hedo show up as well I just think it could be a critical link back to better days while we sort things out.

I also agree that if he was on site I would love to have him spend some time tutoring the young bigs as well.
 
I was sort of mulling thoughts over above. Bottom line for me, is I'd absolutely love to see Webber back. So when do we start the write in campaign, huh? :D
 
if bobby jackson, webb, and christie came back it would bring back the aura of the old glory days... i feel nostalgia kicking in

i can picture it now

the old and wise kings teaching the prince their heirs how to rule their kingdom lol
 
Who cares what the role is? I mean, the guy's not talking about being the next head coach, or even on the coaching staff. He's not talking about taking Petrie's job (though I get the feeling there are a lot of fans who wouldn't mind seeing anyone take Petrie's job). He's talking about being a part of the organization, which is a terrific idea. What exactly does Magic Johnson do for the Lakers? It doesn't matter what capacity he joins the team in, just as long as he's around and is a part of the team.

Maloofs! Make this happen!!!
 
Superman said:
Who cares what the role is? I mean, the guy's not talking about being the next head coach, or even on the coaching staff. He's not talking about taking Petrie's job (though I get the feeling there are a lot of fans who wouldn't mind seeing anyone take Petrie's job). He's talking about being a part of the organization, which is a terrific idea. What exactly does Magic Johnson do for the Lakers? It doesn't matter what capacity he joins the team in, just as long as he's around and is a part of the team.

Maloofs! Make this happen!!!
Click to expand...

oooohhh no...i wouldnt think of doing that.. not just yet

lets see what he can do with talent in this draft and a very healthy capspace this season and the next till i judge if we let some one take his place...

see any one take his place?

a mysterious stranger wows the maloofs for the GM job...

Yahoo news... Isiah Thomas as New Kings GM

first order of business signs jerome james for 30mil 4 yr deal and kenny thomas to a 20mil 5 year deal lol

like that? ;)





his name speaks for it self

I-Say-AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!
nightmare!
 
I wish Webber, Christie, and Jax all come back...how awesome would it be for them to win their championship in a few years as a part of the Kings staff? Would probably make me feel more complete in life knowing our players got the championship they deserved.
 
Aenadin said:
oooohhh no...i wouldnt think of doing that.. not just yet

lets see what he can do with talent in this draft and a very healthy capspace this season and the next till i judge if we let some one take his place...

see any one take his place?

a mysterious stranger wows the maloofs for the GM job...

Yahoo news... Isiah Thomas as New Kings GM

first order of business signs jerome james for 30mil 4 yr deal and kenny thomas to a 20mil 5 year deal lol

like that? ;)

his name speaks for it self

I-Say-AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!
nightmare!
Click to expand...

Yeah i agree... We need Petrie right now. As far as late drafting goes their might not be a better man. I want to see what he does with 2 firsts and a early second. His trades have obviously brought our team to a new low but that kind of thing happens...players get old.
 
Aenadin said:
oooohhh no...i wouldnt think of doing that.. not just yet

lets see what he can do with talent in this draft and a very healthy capspace this season and the next till i judge if we let some one take his place...

see any one take his place?

a mysterious stranger wows the maloofs for the GM job...

Yahoo news... Isiah Thomas as New Kings GM

first order of business signs jerome james for 30mil 4 yr deal and kenny thomas to a 20mil 5 year deal lol

like that? ;)





his name speaks for it self

I-Say-AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!
nightmare!
Click to expand...

Wow. Talking about derailing a thread.

First, look at Superman's post again. He says he wants Webber as part of the organization and that Webb isn't trying for GM or anything. This is a thread about Chris Webber...how you could even mention Isiah Thomas in the same breath is an insult.
 
VF21 said:
Wow. Talking about derailing a thread.

First, look at Superman's post again. He says he wants Webber as part of the organization and that Webb isn't trying for GM or anything. This is a thread about Chris Webber...how you could even mention Isiah Thomas in the same breath is an insult.
Click to expand...
Yeah, no kidding! Isiah is a totally different animal than Chris, lets get THAT straight right now. Also, if anything, I could see Geoff possibly grooming/mentoring Chris for awhile before he assumes any other type of roll, i.e.: Joe Dumars in Detroit, which worked out fine, I'd say.
 
VF21 said:
Wow. Talking about derailing a thread.

First, look at Superman's post again. He says he wants Webber as part of the organization and that Webb isn't trying for GM or anything. This is a thread about Chris Webber...how you could even mention Isiah Thomas in the same breath is an insult.
Click to expand...
Zeke's going to be busy, anyway.
 
While I'm all for CWebb lending his high profile to our team to gain respect, establish legitimacy, and teach our "bigs" my only concern would be that his opinions and public quotes may overshadow or cause confusion with those who are really in charge. Then again, given Geoff's reluctance to say much or the Maloof's lack of reluctance, perhaps CWebb, properly advised by those in the know for the team, may well be the perfect "face" for a franchise in desperate need for all of the above. Plus, you can't understate his ability or our need to re-establish enthusiasm for the team at this point in time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Makaveli
Power forwards of the past
Replies
16
Views
825
Insomniacal Fan
Insomniacal Fan
Insomniacal Fan
  • Poll Poll
What would you do?
2 3
Replies
86
Views
6K
Warhawk
Warhawk
Caccia
Monk, DeRozan, Sabonis
Replies
19
Views
2K
Caccia
Caccia
K
Why aren't we near as good at Home anymore?
Replies
19
Views
1K
LoungeLizard
LoungeLizard
SLAB
Domas is who they thought he was.
2 3 4
Replies
117
Views
7K
upinsmoke
upinsmoke
Back
Top