<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Chris Webber's unlikely but fast-moving return to the Golden State Warriors is on course to be completed by Tuesday, according to sources close to the negotiations. Barring an unexpected change of heart, sources said, Webber will accept the invitation from former coach Don Nelson and former teammate Chris Mullin to come back to the team with whom he won NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1994, only for Webber to force a trade to Washington some six months later when his prickly relationship with Nelson collapsed. "I hope that it happens to be quite honest with you," Nelson told Bay Area reporters Sunday before the Warriors hosted the New York Knicks. "I think our team needs it." Nelson made his own surprising and triumphant return to Oakland last season, guiding the Warriors to their first playoff berth since they went 50-32 in Webber's rookie season in 1993-94. Sources say Nelson and Mullin, now the Warriors' vice president of basketball operations, are confident that the 67-year-old coach and Webber are ready for this seemingly hard-to-fathom reunion after multiple conversations in recent days. For his part, Nelson has maintained that he and Webber reconciled years ago, when he chose Webber to replace the injured Shaquille O'Neal -- over Dirk Nowitzki from Nelson's Dallas Mavericks -- as the West's starting center for the 2002 All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Webber could not be immediately reached for comment Sunday, but sources insist that he would be Golden State-bound now even if the Detroit Pistons made an 11th-hour bid to re-sign him. The Warriors have offered to sign him for the rest of the season for a pro-rated share of the league's $1.2 million veteran minimum. After a second-half stint with his hometown Pistons last season that ended in defeat in the Eastern Conference finals, Webber told ESPN.com in October that he would only play "as a Piston" this season . . . "unless something crazy happens." But he has relaxed that stance in recent weeks. Webber last week rejected the opportunity to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers after they lost Andrew Bynum to a knee injury in part, sources said, because L.A. wanted Webber to play out two 10-day contracts before it made a decision on keeping him. Conversations with the Warriors developed from Golden State's discussions with fellow veteran Gary Payton, as Payton and Webber are both represented by agent Aaron Goodwin. Although the Pistons have retained an interest in bringing Webber back all season, they would still need to clear a roster spot to make room for the 34-year-old and have either been unable or unwilling to do so. Pistons president Joe Dumars indicated last week that the club was unlikely to buy out the contract of either Primoz Brezec or Flip Murray just to add Webber. On the surface, Webber appears to be a questionable fit for the up-and-down Warriors, given the mobility issues that have plagued him since a major knee injury in the 2003 playoffs and subsequent microfracture knee surgery. Golden State, however, lacks veteran know-how and frontcourt depth. The Warriors believe Webber's passing and mid-range shooting can address some of their half-court struggles and give them a new offensive outlet when the game slows down or their 3-pointers aren't falling. "I would love to have Chris Webber," Stephen Jackson told reporters, according to The Associated Press. "I'm not sure if it will happen or not but if he comes here we'll definitely welcome him with open arms. He's a great player and I'd love to have him. We'll see what happens." At the very least, Webber's arrival would double the number of true big men Nelson is willing to play. Andris Biedrins is the only current Golden State power player entrusted with meaningful minutes; Al Harrington and Matt Barnes are natural small forwards who operate as power forwards for the smallish Warriors. Nelson asserted over the weekend that he has little doubt that there's a place for Webber's voice in a locker room that already houses the outspoken duo of Baron Davis and Jackson. "Our leadership is so strong here I wouldn't worry about that," Nelson said. "I'd say, if anything, we'd be stronger. More veteran leadership is a good thing. I've got enough rookies." It remains to be seen how Webber will respond if Nelson plays him limited minutes or even sits him some nights, but Golden State figures it's a low-risk, inexpensive gamble that will pay off if Webber can match the production he managed last season in Philadelphia and Detroit, averaging 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Those numbers dropped to 9.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game in the playoffs, but Nelson is undaunted. "I'm afraid if we don't get him here [that] our team is not strong enough to be a playoff team," Nelson said. "That's my biggest fear. I think if he comes it can benefit our team, it can benefit his and my relationship, it can benefit players on this team. I think he has a chance to make some of our players better and make our team better. Really that's all that's important. I'll get along with anybody who can help our team." Nelson orchestrated a draft-day trade in Orlando in 1993 to land Webber, who at the time was only the second college sophomore in history to go No. 1 overall. But they barely lasted one season together, with Webber dealt to Washington for Tom Gugliotta and three first-round picks and Nelson losing his dual role of coach-GM shortly thereafter. "I've learned over the years," Nelson said Sunday night. "I've softened a bit through some of the experiences I've had. I look back at the time when Chris and I were here early in our careers. We were both pretty stubborn and I was maybe too tough and he was too young to see the positives I was trying to bring to the table. I've learned and I think he has, too. Hey, I'm an old man and he's an old player."</div> http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3217920 Wow. You can't really say anything bad about this move IMO. At best we'll be adding a very solid role player, a legit big man at that, to help us out down the stretch. At worst, it just doesn't work out and his contract is up in 6 months. Here's a highlight video of his 06-07 season: http://youtube.com/watch?v=292Qr--fg8E That video at least makes me feel a little better about his athletic capabilities. He can still finish and hes crafty as hell. Has that nice elbow jumper and hes a great passer. He can post up a little bit and has a great baby hook. His post game and passing will help us out when the game slows down. His rebounding is still a big question mark though and we know his defense will suck ass. Hopefully he can teach Wright, POB, Biedrins, Kosta, etc. a thing or two. I also like the timing of this move. We still have a few weeks before the trade deadline so if it doesn't work out we'll have other options. Low risk, high reward move.
Good signing for you guys! I was hoping the Lakers would sign him but they back away from him because he was making too many demands, I hope he doesn't come in and kill your chemistry. Good luck to you guys.
Well, I will believe when Webber officially sign with us, because there are so many things that do not make a sense for Webber. I mean, it's great for us to sign a player like Webber for min, but I don't know why he decided to sign with us in first place. With vet min., he can go to any team he wants and chase for the ring. And, it's not like Payton situation, where he is just washed out. He can go Spurs, Celtics, Pistons, Lakers or any contending team and still contribute like what he did in Detroit. And, Webber isn't exactly a spring chicken to play for Nelson's style. But, if we sign Webber for vet. min., I would be a very very happy man. Reunion of Cohan-Nelson was already a fantasy stuff. But, reunion of Cohan-Nelson-Webber??? Break up that caused 13 years of misery? Webber is willing to give a discount just to play for Warriors and Nelson? Wow. I never expect to see this coming. What's next? Owens and Sprewell for next year's training camp? Maybe, all 3 can have a dinner and imagine what could have been if they were all less stubborn 13 years ago. Just for that most awkward reunion alone, I would love to see Webber in here. As a player, if Benga can play a back up center for us, Webber can definitely play for us as well. He may not have a huge role, but he can still fill both back up center and PF role very nicely. And, who knows what Nelson can do with Webber. Can't wait till Tuesday...
Gu-gli-otta Clap, clap, clapclapclap... Gu-gli-otta Clap, clap, clapclapclap... Gu-gli-otta Clap, clap, clapclapclap... I can hear it already
Something just feels off. Maybe its the visions of Webber last year where he was the only guy who could lose a race to Ilgaskus downcourt. But if he can get some rebounds and make some good high post passes, great. Just sad to think CJ Watson is probably going to get cut. He wasn't bad but he probably was not fast enough and not a good enough defender to keep.
Maybe something is in the works to move Pietrus to free up a roster spot? I can't remember if they are allowed to yet or not. I'd like to keep Watson too if possible.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (philsmith75 @ Jan 28 2008, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Just sad to think CJ Watson is probably going to get cut. He wasn't bad but he probably was not fast enough and not a good enough defender to keep.</div> No worries. Warriors signed CJ Watson for the remainder of the season. I guess that means Hudson is getting cut. Back to Webber, I don't think his lack of speed will really affect our running game. You don't literally have to be a speed demon to play well in an up-tempo system (though it helps), its more of a mind-set. Besides, how many times do you see Biedrins finishing on the break? Our bigs aren't usually even on the break because the ball gets pushed up so fast. All hes got to do is rebound and outlet, hes also capable of leading the break though and his end to end speed doesn't seem THAT bad.
This is a low-risk signing by the W's coupled with a good story line. How ironic is it that Nelson and Webber get back together again and how ironic is it that it's the same team! It makes sense though, in a karma induced way. The current W's management is made up of Nellie disciples starting with Mullin, who was Webber's teammate. I think it's worth it just for the story. I think it would be interesting to see the reconciliation of Nelson and Webber, two of the more interesting characters in Bay Area sports history. As far as Webber helping the team, yes, I think he will. To me, he's like Harrington with passing skills, but slower and not as durable. Thus, his minutes will be limited. Webber is a true NBA veteran now. The Warriors can't get enough veteran presence, IMO. It's definitely a good thing, presuming the chemistry won't be hurt by his arrival. By the sounds of it, the players would welcome him joining the team. Webber will definitely help run the W's half court sets much better, but that's probably the the only void the currently W's have that his presence can make up for. Defense and rebounding, I don't think he's going to help too much. I don't think he will hurt the W's fast break as much as people are alluding to. He still has good hands and great vision. As long as he's in the right spot at the right time, Webber should be able help the W's start or finish a fast break, despite his health issues.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Run BJM @ Jan 28 2008, 06:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (philsmith75 @ Jan 28 2008, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Just sad to think CJ Watson is probably going to get cut. He wasn't bad but he probably was not fast enough and not a good enough defender to keep.</div> No worries. Warriors signed CJ Watson for the remainder of the season. I guess that means Hudson is getting cut. Back to Webber, I don't think his lack of speed will really affect our running game. You don't literally have to be a speed demon to play well in an up-tempo system (though it helps), its more of a mind-set. Besides, how many times do you see Biedrins finishing on the break? Our bigs aren't usually even on the break because the ball gets pushed up so fast. All hes got to do is rebound and outlet, hes also capable of leading the break though and his end to end speed doesn't seem THAT bad. </div> Thanks for the info! I think it's a great signing and it probably means the W's won't sign Gary Payton. I think one health embattled veteran is all we can take right now!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Shapecity @ Jan 28 2008, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Now they just need to sign Latrell Sprewell. I'm still shocked Webber signed with the Warriors.</div> While we're at it, we should hire Tim Hardaway to be the new Director of Public Relations!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kensaku @ Jan 28 2008, 07:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Shapecity @ Jan 28 2008, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Now they just need to sign Latrell Sprewell. I'm still shocked Webber signed with the Warriors.</div> While we're at it, we should hire Tim Hardaway to be the new Director of Public Relations! </div> Tim Hardaway and his "I Hate Gay People" stance might not go over very well for Warrior PR <div><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XFP9rCnXR54&"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XFP9rCnXR54&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350" /></embed></object></div> I think Tim is still hiding from Takei. <div><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1Hgg_qsU-8E&"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1Hgg_qsU-8E&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350" /></embed></object></div>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Shapecity @ Jan 28 2008, 07:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kensaku @ Jan 28 2008, 07:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Shapecity @ Jan 28 2008, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Now they just need to sign Latrell Sprewell. I'm still shocked Webber signed with the Warriors.</div> While we're at it, we should hire Tim Hardaway to be the new Director of Public Relations! </div> Tim Hardaway and his "I Hate Gay People" stance might not go over very well for Warrior PR I think Tim is still hiding from Takei. <div><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1Hgg_qsU-8E&"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1Hgg_qsU-8E&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350" /></embed></object></div> </div> I'm quite aware of Tim Hardaway's quote...that's a funny video though!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3219421 <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>By Marc Stein ESPN.com Updated: January 28, 2008, 7:20 PM ET Chris Webber told ESPN.com on Monday night that he will arrive in Oakland on Tuesday to formally re-join the Golden State Warriors. Chris Webber Webber "I'll be there tomorrow," Webber said via e-mail. "It's a done deal." A five-time All-Star, Webber began his career in Golden State, winning Rookie of the Year in 1993-94. He had a falling out with Don Nelson, however, and was shipped to the then Washington Bullets after only one season. In a 14-year career, the Michigan product has averaged 20.9 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Nelson lasted for only one more year in Golden State after Webber left, coaching the New York Knicks for one season and the Dallas Mavericks for eight more before returning to the Warriors last season. He has said that he will do whatever it takes to mend the fences with Webber for the good of the team.</div>
I don't see this really working out, but its definitely a low-risk, high-reward type of move and there's nothing wrong with that. As for Webber's motivations, I have a feeling he's anticipating inflated stats in the Warriors fast-paced offense-heavy gameplan that'll help him get a bigger payday this upcoming summer.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chutney @ Jan 28 2008, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I don't see this really working out, but its definitely a low-risk, high-reward type of move and there's nothing wrong with that. As for Webber's motivations, I have a feeling he's anticipating inflated stats in the Warriors fast-paced offense-heavy gameplan that'll help him get a bigger payday this upcoming summer.</div> You can never overlook a pro-athlete's desire to get paid as much as he can, but it's pretty apparent that he is well-past the stage of trying to negotiate a salary more than one year for the NBA's veteran minimum, unless he miraculously averages a double-double with his stint with the Warriors while playing in every game in the remaining schedule. The naive me tells me he just wants to be wanted.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chutney @ Jan 28 2008, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>As for Webber's motivations, I have a feeling he's anticipating inflated stats in the Warriors fast-paced offense-heavy gameplan that'll help him get a bigger payday this upcoming summer.</div> Agreed. Webber's criteria for choosing a team last year was 1. a contender and 1. a) being a starter. He would have signed earlier if anyone would give him more than the minimum and the Lakers already offered him this season but he declined even though they're probably considered to be more of a contender than we are. They probably couldn't guarantee him a starting job or even heavy minutes with Bynum, Kwame, Turiaf, Walton, Odom so instead they went with Mbenga to fill in while Bynum is gone. Hes an awkward fit with the Warriors and we're surely not contenders compared to other possible suitors. Given his lack of athleticism and defense that the W's need as well as his history with Nellie and the franchise as a whole, the only possible explanation as to why he would come back here is because he would get a lot of playing time to prove that he can still play. If Nellie is as desperate as he says he is he surely offered Webber 20 mpg if not a starting spot to get him to come here. With Barnes and Pietrus playing horribly and Al being inconsistent, Webber will have no trouble getting minutes. Webber sees GS as a team where he can get a lot of playing time, get inflated stats, and be on what could/should be a playoff team with a lot of exposure. If he plays well and the W's make the playoffs you know this will be brought up every 5 minutes and Webber ought to be able to land a $3 mil contract for next season on a legit contender. That's not to say I don't support the move though. Nellie is clearly not going to play any of the young bigs so we need to get someone with some size. I think hes still a pretty solid rebounder and he'll help our half court game a lot. Playing him at C can't be any worse than when we play Al at C right? Throw Al or Barntrus in there at PF to add rebounding and athleticism and he'll be fine. As long as hes in a good mood he'll be good for leadership and helping out the younger bigs. Even if hes here just to earn his contract for next season as long as hes happy and productive it'll be a win win for both sides.
You also can't underestimate laziness, especially when it comes to Webber. He'll be asked to play to his strengths on this Warriors team (scoring/shooting, rebounding) and really won't have to focus on his weak defense or lack of a post-game because it fits in with about every other player on the team. I'm sure the Pistons, Spurs, Lakers, etc. would not have let him get away with a lackadaisical effort on the defensive end.
We'll have to see how this plays out. I feel strongly like the rest of you guys that this is a surreal situation given the fact the Warriors fans had to endure 13 years of "the curse of webber" (because of the cost it took to get him in the draft and then him wanting out shortly after). Maybe this is the way the Warriors can get closure like they did with Nelson coming back after the Warriors were playoff-less without him. You guys are right about how extra weird it would be to have Sprewell back, but that would never happen given that swingmen are a dime a dozen in this league and scoring, playmaking guards and talented big men are not. I think Webber could be a positive because we don't have a player that's as good of a passer as him other than a guard. The best passing big man we've had in recent time was Clif Robinson, but Clif Robinson also had some great post defense. Webber has a post game and great passing, but he could be Murphy like on defense which could lead to trouble. Let's just hope the Warriors are bringing in Webber not just to get us out of halfcourt situations, but to develop Biedrins a little more in his post offense and his playmaking. We desperately need more offensive creativity in the frontcourt or middle. Oh yeah, I knew CJ Watson wouldn't go anywhere. He's too useful and we a 3rd guy that can shoot off the dribble and pass it. Meanwhile, we got Hudson who cannot help us now (unfortunately and fortunately) and he never was that unselfish with the ball.
