Any Takers?: Finding a Home for Chris Webber
Chris Webber has had an interesting offseason.
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The 14-year veteran hasn't officially retiredโbut he can't seem to find any takers for his services.
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Last season, Webber averaged 11 points and seven rebounds with the 76ers and the Pistonsโnot typical Webber numbers, but still good enough to be a factor off the bench.
Early reports indicated that Webber was headed to Greece to finish his career. Olympiacos, one of Greece's premier teams, offered Chris a two-year deal worth between $10 and $12 millionโwhich would have made him the highest paid American player in Europe.
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Is that really all that's left for the former All-Star?
In early October, Webber turned down the Olympiacos deal. Subsequent reports have him looking to return to the Pistons, but cap restrictions have stalled negotiations.
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In the event that Webber and the Pistons can't reach an agreement, a handful of other NBA teams could use a veteran power forward to help guide them to the playoffs:
1) Chicago Bulls
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The Bulls are in a bit of a tailspin out of the gate. Webber would be a great fit coming off the bench, and would bring veteran leadership to a team that lacks it.
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2) Orlando Magic
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The Magic are looking like a playoff team in the early goingโbut they don't have a true power forward to help Dwight Howard down low. Webber's jumper would help open up the paint for Orlando's star center.
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3) New Jersey Nets
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The Nets' game relies on speed and perimeter shooting. Still, it helps to have a legitimate big man.
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Guys like Nenad Krstic, Jamal Magloire, and Jason Collins don't garner the same respect Webber doesโand Webber's game is more complete than any of theirs.
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4) Phoenix Suns
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Phoenix is a great team, but could use some help in the 4 spot.
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Boris Diaw is young and inconsistent. Enter Webber, who can run the floor with Steve Nash and help Grant Hill guide the team through the playoffs.
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Imagine a lineup of Webber, Nash, Hill, Shawn Marion, and Amare Stoudemire. That's kind of scary.
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5) Houston Rockets
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The Rockets are flying out of the gate, but like the Suns lack punch at the 4.
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Chuck Hayes and newcomer Louis Scola are the team's power forwards. Though Scola has shown he can cut it in the NBA, Webber would be a welcome presence on a club looking to contend now.
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With Webber complementing Yao Ming's inside presence and Tracy's McGrady's all-around game, the sky would be the limit in Houston.
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As it stands, Webber continues to drift in basketball limbo. With so many teams in need of a power forward, it's hard to imagine that he won't find a home sooner rather than later.ย
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