Webber Move First Step in Uphill Battle
Chris Webber, we hardly knew ye.
Sources within the Philadelphia 76ers say Chris Webber’s contract has been bought out, parting ways with the 14-year veteran. The five-time All Star spent nearly two seasons with the Sixers, mainly to be used as a compliment to Allen Iverson.
As this city has seen, that last sentence couldn’t be further from what actually transpired. Over the course of the next two seasons, Webber was a key cog in the demise of this franchise. From clashing with then coach Jim O’Brien to the point that O’Brien was relieved of his duties, to seeing limited playing time due to decrepit knees, to not showing up at Fan Appreciation Day, to becoming a salary-cap calamity, the fanfare that the Chris Webber trade was met with was possibly the only fanfare ever tossed his way.
The Webber acquisition will be looked back at as Billy King’s Last Stand in trying to equip the mercurial Iverson with a second scoring option. Webber will be at the top of the list that includes such names as Jerry Stackhouse, Keith Van Horn, and Derrick Coleman. Unfortunately for King, Ed Snider, and those who still follow the Sixers, this desperate attempt has hamstrung the team into financial and basketball purgatory.
The buyout, which will save the Sixers just under $5 million, now allows Billy King some much-needed (though small) salary-cap and luxury-tax relief. Coupled with the Iverson deal, Billy King is taking the first steps to save this organization, and most importantly, his job.
How King still has his job is up for debate. Lest we remind everyone of the revolving door of lucrative contracts that have in no way helped the organization reach the elusive pinnacle of a championship.
Matt Geiger.
Greg Buckner.
Samuel Dalembert, we are currently reserving you a slot on this list.
Now with three first-round draft picks and financial flexibility, King can begin the difficult process of returning this team to some sort of respectability. However, given King & Co.’s history with draft picks (especially with Larry Brown on board…..Damone Brown anyone? Sam Clancy? Casey Shaw? Ugh.), that is a point still yet to be proven.
With nowhere to go but up (or out…the door), King and the Sixers have strapped on their climbing boots and begin the proverbial climb to the top of the summit.
Hey, with the summit only 6 games back, the climb may prove easier than expected.
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Posted on January 10, 2007 by Gregory | Filed Under Philadelphia, Sixers
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As a Philadelphia sports fan, it’s difficult to admit that the Sixers are in the NBA’s proverbial purgatory – the rebuilding stage – but, they are. After several acquisitions (Mutombo, Van Horn, Glenn Robinson, Webber, etc.) gave hope to our fanbase that this might be the best player to compliment AI, Billy King’s tenure will forever remind me of a revolving door (Randy Ayers, Chris Ford, Jim O’Brien) made of fool’s gold (Matt Geiger, Monty Williams, Samuel Dalembert). Thanks Billy, I think I’ll go buy a Kenny Thomas jersey.