<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Is Chris Webber's absence a big blow to the 76ers? Some Sixers fans might not think so, but the statistics suggest it is. While Webber, who has missed the last six games with lower back soreness and stiffness, is averaging career-lows in points (9.0), assists (2.4), minutes (29.3) and the second-fewest rebounds (8.0) in his 14-year career, the Sixers are 4-4 in eight games with Webber, 1-5 in six without him. That the Sixers' offensive numbers are better with Webber shouldn't be surprising because Webber is known primarily as a scorer with good passing ability. For example, the Sixers are: shooting 46.9 percent from the field in games with Webber, compared to 42.7 percent in games without him; shooting 48.7 percent on 2-point baskets with, 43.2 percent without; averaging 21.1 assists and 36.8 made field goals with, 18.2 assists and 31.7 made field goals without. In addition, Kyle Korver is averaging 15.1 points with Webber, 10.8 without. ?Without him, the ball only stays on the perimeter,? said Samuel Dalembert. ?The ball's not going inside to put pressure on the defense a little bit more. I think that's what we're missing.? ?When you put him on the floor and put the ball in his hands, guys move and cut and it gives us better offensive flow,? said Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks. Webber declined comment after Wednesday's practice. The common perception is that Webber's surgically repaired left knee makes him a liability on defense because his lack of mobility prevents him from being able to guard opposing power forwards. However, the numbers also indicate the Sixers are better defensively in the eight games with Webber than the six games without him. To wit, opponents are: shooting 44.4 percent in games with Webber, 50.3 without; shooting 47.5 percent on 2-point baskets with, 53.1 without; averaging 97.9 points with, 102.9 without. Informed of this, Cheeks smiled and said, ?I hope he gets back soon then.? Allen Iverson is apparently aware of Webber's defensive value, since he called Webber the Sixers' best post defender earlier this month. Asked specifically what Webber does defensively, Kevin Ollie said, ?He just knows how to play. He talks on the court and rebounding, too, is part of defense. If you play great defense and a shot goes up and you don't rebound, you're not playing good defense.? ?He might not be able to move as fast as before, but he brings nine or 10 rebounds a game,? agreed Dalembert. ?That's something out there. There's times he might not jump as high, but by boxing his man out, the ball comes to his side or he goes out there and gets it.? Yet Webber, who participated in half-court drills Wednesday and plans to scrimmage full court today, didn't play at all in four of the eight fourth quarters in which he was in uniform, including the last two. Foes typically opted for a quicker lineup that Cheeks matched, causing Webber to remain on the bench. ?It's tough for Chris when we play Phoenix and the teams with small guys out there,? Ollie said. ?I know he wants to get back on the court. We'll welcome him when he gets back.? MAKING A DIFFERENCE The Sixers (5-9) are 4-4 in the eight games Chris Webber has played and 1-5 in the six games he has missed. With Webber Without Webber Sixers FG% 46.9 42.7 Sixers 2-pt FG% 48.7 43.2 Assists 21.1 18.2 Opp. FG% 44.4 50.3 Opp. 2-pt. FG% 47.5 53.1 Opp. PPG 97.9 02.9 </div> Link Interesting. Statistic wise, it looks like we are a better team with Webber on the court
It tells you the Sixers are a better team with Webber getting some court time. In other words, he's at least better than the Sixer's 3rd string player(s). It doesn't necessarily mean he deserves the majority of the minutes at his position, or that he should even start. On/Off Stats Big difference I see there is assist% goes way down (which probably leads to the worse fg%), and also the Sixers turnovers go up somewhat.
