LMM said:
do you mind posting it? i have too many programs running right now. my computer's running slow.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2024131
SACRAMENTO, Calif. --
Chris Webber got a royal welcome in his return to Sacramento.
Webber was all smiles and hugs before the
Philadelphia 76ers' meeting on Monday night with the Kings, who traded the five-time All-Star in a six-player deal just 33 days earlier.
[size=-2][/size][size=-1]Chris Webber[/size]
[size=-2]Power Forward
Philadelphia 76ers[/size]
[size=-2]Profile
[/size][size=-2][/size]2004-2005 SEASON STATISTICS[size=-2]GM[/size][size=-2]PPG[/size][size=-2]RPG[/size][size=-2]APG[/size][size=-2]FG%[/size][size=-2]FT%[/size][size=-2]60[/size][size=-2]20.0[/size][size=-2]9.3[/size][size=-2]5.0[/size][size=-2].439[/size][size=-2].803[/size]
The early moments of Webber's much-anticipated homecoming went just as expected -- plenty of hellos and handshakes, followed by a deafening ovation for the cornerstone of the Kings' renaissance.
"When there's a trade, when somebody returns home, it's going to be an emotional night," Philadelphia coach Jim O'Brien said.
Webber spent parts of seven seasons in Sacramento, leading the team in scoring for five straight years while the Kings made six playoff appearances and won two division titles in the longest sustained period of winning in the franchise's history.
But with a chance to unload the final 3½ years of a $127 million contract for a thirtysomething power forward with a surgically repaired knee, the Kings shipped him out along with
Matt Barnes and
Michael Bradley in exchange for
Corliss Williamson,
Kenny Thomas and
Brian Skinner.
And the fans haven't forgotten. Dozens turned out in jerseys and T-shirts featuring Webber's No. 4, and many others held up signs in tribute. Arco Arena was sold out for the 263rd straight time -- every game since November of Webber's second season in town -- but this crowd had a special buzz.
Barbara Rust displayed 11 handmade signs from recent seasons, including ones reading "This is Webber's World" and "4 Ever Will Be the King of My Heart," on her seats a few rows above the Kings' bench. Rust has been a Kings season ticket-holder for all of the 20 seasons since they moved to Northern California, and Webber always was her favorite.
"I keep reminding myself that after tonight, I won't get to see him again," Rust said. "The team totally changed forever when he got here. I just love what he did for the city, too. He did a lot of charity work."
Webber didn't have much to say before the game, only joking with reporters and clubhouse personnel. He attended a chapel service before taking the court for his reunion game.
When Webber was introduced, the fans immediately jumped to their feet in a raucous ovation. Webber briefly tried to ignore it before raising and clapping his hands in appreciation for the cheers -- and they would have lasted longer than a minute if the announcer hadn't introduced
Allen Iverson, who drew his usual boos.
After hugging everyone in a Kings uniform, Webber opened the game with a perfect jumper from his favorite spot on the left wing. Thomas, who was unhappy and mostly unused in Philadelphia, answered with baskets on the Kings' next two possessions.
Webber hit four of his first five shots, scoring nine points in the first seven minutes. Thomas also had something to prove, had 10 points and six rebounds in the first nine minutes.
