Pistons Need to Escape from the Web(ber)
Jul 26th, 2007 by Jason M. Williams
The Detroit Pistons have had a very efficient and effective offseason thus far, but have one key decision left to be made: Do they resign starting center Chris Webber? The answer is no. Despite the misconception that it was Webber that propelled the Pistons to the Central Division crown, he was merely another pawn that ultimately slowed them down come playoff time with his aging knees and inability to defend against anyone but Michael Doleac in the post. Webber has demonstrated throughout his career his continued inability to deliver on the big stage, whether it be (cover your ears Michigan fans) the Infamous Timeout or the continued no-show performances while with the Sacremento Kings in pivotal playoff games. While his passing and experience seemed like intangibles that no other big man on the roster brought to the table, it would be far more beneficial to the franchise if they give his opportunities to the developing youth already waiting on the end of their bench.
With an aging frontcourt, the Pistons have already cut ties with veteran Dale Davis and must do the same with Webber. They have plenty of depth up front with veterans Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Nazr Mohammad, Antonio McDyess, and talented youngsters Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson, and Cheick Samb. Bringing back CWebb would only further limit the valuable minutes that can be handed to Maxiell and Johnson, while further banning the servicable Mohammad to the bench.
Despite the fact that the Pistons surged out to a 16-6 record with Nazr Mohammad pairing with Rasheed Wallace as the starters down low last year, he was inexlicably sent to the bench and often seen on the court during garbage time in the latter parts of the season. This unfathomable coaching decision came as a shock to the league, not only because Mohammad was just signed to a 5 yr/$40M deal to be Ben Wallace’s replacement, but he has also won an NBA title as a starting center in San Antonio all while making a solid career for himself as a complimentary big man in the paint.
Aside from the mistreatment of Nazr by the Piston coaching staff, they also have two reasons to believe in turning Webber’s minutes over to their unproven . In 67 games last year, Jason Maxiell averaged 17.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per 48 minutes in his first season as a rotation man. Amir Johnson was an NBDL sensation, that averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.14 blocks in 35.1 minutes per game. He was called up to Detroit later in the season for 8 games, only to average 18.0 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks per 48 minutes on the big club.
The Pistons have the all the talent they need in their young bigs waiting in the wings. It is time to say goodbye to Mr. Webber, thank him for his heartfelt return to his hometown Detroit, and get the future of the Detroit frontcourt checked in and ready to ‘Go To Work.’
Good Point. The Pistons should move on without Cwebb and give the starting role back to Mohammed. But I think that he should still play at least for one more year. Maybe the Suns (if they want him) would be a good fit because they just lost Kurt Thomas. Cwebb has his best days in Sacramento. If he hadn’t gotten injured in the 2003 playoffs, I think they could have won the series against Dallas (who won in 7 games after Cwebb got injured in Game 2) and challenge the Spurs the Western crown (who just dethroned the three time defending champs; the Lakers). He was playing his best basketball then, and it’s a shame for a great player not having a chance to compete for a title in his prime. Cwebb deserves one last chance to prove to the world that he is a winner.
Was Webber a good or even a great player, period? Stat-wise, yes! By position, yes! As a college standout, definitely!! As an all-star, ehhh. After 2003, he hasn’t been the focus of any offense, but he has earned at a all-star price tag.
Don’t get me wrong, I love CWebb and the days of Michigan, but college is over,and the NBA years is winding down. Even his long-time squeeze, Tyra Banks, has moved on to her own retirement position (Tyra Banks Show) I say call it quits and retain your legacy. By the way, I heard he’s a well sought after music producer. There you go Webb, now you have something to do with all that “unearned” millions.
Pistons need to dump CWebb, for reasons the article above clearly stated–he can no longer move laterally and therefore cannot defend. When he started for Philly, sure he scored 20 a game and rebounded, but he severely weakened the team defensively. Opposing small forwards had career nights all the time when playing Philly. You could literally see them salivating coming onto the floor. Any team the Sixers played knew they could score on every possession as long as CWebb was on the court. And its too bad, he’s been one of my fav players a long time, and a great person. But he’s only a shadow of the player he used to be. I thought the Pistons did hurt themselves defensively with Webber in the lineup. Yes…time for CWebb to move on, and good luck to him.
I agree that we had an efficent offseason. Resigning Amir Johnson was the number 1 priority after Chauncey finalized his extension. We got it done and for a relatively fair price.
Nazr has been trashed but he is an effective Center and I think he will be of use next season. He is a decent shotblocker and rebounder. If Amir and Maxiell explode and Nazr gets pushed to the side he possibly could fetch something in a trade.
Chris Webber should go–that much has been established by Jay and others (including Brian, a co-worker I just surveyed on the subject). So what’s next for Webber? Why not follow in the foot-loose steps of Clyde Drexler and join Dancing with the Stars? Now, I know you’re thinking, but he’s got “aging knees.” Ya, but look at Heather Mills, she danced and jived with a prosthetic leg! Also, he’s not bad to look at 😉 Although ballroom dancing is not a contact, competitive sport like basketball or football, the dancers are in tip-top shape and they put on an entertaining show. TV would be a great medium for Chris Webber to reinvent his image.