When Webber decided to hang em up, it was a sad but long expected day for me. Webber has been my favorite player since his existence in the media. There always seemed to be that bad charma that seemed to be on the Red Sox until they exercised their demons in 2004. So close so many times. In Michigan we all know what happened after the no-call travel against UNC in the National Title game. Then their was the series verse the Bulls in 97′. The Washington Bullets an #8 seed, nothing to lose at the time going up against the greatest of all, but had a legit chance to win any of those games in the final minutes, and couldn't snag one. Clearly a team and a player on the rise in the NBA making a statement against the Class of the NBA. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Shortly after that Washington dealt Webber, in a package that landed them Mitch Richmond. Mitch Richmond? For a young power forward with all the tools? The big smile? This trade seem lob-sided from the get-go. The Bullets/Wizards went down, fast. The Sacramento Kings went up, fast! This was the key trade to Geoff Petrie's puzzle for a title contending team with the style of play they looked to implement. Two big guys with great passing skills to run the Princeton offense.(Webber,Divac) the pieces started to come together quickly. Webber found himself in the same shoes he was in 97'. An 8 seed going up against a mighty #1. The Utah Jazz. Karl Malone, John Stockton, Jerry Sloan. It was the 1999 playoffs. The Kings have the Jazz with their backs to the wall. A Final Game 5 in overtime. Five minutes left for the two-time Western Champions to save their season, and once again Webber comes out on the wrong side, But this was a sign of good things to come. Next season comes around. Finish the regular season as an 8 seed again. Drop the first 2 of the 2000 Playoffs, only to win their 2 home games and force another deciding Game 5 against another #1 Seed. This time the Los Angeles Lakers, and the same result. Lose Game 5. After signing couple free agents and the development of Peja Stojakovic into the starting lineup. The Kings looked good to go. Instead in 2001 LA sweeps them out of the second round. The blame this time seemed to go on immature point guard Jason Williams.
Pistons News: Chris Webber, #4, Retires.
Today's Must Reads
Track this Article on My B/R
Share This Article
About the Author Tony Kariotis (contributor)
- 2 articles written
- 1 comments posted
- 0 fans
Want to write for Bleacher Report
We are a community of fans who write about sports. And we're growing.
0 commentsLeave a Comment
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.