The Sixers are apparently going to buy out CWebb's deal, and the big city hacks have him all but pegged for the Knicks once he clears waivers.

I actually hope he ends up there, because as a Pistons fan, I'd hate to see him in Cleveland or worse...Chicago.

The Sixers are apparently going to buy out CWebb's deal, and the big city hacks have him all but pegged for the Knicks once he clears waivers.

I actually hope he ends up there, because as a Pistons fan, I'd hate to see him in Cleveland or worse...Chicago.

I'd love to see him in Chicago. He'd take minutes from Ben, cause whining and implode the team. Plus he doesn't play a lick of defense and can't run (two things the bulls do well). In Cleveland he could just watch Lebron and hit a jumper once and a while.

Chicago needs a post scorer in the worst way, and as much as CWebb likes to float and shoot jumpers, he would give them some of what they need most. I don't see any way that he takes minutes from Ben, he'd take them from PJ Brown, Mike Sweetney, Malik Allen, etc.

don't they play small ball a lot too though?

(ie: with Deng at PF)

Deng plays some PF, yes, but their offense is way too guard oriented.

I guarantee that they'll add a big that can score before the trade deadline. I hope they at least have to give up something significant in return.

If they can get CWebb on the cheap, that's bad news for us.

I want Webber on any playoff team we play aganst.

I agree with Uncle Mxy. Everyone here is thinking of the old CWebb that could come out and dominate in the post. He doesn't do that anymore. He spends a lot of his time standing around the top of the key shooting jumpers. He'd be horrible for the Bulls, but perfect for the Cavs, like WTFChris said. He wouldn't be in the key getting in the way when Cleveland's slashers drove the lane, his defender couldn't sag off him to protect the lane because he can still hit that jumper with some consistency, and he wouldn't even have to be the first or second option. It's perfect for a lazy guy with bum knees.

I guess we'll just have to see about CWebb. Some of you guys talk about him like he's worthless, and while he's nowhere near what he used to be due to injuries, he still is averaging 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in 30 mpg this year, and even better than that when AI wasn't playing.

I think he'll help somebody this year, I just hope it's not someone that we have to play in the playoffs.

If someone gets him for a prorated amount of the vets minimum, that's a steal.

Not to mention going for 20 and 10 last season. Yes I'm interested in Webber and I would assume Dumars is as well.

Not to mention going for 20 and 10 last season. Yes I'm interested in Webber and I would assume Dumars is as well.

What could we use on him?

I'm hearing alot on teams being interesting in using their vet's minimum on Webber.

Didnt we use ours on Hunter?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2726276


Webber remains in limbo as buyout talk continues

ESPN.com news services

PHILADELPHIA -- The next time Chris Webber suits up for an NBA game, it likely won't be as a 76er.

Webber appears on his way out of Philadelphia as the team prepares to finalize details of a contract buyout that, according to the Philadelphia Daily News, could be completed as soon as Wednesday.

Webber was expected to travel with the Sixers for Wednesday night's game in New York.

"We'll wait (until tonight) to see what happens," coach Maurice Cheeks said Tuesday. "He's been out for such a long time. We take Chris day by day."

While Webber reportedly has confirmed the buyout talk, Cheeks said the player has continued to go about his business in a positive way.

"Chris has been as professional as he can be around the players helping the young guys, trying to teach them certain things," Cheeks said.

Tuesday night, Webber sat out Philadelphia's 98-89 loss to Detroit officially with foot and ankle injuries, the 10th game he's missed in the last 13. He is a free agent after this season and would be required to give back less than $5 million to the Sixers in a buyout, a source told the Daily News.

A buyout would extend a period of upheaval for the Sixers, who dealt Allen Iverson to Denver in a blockbuster mid-December trade. At 9-25, Philly has the worst record in the Eastern Conference and is tied with the Grizzlies and the Bobcats for fewest wins in the league through Tuesday.

Webber, 33, was acquired by the Sixers from Sacramento in February 2005 as part of a six-player deal. He has been derailed by right ankle and foot injuries this season, appearing in only 18 of 34 games. He is averaging 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in 30.2 minutes and had career averages of 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds entering this season.


Who has better soul food*, Detroit, Chicago or Cleveland?

Seriously, I don't think we're a good fit, unless Joe wants to trade Dice (or Sheed, I suppose).



*let me know if you don't get that reference, not intended to be offensive

What could we use on him?

I'm hearing alot on teams being interesting in using their vet's minimum on Webber.

Didnt we use ours on Hunter?
You can always sign guys for the vet minimum (I'll look it up but I think there's no limit to vet min contracts you can sign ... ever). We used the BAE, Bi-Annual Exception, which is what I think you are refering to on Murray. We had Hunter's bird rights which is how we signed him.

[I didn't find a limit to the amount of minimum salaries a team can add in the Coon faq. From what it said, it seemed like there was no limit. Also, I think this is how Dallas always had like 14 6-11 stiffs on the end of their bench.]

I guess we'll just have to see about CWebb. Some of you guys talk about him like he's worthless, and while he's nowhere near what he used to be due to injuries, he still is averaging 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in 30 mpg this year, and even better than that when AI wasn't playing.

I think he'll help somebody this year, I just hope it's not someone that we have to play in the playoffs.

If someone gets him for a prorated amount of the vets minimum, that's a steal.

Yes, he is averaging 11 and 8.3 this year. He's also shooting %38. Sheed puts up 12 and 8 on three less shots a game (while shooting four 3 pointers a game too) and he's not even playing well either. C-webb shoots %10 worse than Sheed, and can't guard anybody.

getting the ball from AI with 1 second left on the shot clock will do that do you, lol

I admit I haven't seen a Sixer game all year (minus the first game with Detroit, but I don't remember him playing in that one). I'm just going by the numbers. However, he played with AI even more last year, and shot %5 better. Plus, he hasn't shot %50 since he left Washington, and he played with some pretty good passers in Sactown too.

Apparently a done deal.

http://www.phillysportsline.com/getnews/884423


Sixers reach agreement to buyout Webber

Philadelphia, PA (PhillySportsline.com) - The Philadelphia 76ers and Chris Webber have reached an agreement on terms to buyout the forward's contract and make him a free agent.

The Philadelphia Daily News reported the agreement on Wednesday, citing an unnamed source.

According to the paper, Webber would give back less than $5 million in the deal. He was slated to make over $20 million this season and over $22 million next year under his current contract.

The exit of Webber, who Philadelphia acquired from Sacramento by trade in February of 2005, would mark the second major shakeup for the rebuilding 76ers this season.

The Sixers traded guard Allen Iverson to Denver in December along with rookie Ivan McFarlin for guard Andre Miller, forward Joe Smith and a a pair of first- round draft choices.

A five-time All-Star, Webber has been limited to just 18 games this season because of right ankle and foot injuries. He has missed 10 of Philadelphia's last 13 games and is averaging 11 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this year.

In his career, Webber holds averages of 21.4 points, 10 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 779 games, all but two of those starts.

Webber was selected first overall in the 1993 draft by the Orlando Magic and was promptly traded to Golden State for guard Anfernee Hardaway and three first-round draft picks. He averaged 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game in his rookie season, but feuded with then Warriors coach Don Nelson before the start of next season, refused to report to training camp and was then traded to Washington.

He spent his next four seasons in Washington before moving on to Sacramento for the next six-plus seasons. The former Michigan product is best remembered from his college days as a member of the "Fab Five" and for calling a timeout his team didn't have in the 1993 NCAA Tournament championship game with 11 seconds left in the contest and his team down by two.

That led to a technical foul being called and an eventual 77-71 defeat at the hands of North Carolina.

So he was scheduled to get $42m for this year and next, and he ends up with $37m, whatever he can get for the rest of this year, and a new contract from someone next year.

Seems like a pretty good deal for him, especially when he signs a new deal with someone next year. That's a great double dip.

The Cavs would be his best bet (if they are interested). He can float while Big Z operates in the post and Lebron drives. The Nets deperately need a big too, but he doesn't really fit their style.

Yes, he is averaging 11 and 8.3 this year. He's also shooting %38. Sheed puts up 12 and 8 on three less shots a game (while shooting four 3 pointers a game too) and he's not even playing well either. C-webb shoots %10 worse than Sheed, and can't guard anybody.
I don't want to come off as too much of an advocate for Webber (I'd see if I thought he might help if I were Joe I'm not saying I'm 100% for him being a Piston), but those stats are only 18 games of which Mo Cheeks and Billy King mishandled the Sixers so bad Iverson finally left.

Last year he shot 43% (44% eFG%), still not good for an "interior" player but not 38% (and its pretty clear Webber's not really an "interior" player anymore.

[Edit: I can definately see the Cavs.]

How many other "non-interior" players can still get 8+ rebounds in 30 mpg?

Not even Jason Kidd.

I don't want to come off as too much of an advocate for Webber (I'd see if I thought he might help if I were Joe I'm not saying I'm 100% for him being a Piston), but those stats are only 18 games of which Mo Cheeks and Billy King mishandled the Sixers so bad Iverson finally left.

Last year he shot 43% (44% eFG%), still not good for an "interior" player but not 38% (and its pretty clear Webber's not really an "interior" player anymore.

[Edit: I can definately see the Cavs.]

I agree, but he shot %39 the year before that.

Don't get me wrong...in the right situation C-Webb could provide a lot. Look at Zo and Dike this year. Nobody wanted them a couple years ago and they are providing some energy for their clubs. I'm just saying Webber is not good enough to get his own shot anymore so he better be in the right situation to shine. Put him next to Ben and he's in trouble. Ben draws the weaker defender, and his man shades away from him too. Put him next to Big Z and he'll get enough open jumpers to help them.

And despite the fact that he doesn't play in the post, he's still an interior player (for rebound purposes). He still guards PF's that are mostly post players (or spot up shooters, which gives you good rebound chances). 8 RPG is respectable, but not great. Especially when your swingman stands a the three point line and doesn't vulture rebounds from you, and your primary scorer is under 6 feet tall (and shoots a ton of shots providing OREBs).

He shot 43% in both 06 (split between Sac and Philly) and 05 and then 45% in 04 (his last full year in Sac).

8.3 rebounds a game (a career low for Webber, if you throw out a 15 game season where he was injured) is still a rebound better than Sheed's career numbers (coming into this season). Webber is consitently a 10 rebound a game guy.

one aspect of CWebb that hasn't been mentioned yet is his passing ability. he's an excellent passer as a big man. IF he were to sign here, i think he'd instantly become our best bigman passer. with our offense, i think we start to crumble when ball movement gets stagnant and we have one pass possessions. CWebb in Sacramento was VERY dangerous in the post as a passer.

for the league minimum, i'd say sign him. maybe his presence can energize the fans....maybe it'll give the team a little jolt.....anything that could possible re-energize the team. for the leauge minimum, if he sucks or is a malcontent, we just bench his ass. but with Dice not getting past his early-season slump, i think CWebb can be insurance.

the only downside i see is an overloaded frontcourt, and FlipS not knowing who/when to play everyone.

you sign c-webb, you "have" to trade or cut a big man. no way it works otherwise.

webber is a has- been and is basically insignificant nowadays. sorry to say, but it's the truth.

so we could sign webber for nothiing and people would be upset?!?

we sign webber, we trade mcdyess to the nets for marcus williams and their trade exception, and we call it a day. easy peasy. we upgrade our bigmen, our backup pg, and creat space under the lx tax so that next summer isnt a nail biter. plus this opens the door for maxiel to be the full time backup pf next year, assuming webber moves on.

and, like i've said, webber in the last year bought a house 2 blocks from my mom in the detroit area, so theres a good chance he wants to come home.

just to have a little fun (and go along w/ what b-diddy posted).....what about we sign CWebb for the vet's minimum. we play CWebb, Maxiell, and Dale Davis as our backup bigs.....not too shabby, imo. for all the talk of CWebb being a jumpshooter, that's pretty much Dice's game. at least CWebb can give us an added dimension, as a passer, to get others going.

then we put together a package of Dice and Flip Murray for a young PG or an athletic, slashing SG/F?

btw, someone asked somewhere, maybe not this thread, about how the vet minimum works and if we used it on hunter.

the vet min is not an exception, and you are always allowed to sign players to the minimum, assuming roster space. im not sure who has their mle or lle space available ( we have neither) but i suspect webber is more concerned about the opportunity than the money at this point.

ps: anywhere but miami. i couldnt stand to watch another guy play for free with shaq.

btw, someone asked somewhere, maybe not this thread, about how the vet minimum works and if we used it on hunter.

the vet min is not an exception, and you are always allowed to sign players to the minimum, assuming roster space. im not sure who has their mle or lle space available ( we have neither) but i suspect webber is more concerned about the opportunity than the money at this point.

ps: anywhere but miami. i couldnt stand to watch another guy play for free with shaq.

Yeah the vet's minimum is based on time and service, so it is a variable dollar amount. The BAE (Bi-Annual Exception) is a two year deal worth right now about 1.72 million per, but can only be used once every two years.

I would be interested in Webber for this reason; if he plays well he could make Dice expendable or allow the team to shop others actively before the deadline without hurting the overall depth. What I mean is if Webber can do what Dice or Sheed does for a fragment of the cost you can the explore making a 2 for 1 deal to upgrade the bench, or the C, PF, SF postions without losing 2 contributors or having to overpay with picks.

fwiw, realgm is posting an article saying the mavs, spurs, heat, and pistons are the frontrunners, so i guess we should rule those 4 out.

also, i think it'd have to be pretty much understood that dyess (or sheed or nazr) would be gone if webber accepts to come here. no way he comes as the 4th or 5th big man.

so we could sign webber for nothiing and people would be upset?!?

we sign webber, we trade mcdyess to the nets for marcus williams and their trade exception, and we call it a day. easy peasy. we upgrade our bigmen, our backup pg, and creat space under the lx tax so that next summer isnt a nail biter. plus this opens the door for maxiel to be the full time backup pf next year, assuming webber moves on.

and, like i've said, webber in the last year bought a house 2 blocks from my mom in the detroit area, so theres a good chance he wants to come home.

That would be best case scenario but I dont see the Nets trading Marcus Williams.

I don't see how the Cavs would be interested imo. Maybe cwebb fits into their system but they have alot of bigs who can't play the 5. Drew Gooden, Donyell Marshall, and Anderson Varajeo can all play the 4 and some can play the 3. If the Cavs dont trade/cut anyone from that list, he's in a similar situation he's in for the Pistons.

z / webber would be the worst defensive paint presence in nba history. but i do think that cleveland is a likely destination.

I was thinking about the Suns being a likely destination for Cwebb, but i doubt he could keep up although hes got the jumper.


Hes gonna be the next Jalen Rose on that team...

I saw on ESPN that the Lakers might be possible

we just got owned by the Bobcats.

at least CWebb will bring in some more fans to the Palace, so it doesn't look to pathetically half-empty.

WDIV claiming Pistons close on a major signing as a teaser just now. I'm watching to see if its Webber.

Webber's wish list: Heat, Pistons, Mavs, Spurs, Lakers
By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

With his buyout from the Philadelphia 76ers on the verge of completion, Chris Webber has established a Fab Five wish list of high-profile teams he'd like to play for.

Webber told ESPN.com on Wednesday night that 17 of the league's 30 teams have already called to register interest in his services, but the free agent-to-be hopes to sign with one of the following contenders: Miami and his hometown Detroit Pistons in the East; San Antonio, Dallas and the Los Angeles Lakers in the West.

"This is the best I've felt in three years," Webber said in a phone interview. "Now the thing I want to do most is win a championship, put myself back on that kind of level."

Webber didn't divulge any order or preferences when listing those teams but did acknowledge that the Mavericks, believed to be offering less playing time than anyone in the group, was the least likely destination.

Early indications in San Antonio, meanwhile, suggest that the Spurs -- whose desire to get younger and more athletic and the swing positions is well-chronicled -- are unlikely to pursue Webber.

Each of the other three teams on Webber's list, by contrast, does have a need and an interest.

Miami has major depth issues even when Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade are healthy and pursued Webber's former Michigan teammate Jalen Rose when Rose was bought out by New York in November. The Heat, possessing their full mid-level salary-cap exception worth in excess of $5 million, also have the ability to outbid any of the aforementioned suitors, although Miami will stray into luxury-tax territory if it spends, say, $2 million to bring Webber in for the rest of the season.

The Pistons, sources said, immediately thrust themselves into the running, intrigued by the idea of adding the local legend as they continue to revamp their front line in the wake of Ben Wallace's free-agent defection to Chicago.

Webber's experience, size and game are also bound to appeal to the young Lakers, who recently lost two frontcourt starters to injury (Lamar Odom and Kwame Brown) and run an offense (coach Phil Jackson's triangle) that could make the most of Webber's passing skills.

"My father said I haven't smiled on the court in about three years," Webber said. "I just want to get back to playing with a smile on my face and playing with a team that can really vie for title. I want to be an integral part of a championship team."

The 33-year-old added that he hopes to have his new address "by Monday, even though three or four teams want me by Friday."

A new deal can't happen that quickly because Webber must wait two business days to clear waivers once his buyout from the Sixers is made official. Webber said he expects paperwork on the buyout to be completed by Thursday morning at the latest.

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2727137

Webber not expected to be waived before Thursday
By Chris Sheridan
ESPN.com

NEW YORK -- Chris Webber's buyout was close to being finalized Wednesday night, but he was not expected to be waived before Thursday -- meaning he won't be free to sign elsewhere until Monday.

Chris Webber
Power Forward
Philadelphia 76ers

Profile
2007 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
18 11.0 8.3 3.4 .387 .643

"It's close," Philadelphia general manager Billy King said at halftime of the 76ers' game against the New York Knicks. "You've got to do an amendment to the contract, let the league see it, then get the signatures."

It takes two business days for a player to clear waivers, which means teams around the NBA will have to wait through the weekend for Webber to clear waivers and become a free agent. Dallas, Miami, New York, San Antonio, Detroit and Phoenix have been mentioned as possible future destinations for Webber.

"I think he's been a total pro, done everything we've asked of him," King said. "This allows us to go in a different direction. Now I think there's clarity for the organization."

Webber reportedly agreed to a $5 million reduction in his contract, which pays him $20.7 million this season and $22.3 million next season. The buyout allowed the 76ers to drop below the league's luxury tax threshold of $65.4 million.

Webber was acquired by the Sixers from Sacramento in February 2005 as part of a six-player deal. He has been derailed by right ankle and foot injuries this season, appearing in only 18 of 35 games. He is averaging 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in 30.2 minutes and had career averages of 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds entering this season.

Chris Sheridan covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

i guess we are officially after him.

must be webber. i think he's washed up but i guess it can't be bad.

i would hope we then make a deal with one of our big men and flip murray before the deadline, to get a good backup PG.

WDIV is saying Pistons are going to land Webber.

Oh gosh, I'll be thrilled if it happens. Then we could totally deal away Dale and Flip Murray for that slasher Joe D has promised.

Make it happen, Joe! You got 'Sheed for table scraps. You oughta be able to convince C Webb to come.

WDIV is saying Pistons are going to land Webber.

from what i'm reading online, it sounded like WDIV had a teaser about the Pistons being in teh running for CWebb.

any confirmations??

no way the nets would do that deal.

anyway as much as i think c-web is washed up and a nightmare scenario for any team who wishes to play defense, i guess it would be a good signing for the minimum.

then later on down the road we could trade a big man and flip murray for a nice backup PG.

but personally i would take dice over webber any day. and i would HATE if webber were to take minutes from j-max. that would be horrible IMO.

i don't think we need another big man personally. i think we need backup PG help and i think we need to wake up and play to our potential defensively and on the boards. webber will not solve those issues!

Bernie Smilovitz just said (paraphrased), "an NBA source said that the Pistons are close to signing Webber. no deal has been made yet."

90 percent

Sources say that 90% that Webber will be a Piston according to Bernie.

bernie put his rep as a sportscaster on the line.

if i dig up a thread this summer where i mentioned that webber had recently moved to the detroit area and that this probably ment he was going to join the team soon, do i get to take dr tre's mantle of resident insider? i mean, i break the news about 6 months before shit even happens.

ps i'll probably work this into all my posts from now on, or atleast until someone recognizes that i can put 2 and 2 together.

WDIV is very reliable when it comes to throwing rumors out there. They are not Chris McCluless.

hey mikemyers, i changed the thread title.....i think you were trying to do it before. let's keep the CWebb to the Pistons talk in this thread.

I'm watchin WXYZ and see if Don Shane has anything to say.

Newsday (Newspaper in NY) reporting Webber likely to sign in Detroit.

i love this move, if we sign him for the veteran's minimum. very low risk, high reward. it also gives us the potential of putting together a package deal (flipM + Dice/Dale).

plus, we must not forget the power of Arnie Kander. he's probably got his cauldron brewing with a magic salve that'll rejuvenate Webber's knees.

if i dig up a thread this summer where i mentioned that webber had recently moved to the detroit area and that this probably ment he was going to join the team soon, do i get to take dr tre's mantle of resident insider? i mean, i break the news about 6 months before shit even happens.

ps i'll probably work this into all my posts from now on, or atleast until someone recognizes that i can put 2 and 2 together.

lol, good work, b-diddy [smilie=llama_banan:

Oh dear Gawd, he's returning to the scene of the crime! Is there any truth to the rumor that Ed Martin is helping with the negotiations?

i guess now is as good as 5 years ago

his first game at the palace is a definite must see. whats the reception going to be?

not being the biggest historian of detroit basketall history, i also have to ask: is chris webber the best detroit basketball player ever? i realize his nba career hasnt been too spectacular, but there was that stretch in sacremento where he was arguably the best pf during arguably the best era of power forwards ever.

and personally, i bare no ill fealings towards him and what he did to UM. personally, if i had the choice, i'd still bring in the fab five and let them ruin our program. and even though michigan faculty could never say it, they probably would too.

also, no hard feelings up using us in 01, just glad to have him aboard.

todays the happiest ive been about the pistons in a long time.

time heals all wounds with sports fans. grant hill got a standing ovation when he came back to play.

i have no doubt that webber will get a huge fan reaction. especially in light of the pistons' mediocre play lately.

this is really exciting......i think there's huge upside with little risk. worst case scenario is we pin our hopes on Webber as our main backup bigmang and trade Dice.....only to have Webber get hurt. but even then, we're forced to give Maxiell big time minutes, which isn't an awful thing.

Joe is bringing in strong personalities. I wonder how Flip is going to control them.

Let's all hope this won't be a disappointment. If he turns around and heads somewhere else this could be devastating.

Just a thought: what if all this Sheed to the bench stuff the past few games has been in prep for this? Would we really bring in C Webb to start?! Doubtful, but a thought nonetheless.

if he is signed by the time he clears waivers, i wonder how soon he'll be healthy enough to play. i wonder if he was a little slower to recover, hoping for a buyout....

i think webber and sheed could start together. thats a hell of a starting five, and oh boy could that front line move the ball.

Let's all hope this won't be a disappointment. If he turns around and heads somewhere else this could be devastating.

Just a thought: what if all this Sheed to the bench stuff the past few games has been in prep for this? Would we really bring in C Webb to start?! Doubtful, but a thought nonetheless.

now THAT'S scary. going after Webber is a bold move, but bringing him in to start is downright crazy. not saying he might not outplay Sheed and bring up debate as to who starts, but i can't imagine the Pistons giving him a starting role right off the bat.

Somewhere along the line, Webber has got to swallow the ego. I mean this is what, his 23rd team by now? Maybe he steps in and accepts a role with the Pistons, and becomes a team player.
Not an option to bring in the "fab five" at this point to ruin the program again. Wonder why Tommy A can only seem to get third rate players from Romulus? If anyone thinks they were worth it, then explain to me why UM basketball has been shit ever since the last guy on Ed Martin's payroll left (unless you think the NIT "Championship" Amaker won was one of the great moments in UM basketball history).
What is the thought process behind that? That the "fab five" came in and won NOTHING, and completely disgraced Michigan, so it's all good?
There's no need to harbor ill will toward Webber. His entire basketball legacy is defined as a choking fraud who never realized the great potential he possessed. He is a sad, pathetic figure.

dammit, i need to get some sleep, but i'm giddy at the thought of this acquisition.

some CWebb stats:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/1272/career

the guy hasn't played a full season EVER, but if Kander and Co. can bring back Antonio McDyess to effectiveness......i don't doubt Webber could become formidable again. not 27/11/5 Webber.....but even 75-80% would be an absolute steal.

Here are my 2 cents...

First to clear this up before the media screws up how the process works this is how a NBA buyout works....

The team waives the player, then after the waiver period passes, the two sides agree to a dollar amount. Once that number is agreed upon said player is a FA. Most of the writers mess it up and say the buyout happens, then comes waivers but that is not correct. In Webber's case waivers were a moot point no team has cap room to take on 20 million or a TE large enough.

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#59

I think this is a great move if it happens, Webber is a viable post presence and adds more punch to the offense. Detroit, in theory could have the ability to have 5 good to great scorers on the floor if Sheed played C. Plus it gives the team flexibility to make moves to upgrade in season. I think if CWebb ends up here, Rose will be on his way soon enough for Murray.

We're bringing in Webber?
This is a choke, right?

At a cut-rate price, I can't think of any reason not to bring him in.

At the vets min, we might as well do it. We should just sit Sheed until he's healthy and play C Webb in his place (with Max starting still). I like this move because it's a low risk (little money and no traded players), so hopefully he can revive his shot here. I'd like to see us package DD and Flip for Mo Pete too.

BTW, I merged these two threads together since we are talking about possibly signing him in both threads.

Pros: I like the idea of having even better ball movement and another "star" that's capable of getting us through scoring droughts.

Cons: It's C-Webb. Strong personality. Do we really need another guy that won't go in the post? Will it take minutes away from Max?

It better not take minutes from Max. Since he's a jump shooter he should rest Sheed and get him healthy. once sheed is %100 then we have to ration out time then.

Pros: I like the idea of having even better ball movement and another "star" that's capable of getting us through scoring droughts.

Cons: It's C-Webb. Strong personality. Do we really need another guy that won't go in the post? Will it take minutes away from Max?

I dont think personality will be an issue. I'm sure he would want to get a big role, maybe even a starting spot, but of the teams he's looking at, I dont think he'll be starting and if doesnt realize that then...

Im kind of scared of having 3 guys who take jumpers more than put their ass in the paint. Dice loves that baseline jumper, Sheed loves them 3's, and webber takes anything from free throw line extended to anything in the key near FT line

get rid of nazr and this is a great move.

I'm not worried about having 3 jump shooters because if we sign webber one of them will have to be traded. Otherwise we've got 5 pf's and a coach that doesn't know how to deal out minutes. They either trade McDyess or they trade Nazr and move Sheed to center full time.

imo nazr is the obvious odd man out. he fouls too much, inconsistent on the boards, and bitches about minutes. keep him and dropping sheed or dyess is stupid.

Dropping Sheed is stupid period. Sometimes it takes a little extra motivation for the guy, but we all know that if we trade him, he's going to go off to whatever team gets him and dominate for the rest of the season and make us look like fools.

I don't know that. I don't even believe that. He'll never play great with consistency again. Maybe a playoffs series, but its pretty clear the guy is content to be a "good" big man.

FYI, Chris' myspace changed this morning to read: "thanks for the prayers and such, I've decided to come home.." Take that for what it's worth, I guess.

Do you think Amir to the NBDL timing is a coincidence or has something to do with this? Something to think about.

FYI, Chris' myspace changed this morning to read: "thanks for the prayers and such, I've decided to come home.." Take that for what it's worth, I guess.

link?

Not that I don't believe you but I want to see it. (plus, are you sure its actually him?)

Does anyone still think this is boring?

If they can add Jalen for Flip Jr. then I will have a permaerection.

Somebody's got to go though, and for that, we add a poll to this thread.

sorry, didn't see that there already was a poll

I was just about to ask that (why we had two of the same polls).

FYI, Chris' myspace changed this morning to read: "thanks for the prayers and such, I've decided to come home.." Take that for what it's worth, I guess.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=76829964

I don't see that anywhere, perhaps it was removed?

That's right: Chris Webber, keepin' it REAL. Back to his street roots always, word.

:mccosky:


Webber is free

Chris Webber's buyout is official. It will take 48 hours for him to clear waivers and then he is free to sign with whomever. The Pistons are the frontrunners at this moment, though Webb is considering Miami, the Lakers, San Antonio and Dallas. Dallas is a longshot because they can't offer him much playing time, same for the Spurs, who haven't even indicated any interest in Webb. Miami has its mid-level exception left and could conceivably outbid everybody else. But they won't because they are only $2 million below the luxury tax threshold.

The prospect of bringing Webber home is intriguing. If he can get himself back to where he was even last season, when he averaged 20 and 10, then he could make a big impact here. That's a big 'if'. The hard question is, where and how do the Pistons play him? Start him with Rasheed Wallace and send Nazr Mohammed to the end of the bench? Play him off the bench in tandem with Antonio McDyess and bounce Jason Maxiell from the rotation? Play him off the bench instead of McDyess? And if they do any of that, you might has well move Dale Davis, because he becomes a lost soldier. That's why, just speculating, it seems like Dumars might be thinking about more than just one move here. Certainly Davis, in the last year of his deal, has value across the league. And once Chauncey Billups and Lindsey Hunter come back, Flip Murray's minutes will get scarce. He, too, would have some value around the league.

Stay tuned.

So the Pistons have TWO guys associated with their team named "Flip"?

I am listening to the Sports Inferno and Terry is saying that from his sources he is hearing Webber doesn't want the pressure of playing in Detroit. He's not sure why Webber is saying things different in the public vs private.

Same Terry Foster who had the insider tip on Chandler to the Pistons from a kid making the story up?

Don't shoot the messenger. I don't think he'd be under a lot of pressure with the players we have.

I am listening to the Sports Inferno and Terry is saying that from his sources he is hearing Webber doesn't want the pressure of playing in Detroit. He's not sure why Webber is saying things different in the public vs private.


I heard that too and I think it is BS. For one ED Martin is DEAD, he served his time and everyone has moved on so the FAB Five crap no longer exists like it did in 00/01 when he was FA . Secondly Webber is 33 years old it is not like we are getting him in the draft or after his first contract, nobody expects him to be anything more than 1/8 to 1\5 of our key players. So I don't see how there is all that much pressure if anything he would be beloved for even wearing the Pistons uni. I mean going into the season nobody thought the team would be great, they have held there own and without him still have a chance at the ECF. So with him we could only be better but if we aren't there are bigger issues and other scapegoats that will be on the firing line.

Foster also mentioned money was an issue that is bigger BS, at this point outside of CHA and ATL nobody can offer more than a pro-rated MLE which is equal to 2.7 Million. So based on that SA, Dallas, Detroit, Lakers and Clips are out of the running since they all used the MLE. So that would mean the Heat are the only team who can pay him MLE money but in order to avoid the lux tax they can only give him less than half or 2 million (prorated would be 960k) which put the Heat out of the running so money is not an issue. Why would Webber care about money when the fact is once he signs his FA deal he will be the highest paid player in the NBA this year based on the total combined salaries. Next season when he is a FA money will be an issue if he plays well in the second half.

What is the benefit to talking out both sides of his mouth? It's not like Webber is part of the area collective thoughts day in and day out. His name came up because he was bought out and listed the Pistons but if he wouldn't have said them life would have gone on.

Lastly Webber has always been called a reluctant Superstar, while he is no longer a Superstar, that fits the Piston's MO and profile perfectly. Just about anywhere else people are going to expect him to be the B player with the exception of Miami where he would be the third option. Here most nights people would be happy with him as the E or F option.

PS Chris I am not calling you out for this I am calling out T Fos, hell they wanted to talk about Mike V's shoes rather than Webber so I don't buy his insider scoop. I mean sure some dude that knows Webber probably did say something but I doubt it carries that much weight.

I would think that if CWebb was ever interested in restoring his reputation, securing his legacy in Detroit, that this is a good way to go about it.

Turn those boos into cheers.

Make it so you can go out in public in Detroit 15 years from now.

This actually could be the best opportunity to come his way in a long time, one that has a chance to effect his future quality of life if he plans on residing here.

I would think that if CWebb was ever interested in restoring his reputation, securing his legacy in Detroit, that this is a good way to go about it.

Turn those boos into cheers.

Make it so you can go out in public in Detroit 15 years from now.

This actually could be the best opportunity to come his way in a long time, one that has a chance to effect his future quality of life if he plans on residing here.


That said, things like this never seem to work out (Jalen, for example), so he'll probably go to the Lakers where he can hobnob with all the celebs, or to the Heat, where he can hang on South Beach and re-enforce the hatred of many Detroiters.

I agree with you JS. If it was really something Foster thought was a big scoop they would have talked about it instead of Mike's shoes. They are talking about soccer now, so I doubt there was anything to that rumor. Also, Webber was quoted as saying he wants a chance to play for a ring, not money.

:langlois:


See-Web?

by Keith Langlois
Thursday, January 11, 2007

The first time I ever heard Chris Webber’s name was almost exactly 20 years ago - I suddenly feel very, very old -- in the winter of 1987. He was an eighth-grader of such spectacular potential that one of the Detroit TV stations sent a reporter out with a film crew to do a profile on him that aired on their extended late Sunday night show. This might be normal stuff in Kentucky or Indiana, but not in Detroit. If a TV station in Detroit, where high school sports penetrates the social fabric only superficially, is spending time on an eighth-grade kid, you know he’s a once-a-generation player.

And Chris Webber was all of that.

Fast forward a few months to July or August. I’m in my office at The Oakland Press on a slow night and place a call to Kurt Keener, then and still the basketball coach at Detroit Country Day. I’d heard Webber was considering DCD among a few other schools and asked Keener about him. Come on over to our gym tonight, he said, he’s playing here in a pickup game and will be enrolling in the fall.

Webber was breathtaking. He’d turned 14 between the time of that TV special and that summer pickup game and he struck me as a young James Worthy - long and sinewy and spellbinding. He didn’t have Worthy’s feathery jump shot, but he had hands even Worthy would envy - one of the all-time greatest pair of hands in basketball, as it would turn out - and jaw-dropping explosion off the floor that not a handful of NBA big men in history possessed. I’ve never seen a guy dunk so fast and so ferociously that you’re not even sure the ball went through the hoop, though Jason Maxiell does a pretty good approximation of a young Webber dunking.

I’ve seen every great Michigan high school basketball player over the last 30 years - Magic Johnson, Trent Tucker, Dan Majerle, Matt Steigenga, Steve Smith, B.J. Armstrong, Antoine Joubert, Glen Rice, Mark Macon, Jalen Rose, Terry Mills, Derrick Coleman, Jason Richardson, Kelvin Torbert, Marcus Taylor, et al - and Webber was clearly the one with the most identifiable set of NBA skills at an early age. Trust me, if the NBA floodgates had been open to high school kids in the early ’90s, the Fab Five never would have happened.

Those hands and that explosion made Webber a force that could have - should have - left a greater impact on the NBA than his numbers, which are Hall of Fame-worthy on the face of it: 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

It remains to be seen if the paths of Chris Webber and the Pistons will cross, though it appeared headed in that direction Thursday when the 76ers completed their buyout of the 14-year veteran’s contract and waived him. Webber has let it be known that he’s seriously considering offers from five teams of the 17 he says contacted him within hours of the buyout news leaking. Those five are Detroit and Miami in the East and San Antonio, Dallas and the Los Angeles Lakers in the West.

Webber flirted with the Pistons once before. It was the summer of 2001 when he came up on free agency after his eighth season. Joe Dumars had just gotten through his first season as president of the Pistons and had a roster desperately in need of talent everywhere, but especially up front. Ben Wallace was the anchor of the frontcourt, but the Pistons had virtually no scoring threat beyond Corliss Williamson, an undersized power player fine for a niche role but not a desired No. 1 option. Webber would have been the perfect complement to Big Ben and Big Nasty.

But Webber couldn’t come to Detroit then and Dumars knew it. The whole Ed Martin thing was still playing out. Webber would have been subjected to withering scrutiny in his hometown where a lot of Michigan fans - many of whom also happen to be Pistons fans - were turning deeply resentful of the black shadow the Fab Five era continued to cast on Old Blue. Dumars did Webber - who didn’t want to be perceived as snubbing the Pistons - a favor by allowing himself to be seen publicly courting a player he knew he could not land.

Times change. The Fab Five furor has ebbed. It would be OK for Webber to come home and finish his career. Maybe even better than OK. Help the Pistons win an NBA title and Pistons fans - many of whom also happen to be Michigan fans - will soften their stance on the Fab Five. Webber often talks wistfully of those days. He’s banished from association with Michigan by the NCAA for now, but the sanction runs out in 2013. You get the sense he’d love to be embraced again by Michigan one day, and it certainly couldn’t hurt if he had an NBA title up the road with the Pistons on his resume.

Which begs the question: Can Chris Webber still help the Pistons win an NBA title?

Well, a year ago he averaged 20.2 points and 9.9 rebounds - right at his career numbers. He does not have the mobility he once did, so he’s not a defensive plus any longer. But he’s still 6-foot-10, he’s still a solid 245 pounds and he still has an imposing reach. His knees have deteriorated but his touch has not. He won’t remind anyone of Ben Wallace, but given the paucity of interior scorers in the NBA, you sure wouldn’t pass on him because of his concerns over his defense.

But you’d be getting him for what he provides on the other end. If he’s healthy - or as fully healthy as a 33-year-old with a considerable medical history can be - then Webber is still a marvelously gifted player, crafty around the basket, a very good passer and dangerous from the high post. With Rasheed Wallace’s health and passion waxing and waning and Antonio McDyess still struggling to find himself, the chance to add a multifaceted big man would be irresistible in any season.

But especially this season. The East remains anyone’s for the taking. Take Webber out of the dire situation that existed in Philadelphia and put him on a contender and it’s next to certain that you’ll get his very best for the next five months. A motivated Webber could easily provide separation between the contender that gets him and the pack.

With virtually no financial risk, you’d have to look hard to find a downside to adding a guy one year removed from 20-and-10 status. Twenty years later, Chris Webber remains as intriguing as that eighth-grade kid that compelled a Detroit TV station to dispatch a reporter and a film crew.

Terry Foster is making me sound pessimistic over my breaking news story last night.

great article by langlois.

so whats the deal? bernie jumped the gun? i thought it was almost a done deal.

webber probably looked at the actual numbers of the contract he'd be signing, realized it would be the least hes made since middle school, and is now looking for the mle.

^ LMFAO

i love it. and he also made twice the veteran's minimum when he signed with michigan so it might be hard for him to accept this deal. :)

Webber should first, cut a hole in a box, then put his dick in the box, then show it to the fans.

he said on TNT tonight he still sees himself as a starter and he is looking for a big role.

we would not start him and would have to trade at least one big man just to find even 20 minutes for him.

he could take minutes from nazr of course. but there's no way he should dip into someone like j-max's minutes. in fact, j-max isn't getting enough minutes NOW.

adding webber complicates things. i think he goes to miami or somewhere else where he is sure to get more minutes.

According to ESPN radio Webber plans on talking to players on a couple of teams to get a feel for the situation. Apparently C-Webb and Sheed are close, plus he loves Joe D if it is meant to happen it will. Of course Rose is a friend and has pull, and other places have bigger stars so who knows. He will have to dig down deep and ask himself if he wants to keep running or face the place his name was made both good and bad. Webber needs to realize once he dons the Pistons uniform nothing else will matter.

Bottomline is the minutes can be found Denver and NJ are look for big men along with a few other places finding Nazr, Dice or DD new homes wouldn't be hard.

what backup PGs could be available for one of our big men and flip murray?

I have a feeling that this thing is not going to end up with Webber to Detroit. It seems like things are getting more pessimistic by the hour.

I have a feeling that this thing is not going to end up with Webber to Detroit. It seems like things are getting more pessimistic by the hour.

I have to agree, I was happy about hearing Webber coming back to Detroit, but there are teams that have no bigmen at all or teams that can offer more PT.

I have a feeling that this thing is not going to end up with Webber to Detroit. It seems like things are getting more pessimistic by the hour.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AvrIHY12ZJMbTrQzK9l0W_q8vLYF?slug=aw-webber011107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns



The Detroit Pistons are close to reaching an agreement with free agent Chris Webber, sources close to the negotiations said Thursday night.

Webber, 33, who had the final two seasons of his contract bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, will return to his Michigan roots where he once starred for Detroit Country Day High School and the University of Michigan.

Webber, who's still clearing waivers, can't officially with a team until Monday. He is expected to sign for a pro-rated $1.87 million-a-season, 10-year-veteran contract.

All along, sources said, the Pistons were Webber's No. 1 choice upon leaving the 76ers. They would give him a chance to finally reach the NBA Finals and perhaps compete for his first NBA title.

im wondering if he's somehow angling for a PT promise... which doesnt sound like the pistons, as darko says joe doesnt dictate pt.

doesnt add up. he could be telling the truth, i guess, but then why the reports? did webber get cold feet.

one thing i dont think he's concidering, maybe, is next year. would he really have a future with the pistons?

btw, i see no reason why we wouldnt be starting for us. 2005, the sheed / dyess combo was unstoppable. webber / sheed would be even better. no team could stop us the way we'd spread the floor.

I could see Joe offering future cosideration for a cantract depending on this year. Say we get a chip and your a vital cog we can clear some space and you can stay. Say ship out Nazr for cap relief and seeing if McD takes his player option.

I think that something like that would be more of a swaying point for Webber. Hes gonna get similar money wherever he goes this year so future consideration could be all that he has to look at going forward.

that article says he'll sign a 10 year contract! WTF? that's not even possible...

Um, the 10-year is how long he's been in the league. He's a 10-year veteran. So it's a "10-year veteran" contract.

I watched part of the Suns game last night and the TNT crew talked to Webber live. I didn't catch it all (was flipping from the wings at intermission and just caught part of the conversation), but he did say a few revealing things:

1) The MOST important factor for him is having fun and being in a good clubhouse. He wants to have fun and win.

2) He views himself as a starter. He said not many people did what he did last year statistically, and that he has the skills to start.

that is about all I heard. after that he was joking with Barkley about signing with the LA soccer team like Beckham.

#2 worries me a little. He might start here anyway (Nazr is getting benched tonight I heard), but hopefully he's willing to do what we'd ask him to do, even if it's off the bench.

(Nazr is getting benched tonight I heard),

Link? *crossing the fingers and hoping its true*

No link. It was just on the WDFN update before Sean's show.

They said DD was starting tonight.

if thats true, eeerrr webber cometh nazr go-eth? :)

Don't know. It may have something to do with the whole Webber thing. Would they bench Nazr to show Webber that they really need a starting big man? Possible I suppose. i would think if that's the case that eventually Sheed would swap back with Max when he's healthy.

PISTONS CORNER: Heading home?
Mr. Basketball, Fab Five leader could be a Piston come Monday

January 12, 2007

BY KRISTA JAHNKE

FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

Chris Webber, a former star forward at Michigan and Birmingham Detroit Country Day, appears likely to pick the Pistons as his next team, two sources confirmed Thursday.

An NBA source and a Pistons source said Webber is likely to choose Detroit instead of the Miami Heat or the Los Angeles Lakers, the other front-runners.

Advertisement
The Philadelphia 76ers bought out the five-time All-Star on Thursday morning, making Webber an unrestricted free agent. He must clear waivers Monday before signing with another team.

No informal agreement had been finalized Thursday, and Erika Bjork, a representative from the Chris Webber Foundation, said the Detroit native would not make a decision -- and an unofficial one at that -- until today at the earliest.

"He'll sleep on it, give it 24 hours," she said. "It's a big decision."

Pistons president Joe Dumars confirmed after Wednesday's loss to Charlotte that there is interest in Webber but would not comment further.

Webber's agent, Aaron Goodwin, did not return calls for comment but a representative from his office confirmed that the Pistons are on Webber's list.

The Heat, struggling to defend its title with injury and personnel problems, still has its $5-million, mid-level exception to work with but reportedly will not spend more than $2 million, so as to not cross the luxury-tax threshold.

The Lakers would offer the same amount as the Pistons, the veteran's minimum of $1.2 million, prorated for the remainder of the season to around $450,000.

No details of the 76ers' buyout had been reported through Thursday afternoon; Webber was due to receive $21 million this season and $22 million next year.

The 33-year-old Webber, who's 6-feet-10, told ESPN.com that his focus is joining a team that can win a championship. The Web site, along with Newsday and the New York Post, labeled Detroit as a front-runner.

Webber averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds last season with the Sixers. Although he has missed time this season with ankle and foot problems, the Pistons believe he still has plenty to offer. He is a good shooter and a deft passer, especially for a big man.

He averaged 11 points and 8.3 rebounds in 18 games in Philly this season.

Webber is one of Detroit's most famous hometown athletes. He won Mr. Basketball (1991) while starring at Country Day in 1987-91, then was a member of the Fab Five at Michigan.

But he fell out of favor at U-M after the late Ed Martin, a Wolverines booster, told federal investigators in 2002 he lent Webber and other players more than $616,000 while they were in school, which prompted sanctions for the team. Webber later admitted to paying back money to Martin and pleaded guilty to criminal contempt for lying to a grand jury in the case.

Should the Pistons bring in Webber, a reordering of an already crowded big-man rotation would be in order.

Would center Nazr Mohammed, signed as a free agent in July for $30 million, move to the bench, allowing Webber to start alongside Rasheed Wallace? Or does sixth man Antonio McDyess, who is still trying to find his shooting touch, fall out of the rotation?

Where does emerging forward Jason Maxiell fit? Or veteran big man Dale Davis, who offers more defensive punch than Webber but is in the final year of his contract and could be used as trade bait?

A team source said if the Pistons were to bring in Webber, it is possible that more personnel moves would come. But probably not right away.

An NBA source also confirmed Thursday that the Pistons have had ongoing discussions with Toronto about former Michigan State star small forward Morris Peterson. As many as 12 teams have contacted the Raptors about Peterson.

The Raptors are reportedly seeking an athletic, young swingman with a big upside who can shoot threes and get to the free-throw line.

Contact KRISTA JAHNKE at 313-223-4493 or kjahnke@freepress.com.
.
ex out flip murray for mo pete and nazr for webber. cool and it increases ticket sales(i wonder if thats part of the move)

Good point Gutz.

Bringing in Webber and Mo Pete might boost the excitement level of the fans, but how did that Mahteen draft pick work out based on that same motivation?

Chris that "Nazr benched, DD to start" tidbit is new threadworthy, IMO.

Chris that "Nazr benched, DD to start" tidbit is new threadworthy, IMO.

I was hoping we could put it in a game thread to talk about it.

BTW, i just noticed NBA.com has a video of the Webber interview on TNT.

The Raptors are reportedly seeking an athletic, young swingman with a big upside who can shoot threes and get to the free-throw line.


Delfino?

If Morris Peterson were to come back to Michigan, I wonder what Jalen Rose would do considering the fact that there are rumors of a 2nd buy-out for Rose

2 reports from Blakely


The latest on C-Webb...
After a day filled with talking to various NBA executives, beat writers, assistant coaches and a few players, it's pretty clear that the Pistons' interest in Chris Webber is pretty strong.

Most of the people I spoke with today believe that his first choice is to play for Detroit, but only if he's going to get an opportunity to play decent minutes.

That's not going to happen, not unless Joe D. moves one of his big men (Antonio McDyess or Dale Davis, most likely) to create some minutes for C-Webb.

If that doesn't happen, the consensus from those I spoke with is he'll wind up in Los Angeles with the Lakers, or in Miami.

With the Lakers Triangle offense, adding C-Webb to that mix could catapult the Lakers into being a force out West, just below Dallas, San Antonio and Phoenix.

"He's perfect for what they do," one Western Conference scout told me this afternoon.

As for Miami, they could definitely use a scorer like C-Webb to compliment Shaq and Dwyane Wade in the playoffs.

Stay tuned, because this thing will probably be wrapped up early next week.



C-Webb a Piston?
There's nothing for sure just yet, but I just got word from someone close to negotiations that things "are progressing" toward Webber becoming a Piston. The earliest they can officially sign him is Monday, which is when he'll clear waivers.

However, a commitment could come down at any time before then.

It looks like this thing will be wrapped up fairly soon.

That's not going to happen, not unless Joe D. moves one of his big men (Antonio McDyess or Dale Davis, most likely) to create some minutes for C-Webb.

Showcasing DD tonight by giving him the start?

Hmmm.

That's not going to happen, not unless Joe D. moves one of his big men (Antonio McDyess or Dale Davis, most likely) to create some minutes for C-Webb.


There could be a weekend full of transactions coming.

A trade for Mopete might happen which will involve DD and Flip?

Once DD is moved, Webber comes to detroit and we the Finals. fuck yeah

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-2/1168553402220580.xml&coll=1


Pistons the favorite to land Webber

Friday, January 12, 2007
By A. Sherrod Blakely

ATLANTA — The Detroit Pistons are the favorites to land Chris Webber, but getting the deal done may require them to trade one of their big men, according to two league sources on Thursday.

Webber, a Detroit native who starred at the University of Michigan, completed a buyout with the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. He can commit to any team now, but he cannot sign until Monday, two business days after the buyout was completed.

"He says he wants a championship, but he wants to play, too," said one source, who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity."Look at that Detroit roster. On that team, how it is now, C-Webb might be the fourth-best big man, maybe."

While all indications are that Webber will become a Piston, Webber, speaking during halftime of TNT's New Jersey-Chicago game Thursday night, said he had yet to decide on which team he would sign with. In addition to Detroit, Webber told ESPN.com that he's also considering Dallas, the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami and San Antonio.

"I just want to make the best decision," Webber said on Thursday night, and later added that he would prefer to join a team as a starter. "It's not about money. It's being on a team (whose) goal is to win a championship. That's all I want."

A Five-time NBA All-star, Webber has averaged 21.4 points and 10 rebounds during his 13-plus NBA seasons. However, knee injuries have limited his production recently. In 18 games with the Sixers this season, Webber averaged a career lows in points per game (11) and field goal percentage (38.7).

In order to free up more minutes for Webber, Detroit may look into trading Dale Davis or Antonio McDyess, with the Pistons probably seeking a backup point guard or a small forward in return.

Both Davis and McDyess have relatively attractive, short-term contracts that would generate some interest from teams that are seeking veteran, playoff-tested veterans.

Davis is in the final year of his contract, and will make $3.5 million this season. McDyess has one year left after this season, but he can opt out of his contract this summer. He makes $5.9 million this season, and if he chooses to not opt-out, he'll make $6.4 million in the 2007-2008 season.

Rasheed Wallace is another possibility, but his salary ($12 million this season) and the two years he has remaining on his current deal, makes it unlikely that teams will show much interest in acquiring him.

ex out flip murray for mo pete and nazr for webber.

So it would basically be like our offseason acquisitions were MoPete and Webber? How much better would you have felt this offseason if they'd had a news conference saying "We've brought in Morris Peterson and Chris Webber" and they were both up there holding jerseys instead of Flip and Nazr? I believe the word is helluvalot!

I hope this happens, not that I'm a big fan of Webber or anything, but I just want something exciting to happen with this team. The last "exciting" thing was Big Ben leaving and that wasn't the good kind of exciting.

I still would've been as skeptical as hell about Webber if we wanted to win in a key playoff game. He chokes, even if he's otherwise healthy enough to play which is far from a given. I trust McDyess to hold up in the crunch more than Webber.

:mccosky:

Webber watch

At this point, something would have to go horribly wrong for Chris Webber not to sign with the Pistons. Although, as we all know, things have gone horribly wrong regarding Webber in the past. But I truly expect this to get done.

Let's clear a few things up, though. One, he won't clear waivers until 2 p.m. Tuesday. So don't look for him to suit up against the Timberwolves on Monday. Second, and I got this wrong, his salary would be a prorated $1.178 million (roughly $450,000). And third, if he comes, he's starting. Don't kid yourself about there being any other role for him here. He would be the starting center alongside Rasheed Wallace. He's not coming off the bench. He's not coming here to be a bit player.

What about the logjam in the front court? There is going to be another move. Most likely Dale Davis will be put on the market. Flip Murray could be packaged with him. The Pistons have had their eye on Morris Peterson for a while. He is in the final year of his contract up in Toronto. That is one possibility. There has also been a lot of talk about Bonzi Wells, who has no role in Houston. The Pistons coveted Wells over the summer, before signing Murray. That is another possibility. Those probably aren't the only options, but those are the ones I have heard about.

Rasheed Wallace is not going to be traded. Forget about that. The Pistons are hoping the acquisition of Webber will rejuvenate Wallace. The Pistons aren't likely to trade Antonio McDyess, either, though they might if it is the only way they can land the perimeter player (Peterson or Wells) they feel they have to have. But McDyess is a proven playoff performer and they don't want to lose him, especially given Webber's recent health issues and Jason Maxiell's youth. Webber's presence doesn't necessarily mean Maxiell loses all of his minutes. My guess is Flip Saunders will still use Maxiell and McDyess like he has most of the season.

The person who will be temporarily displaced will be Nazr Mohammed. If Webber comes, and can play the 25-30 minutes the Pistons would expect him to, then Mohammed becomes the fifth big man.

I will update this blog if I hear anything further, and I will be on WDFN with Stoney and Wojo around 5:35 p.m. tonight.

I'm not sure about CWebb as the starting center with Sheed at PF. Maybe vice versa would be better. Unless CWebb is committed to staying in the paint, that is.

Maybe CWebb at C on offense and Sheed at C on defense?

I like it. Sheed and CWebb attitudes are close. I think they'd work fine together. Nazr coming off the bench with Dice? Wow that looks good to me.

??? If Bonzi or Mo Pete came here, wouldn't that cut Delfi's minutes to the point he'll start grumbling again? If so, package him.

This could be our new "Sheed heist"...

honestly, if we're going to trade dice if we get webber, i'm totally against the move.

dice is better all around, particularly on the boards and on defense in general. i would trade davis or nazr (if someone is dumb enough to take him at that price) but would not trade dice.

Question: would you package one of our 1sts in a Nazr deal just to get away from his contract? Of course, we'd want a rotation player back in return (preferably a PG).

Let's say, for example, Nazr and one of our 1sts for Brevin Knight.

No. Not for a first rounder this year. They are more valuable this year.

Probably not for Brevin. For someone else a little bit better, I'd think about it.

Interesting article. I agree, Sheed should be the C of the two. This is going to be a crazy couple weeks for the Pistons, hopefully we come out on the good side of things. My best case scenario would be to get Webb and Bonzi while only losing Nazr and Flip. Id like to keep DD just because he knows how to bang around with the bigger Cs like Shaq... not saying he is the best but Id say he is better than anyone else on the team in that dept. Of course a PG would be nice but Im just limiting my ideas to players officially talked about.

I like it. Sheed and CWebb attitudes are close. I think they'd work fine together. Nazr coming off the bench with Dice? Wow that looks good to me.

??? If Bonzi or Mo Pete came here, wouldn't that cut Delfi's minutes to the point he'll start grumbling again? If so, package him.
We're not getting all of those players at once in any likely scenario. Odds are that it's either bonzi or mo pete, probably not both. No nazr(because like webber he wants to start and is bitching about minutes as a starter. And i still think Joe has too much of a hard on for Delf to move him or crowd his position. i think is wells SF, delf SG or mo pete SG and Delf stays at SF. thats is we get either guy. the only wild card i'm worried about losing is dale davis. if we do is elden available?

yeah no way i'd trade a 1st in a deal for brevin knight. but maybe that's just me....

No way should we consider trading either of our firsts this year unless it's in a package for a star. We may be able to get C. Webb and/or Jalen for free. Bonzi isn't worth a first nor is Mo Pete (just because of his poor D and expiring deal) or Brevin. We have enough pieces to offer to get what we need without parting with a first.

WDFN really acting like C-Webb is as good as signed, from discussions with callers to commercials advertising the Monday MLK Day game.

the weekend daily dime speaks about this. Stein is saying Detroit's an overwhelming favorite.

I will say this though, if he turns around and goes to the Lakers or, the Heat (moreso the Heat) I don't think the fans in Michigan will ever forgive him.

Terry Foster is sounding really pessimistic about the whole thing, but his opinion doesn't mean much to me. When everyone else says its a lock or close to it, he's probably dead wrong.

Terry Foster is a punk. I can only hope his "surfin' for internet sources w/o any real ones" ass floats in here to read how much of a joke he is. Just another guess pessimistic and have a 50 percent shot of being right asswipe. Dude has lost all ounce of legit element to himself after biting on that fake internet rumor about chandler.

Terry Foster is a punk. I can only hope his "surfin' for internet sources w/o any real ones" ass floats in here to read how much of a joke he is. Just another guess pessimistic and have a 50 percent shot of being right asswipe. Dude has lost all ounce of legit element to himself after biting on that fake internet rumor about chandler.


You know, Terry is the inspiration for my name. So allow me to mark out and defend him.
The "truth" is right a lot more than he is wrong. He isn't saying Webber isn't coming here. He is just saying there is conflicting statements.

That said, Terry, STFU!

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070113/SPORTS03/701130366/1048/BUSINESS05&imw=Y


Webber nearly a done deal
Sources say Pistons plan more moves

January 13, 2007
BY KRISTA JAHNKE
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
:lathamjahnke:

ATLANTA -- Chris Webber can't officially become a Piston until after the three-day weekend, but a team source said Friday afternoon a deal was nearly done to bring the Detroit native home.

ESPN.com was reporting Friday night that Webber would not make a decision about his new team before today, but it still seems likely that by next week, the Pistons will start the former Michigan and Birmingham Detroit Country Day star alongside Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups.

Coach Flip Saunders said he couldn't comment on any specifics regarding Webber's decision, but said any team would hope he brings 20 points and 10 rebounds -- "what he did last year."

The Philadelphia 76ers waived Webber, a 33-year-old former All-Star, on Thursday. He must clear waivers before he can sign with a new team, a two-business-day waiting period that ends Tuesday because of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday.

Several signs Friday pointed to Webber's arrival in Detroit. Saunders moved Wallace back into his usual starting spot for Friday night's game in Atlanta, and moved Nazr Mohammed to the bench.

Center Dale Davis started in Mohammed's place Friday and likely will do the same tonight against Boston. He also had his agent, Chubby Wells, on hand in Philips Arena on Friday and was trying to ignore various trade rumors that have him on the way out of Detroit.

"You hear the rumors, you just can't worry about it," Davis said. "You have to let things happen as they may."

Pistons sources have indicated that signing Webber will not be the final move before February's trade deadline, and Davis said Wells has spoken with president Joe Dumars. Davis has an expiring contract, always coveted by teams.

"It's not about wanting to be anywhere else," Davis said. "I just want to know the direction, if they're happy with me. ... From that standpoint, it wasn't in the intentions of going anywhere, but at this time, you hear a little bit of everything."

As for Mohammed, Saunders said he thought he might be more productive off the bench.

"He is what he is," Saunders said. " ... We're tinkering with maybe seeing if he's a guy who can go to that second unit and bring him off the bench, because with some of our main guys out, he'd get more touches and be more effective."

Saunders has rarely played Mohammed with the reserves this season; Mohammed has typically been a first- and third-quarter player, and the first man subbed out as well.

He sounded frustrated when asked about his role Friday morning.

"I don't want to talk about it anymore," Mohammed said. "It hasn't helped me talking about it before, and it's not going to help now. Coach knows how I feel about it. Everybody does; it's not like it's a secret."

The Pistons offered Mohammed a five-season deal in the summer to fill in as a starter in Ben Wallace's absence. But Mohammed has not had the offensive impact the Pistons predicted.

Part of that is because of his limited minutes, a sore subject for Mohammed all season.

"I'm just going to try to go out there, play hard and be positive and do whatever I can within the minutes I'm given," Mohammed said. "I think, for the most part, with playing the type of minutes I've been given, I'm doing a decent job. ... I can definitely make improvements. ... I'm playing 18-19 minutes and I'm surprised I'm even able to score seven or eight points. It's tough ... but so what?"

Saunders' two-game experiment using Wallace as a sixth man ended Friday.

"He is a starter; he's not a sixth man," Saunders said. "More than anything else, we did it the one night and didn't have practice the next, and (Jason Maxiell) had played well, so I think it was as much as anything else a reward for what Maxey had done the night before. But 'Sheed's a starter, he's not a guy to come off the bench."

Part of that is because of his limited minutes, a sore subject for Mohammed all season.

http://www.moonbattery.com/archives/cry-baby-girl-face.jpg

Dear Nazr,

Fouls aren't "free". They cost us possessions and points and make you less effective. All you're doing out there is making up for the fact that you foul, which makes you a fucking no-op most of the time. We need a player who's better than a no-op.

Sincerely,
-Gregg Popovich

The only way Nazr is moved this season from what I have read about the needs around the NBA is if we include a pick. Based on what various local and national writers have said Joe loves this upcoming draft whether he is drafting 26 and 27 or 6 and 7th he likes his chances. For our sake 26 and 27 tend to be better picks so let's hope that is the route.

So with that said unless you can get a team to bite on Nazr's deal or on a 08 or 09 draft pick, he is likely not the odd man out. DD's deal is appealing to teams looking to save next season; or need to fill an injury need.

These teams owe picks this year; ORL to (Det), Denver (to Philly), Atlanta (to PHX), New York (owes Utah and/or may have to swap picks with Chicago), Minnesota (to LAC) Indy (to ATL) Boston (to PHX), Dallas (to Philly) and Cleveland (to PHX),

Of those teams who are owed picks only Minny, Denver, and somewhat Orlando and New York could use a starting C or top reserve C. So that really doesn't help us even if a team would be willing to give up extra talent in order to stay in the draft.

NJ and Seattle have an obvious need for a big but NJ has no single player deal that gives them enought to pick up NAzr, and the injury exception for Nenad would only be 500k. Seattle has the contracts but are interested in losing a bad deal (Watson) not getting a worse one back.

Awards given out on 1/15/07

Awards given out 1/15/07

If we do, in fact, sign CWebb, then this question finally gets answered.

http://wtfdetroit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6990&highlight=roster+spot

Leaving that last roster spot open might be a very smart move by Joe D. Of course, we could have just waived someone like Dupree if we really needed a spot for CWebb.

Sometimes I even forget Dupree is still on the team.

if Webber ends up signing with someone else now, I think he'll probably never be forgiven by detroit area hoops fans. If he gives even the slightest crap about his michigan legacy, this is the place to be.

McCosky update. Someone can feel free to make this pretty using the quote feature.


Sat, Jan 13, 2007 at 4:02 PM

Chris McCosky

Webber update

Everything still looking positive on the Chris Webber front. As of this minute, there have been no late-comers to the party, no surprises. Here's the thing, though, I am checking with the league, but I am pretty sure Webber can't even make a verbal commitment to a team until he clears waivers (2 p.m. Tuesday). I thought he might have been able to because there is no team out there that has the cap space to claim his contract off waivers. So, we all just have to sit tight and wait.

Don't be holding your breath waiting on Mo Peterson. The Pistons are interested, sure, but the Raptors aren't likely to take Dale Davis or Flip Murray. They would probably want something more -- perhaps even one of the Pistons No. 1 draft picks. There is a perception out there that to sign Webber, the Pistons have to move a player. That's not true. They have an open roster spot. But, if Webber does come here, the Pistons would most likely look to move Davis, or somebody else (Murray). But those deals would be separate from whatever happens with Webber.

For all those people who have emailed me over the past few months saying Chauncey Billups was over-rated and that I praised him too much -- do you get it now? Do you see the difference between a team with an elite point guard and one with a mediocre to below average point guard? Joe Dumars didn't need to see this stretch to appreciate Billups' value, but I think there was a pretty good group of fans out there that did.

Speaking of Billups, I haven't seen him yet, but the Pistons are saying he won't be playing again tonight.

you know, mccosky seems like a nice guy on the radio, but he writes like a real asshole in his colums. am i the only who feels like he's being talked down to while reading his stuff?

He does the same thing on the radio. He's very arrogant and thinks all the callers/readers are not inferior.

He does the same thing on the radio. He's very arrogant and thinks all the callers/readers are not inferior.

Have you listened to the things radio callers say? He's justified there.
Readers are just one rung up from that.

There seems to be a noticeable uptick in "talk" about Webber giong to the Lakers, the espn guys, fastbreak, some new article talking about Webber personally getting involved in talks with Kupchik and phil, etc. I hope we don't lose out.

There seems to be a noticeable uptick in "talk" about Webber giong to the Lakers, the espn guys, fastbreak, some new article talking about Webber personally getting involved in talks with Kupchik and phil, etc. I hope we don't lose out.

espn hates us, loves the lakers.

All i have been hearing from ESPN is webber going to LA, Kobe had successful talks with webber, suck my dick webber etc

I am just waiting for Chris Webber's aunt to come on the radio like the last time he was a UFA.

you know, mccosky seems like a nice guy on the radio, but he writes like a real asshole in his colums. am i the only who feels like he's being talked down to while reading his stuff?

McClueless is a pompeous ass. He always talks down to people, even to his fellow writers he acts like he is the only one who can be right. Time after time the guy pisses people off. And God forbid he gets scooped, which is everytime. I honestly think he could be sitting in a private room alone with Joe D, Joe could drop dead and he would be the last to admit it happened.

In all honesty I want to like the guy but he just he makes it impossible.

I will never forget these three things and anyone else feel free to add to the list...

1. The day Sheed was traded here, he denied that the deal would ever happen called out everyone who said it was going to happen and just insisited the fans were fools. Then acted he knew the trade was going to happen after Chad Ford called to talk about the details with Stoney.

2. The morning Arroyo was traded to Detroit, I got wind of early talk from a friend in NY so before the local morning shows started I shot each of the producers e-mails. Maz from 1270 said thanks and called contacts to confirm then sent me a promo package for the effort. Meanwhile 1130's producer called McCosky and he said that the article was BS and no deal would happen with Utah. Then an hour or so later I sent a email to Sean B, who addressed the rumor not long after that because the rumor gained steam on 1270 and they needed to talk about it. So they announced McClueless would come on the air. He did denied the rumor, acted like the station was wasting his time. Five minutes after he hangs up Otto announces the deal went down. Sean then asks who will Detroit get to play back up C, somebody suggests Utah will waive Soup. McCosky storms back on the air and says he talked to so and so and Utah has no intention of waiving Elden, he will be in Utah all year.

3. This one is a lot shorter...Here is McCosky a day before Darko was traded. "The fans needs to stop asking stupid questions about Darko being traded. I have told people and written it a thousand times DARKO WILL NOT BE TRADED, JOE IS COMMITTED TO HIM. I am sick of adressing the issue. Joe isn't going to trade him for an expiring deal or a pick. "

lol, guess it isnt just me.

----------------------------------------------

the latest on webber, as far as i know, is that the lakers we're making a hard push at him, but are now backing off.

i guess that means pistons should get him, but i wont believe it till i see him suite up for us. speaking of, whats his number? is dumars' 4 retired? 40? 44?

You hear anything other than what the papers said this morning?

man I have no idea on this one i say 60 40 he comes here

someone on realgm from the laker board said that the lakers backed off this afternoon. i guess the lakers would not promise him his pt... bizarre in my mind. more than enough room, unless they really like odom at the 4.

Reading the articles coming out of LA was kinda rediculous. They made it sound as if Webber wasnt going to come here because he wouldnt get any PT!? And that we were content with NAZR and would use webber as a backup. I think LA has allot of young guys that they want to get PT. So its prolly in their best interest not to get him. At least thats what i tell myself so that it seems like Webber will more likely come here.

Also on a side note I saw Sheed today at Bravo in Rochester Hills today. He was getting food to go. Exciting Shtuff i know! His Hummer was quite the vehicle. I took a picture cause im cool like that lol

sounds like webber is coming to the D mlive just released something saying he will announce monday.

Even with less playing time, McDyess would welcome Webber
Monday, January 15, 2007
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- An announcement from Chris Webber and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, that he will sign with the Detroit Pistons is expected to be made as early as today. It would be a bit anti-climatic considering the Pistons have been the front-runners to sign Webber since he reached a buyout settlement with the Philadelphia 76ers last week.

Adding Webber, a five-time All-Star forward, would make a crowded frontcourt even more congested.

Still, the thought of Webber, the former University of Michigan star, joining the Pistons has been embraced by many, including Antonio McDyess, whose playing time could be reduced with Webber's arrival.
"He's definitely a player that could help us achieve our goal, which is to win a championship," McDyess said. "You look at his stats last (season), he's still a 20 (points per game) and 10 (rebounds) guy. We could use -- every team could use -- as many guys like that as you can get."

With or without Webber, coach Flip Saunders still believes the Pistons are on the short list of legitimate NBA title contenders.

But Saunders was quick to add, "Anytime you can make your team better, that's the one thing that good teams in this league, they've always done."

During the 2003-2004 season, the Pistons were among the top Eastern Conference teams prior to the trading deadline. That didn't stop Joe Dumars, Detroit's president of basketball operations, from acquiring Rasheed Wallace, a move that catapulted the team to the NBA championship.

"You're always looking to do something that can maybe give you that extra edge," Saunders said.

Saturday's win against the injury-riddled Boston Celtics was not one of the Pistons' better games.

Shooting just 34 percent from the field, with almost as many turnovers (11) as assists (17), there was plenty of room for improvement.
The Pistons won with timely defensive plays, holding their own on the boards and getting enough clutch plays down the stretch.

Those are the qualities that have defined a team that has been to the Eastern Conference finals each of the last four seasons.

"We got away from that," said guard Richard Hamilton. "We can't forget that. That's what won us a championship."
Although the Pistons (21-14) haven't played championship-caliber ball, their play and overall record is similar to where they were at this point of the season when they won the title in 2004 (22-13 after 35 games), and the following season (21-14 after 35 games) when they got back to the NBA Finals.

"Sometimes you have to go through stuff like this to get there," Hamilton said. "But man, it ain't easy."

Opponents are finding it easier to defend the Pistons without point guard Chauncey Billups, who is expected to miss his eighth consecutive game today with a strained right calf injury.

"(Reserve) Flip (Murray) and those guys are capable of making shots, but teams are going to say, `do that,' because you know that Chauncey makes that shot," said Boston coach Doc Rivers. "And if Chauncey doesn't make that shot, he makes the right decision with the ball."

Added Saunders: "What we've been able to run from a playbook standpoint our last few games has been cut 80 percent probably, from what we did before just because Chauncey was so comfortable with what we were doing, what we wanted."

The Pistons canceled practice on Sunday because of poor weather conditions.

A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached at sherrodb@aol.com, or on his weblog at www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/.
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-2/1168828802102630.xml&coll=1

McDyess is a team player not worried about minutes. he just wants a ring man. If webber is the All star addition we need to have that best 5 in the league swagger again, then bring him in. And to whoever called him a choke artist, you're leaving out all the plays he made to get his team to those last shots he missed. on this team if he does all that before the end of the game, it wont be close enough to choke.[smilie=amish.gif]

I have heard pretty much the same thing since talk of the buyout started. Joe expressed interest and planned on going all out to get C-Webb if he was made available. What I mean by all out is Joe was willing to make promises that would be easy to keep like playing time and his role. With or without Webber Joe has been unhappy with the team's lackluster attitude, so one way or the other he was going to be aggressive in trying to upgrade the roster. The only difference if Webber comes here is Joe doesn't need to overpay to improve, he now has leverage and the ability to be picky.

A very popular rumor that is floating around is Webber is more of a sleeping/resting giant rather than a matter of being washed up. What I mean by that is Webber's number are down, and his health is being questioned but many experts think that has to do with the Philly situation rather than he went from 20-10 to half that overnight. There is no question C-Webb has lost a couple of steps but in reality he isn't your normal bought out verteran's minimum guy he is more like a MLE to 8 million dollar per player.

This is unrelated to the Pistons persay but it's directly related to why Detroit may be the only big dog left in the race.

With Miami, there are two things, first Shaq is holding a grudge with Webber from there old Sac vs. LAL matchups but may even date back to Webber's draft day. Apparently Shaq who is know to create issues in his mind, is still pissed about things Webber said about Shaq in the heat of the moment. He was asked to court Webber but refused. Plus there is some hostility regarding Webber's draft day, Shaq didn't want Webber on the Magic and pouted to his agent about how Webber would steal his spotlight. Which may have been another factor that contrbuted to Webber's trade to GS. Also Randy Pfund wanted Riley to talk to Webber but Riley wasn't commited to putting in a full effort, while recovering a.k.a he doesn't give a shit about the team right now.

With the Lakers, Kupchak wants Webber but Phil isn't a fan if you ask him privately. He holds a similar grudge like Shaq, with Webber, but would have set it aside if he felt Webber would really help. Phil like his chances out West but feels like the team isn't an elite team who could make a legit run. So Signing Webber would only be a bandaid and he wants Brown and Bynum to be as developed as they can for a trade or a 07-08 title run, sitting them doesn't help either cause.

well, we could make it work with webber, sheed, dyess, and maxiell.

webber and sheed both get 30, and then you still have 36 to spread between the other two. in reality, dyess's role probably wont hurt that much, if at all, and nazr's role will probably fluctuate from game to game. i suspect the guy who really gets the shaft is maxiell, who goes back to garbage time till next season.

someone on realgm from the laker board said that the lakers backed off this afternoon. i guess the lakers would not promise him his pt... bizarre in my mind. more than enough room, unless they really like odom at the 4.

i think Phil Jackson and Aaron Goodwin got in a heated discussion.

thanks phil

Whoa, Hip is going for the big score (3,250)

He is coming to Detroit

According to ESPN.com, he's ours.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2731833

"Nothing has turned negative against Detroit, other than other Eastern Conference teams not wanting him to go to Detroit," Goodwin said in the News.

[smilie=peepwall.gi:

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

now how long before we can make a trade to get a backup PG?

i hope bringing webber cuts into sheed's minutes and not j-max's. his have already been cut in the last couple of games and they shouldn't have been. they should've taken minutes from sheed if they wanted to showcase davis for other teams, not maxiell. :(

nice, nice, nice.

i was for this move since the beginning. i was wary of him as a starter, but if he's healthy, than he's definitely and upgrade. Kander mentioned something about already spotting some areas to work on, regarding CWebb's gait or soemthing like that. if the staff can work with Dice, i'm confident they can help out CWebb.

my biggest reason for optimism has been CWebb's passing ability from the high post. he was deadly with those passes to Doug Christie and Mike Bibby, back in Sacramento. he was a 5 assist per game guy through his career and our offense should benefit immensely from it.

It's ridiculous ESPN is running this as "ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports..." when they were days behind others in reporting it, instead choosing to push the bigger market's chances. With as much as there reports have been wrong lately, I guess they're waiting on reporting anything these days. Kind of like calling a state in the elections after the Florida 2000 election controversy.

i hope bringing webber cuts into sheed's minutes and not j-max's.
no, he's taking ben's/nazr's spot, so he's not cutting sheed. He's probably cutting into dyess and jmax at the same time. but they both will get to play if we can move Nazr. if we can't, the jmax is odd man out or Nazr gets iced for complaining too much to end of the bench like poppovich did.

Anybody else notice his Myspace had a Clipper's jersey with an 84 on it earlier? It was removed not too long ago.

Edit - Here we go.
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/5471/sfdgfdrb6.th.png (http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/5471/sfdgfdrb6.png)

i'm just saying that j-max's minutes should not be cut. if anything he needs MORE.

if we keep nazr (which i sincerely hope we don't- i'd move him for jaric if possible) then we should cut his minutes and let him be the end man on the bench. not that he's totally useless, just that i like what j-max brings much more.

in any case, it seems webber is going to start so he will get his share of minutes....

Anybody else notice his Myspace had a Clipper's jersey with an 84 on it earlier? It was removed not too long ago.

Edit - Here we go.
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/5471/sfdgfdrb6.th.png (http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/5471/sfdgfdrb6.png)
maybe its a bad attempt at a pistons jersey.

http://www.starstruck.com/Images/gallery/Product/SSProductImgs/P0059002.jpg

http://www.onthefield.com/prodimg/ACFA9D.jpg

blue letters=pistons...looks like he's wearing 84..way to get dennis rodman with it.

maybe its a bad attempt at a pistons jersey.

http://www.starstruck.com/Images/gallery/Product/SSProductImgs/P0059002.jpg

http://www.onthefield.com/prodimg/ACFA9D.jpg

blue letters=pistons...looks like he's wearing 84..way to get dennis rodman with it.Oh no doubt, I'm just anal enough to notice these things.

Edit - guess it is a Pistons jersey. The color of the lettering is key. Good catch Gutz.

okay heres the jersey.
http://www.fansedge.com/Images/Product/31-44/31-44077-P.jpg

looks similar as fuck to the clippers. they are biting.

CWebb = 84 ?

Webber, Sheed, and Rip.......if we still had Ben, we'd have the all-Washington Wizards/Bullets team.

I say we let him play too soon this afternoon, just like we did with Sheed.

Wasn't that against Minnesota too?

I don't like the Jaric thing at all.

:mccosky:


Statement from C-Webb

Here is the statement released by Chris Webber just minutes ago. "AFTER CAREFUL THOUGHT AND DISCUSSIONS WITH MY FAMILY I HAVE DECIDED I WILL SIGN WITH THE DETROIT PISTONS. I THANK ALL OF THE INTERESTED TEAMS FOR THEIR TIME AND CONSIDERATION. JOINING THE PISTONS WILL ALLOW ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THE GAME I LOVE IN MY HOMETOWN OF DETROIT SURROUNDED BY MY FAMILY. I LOOK FORWARD TO JOINING A ROSTER OF TALENTED ATHLETES AND WORKING TOWARDS A FOURTH NBA TITLE FOR THE PISTONS AND THE GREAT CITY OF DETROIT. I WILL HAVE NO FURTHER COMMENT UNTIL I CLEAR WAIVERS. THANK YOU.

CWebb needs to stop yelling.



(or turn off his caps lock)

we now have two former laker/shaq era killers. Lets ship nazr and go after the bulls, cavs, and heat with a serious beef.

I'm gonna not tip a baggage handler in front of B-Diddy to celebrate. [smilie=peepwall.gi:

CWebb needs to stop yelling.



(or turn off his caps lock)Caps lock is the cruise control for cool.

glenn he can't play until he clears waivers, which officially won't be until tomorrow.

but otherwise i would agree- throw him right out there.

glenn he can't play until he clears waivers, which officially won't be until tomorrow.

but otherwise i would agree- throw him right out there.
i think glenn was just being funny in the whole "irony" sort of way as in webber=sheed in 2004 possibilities.

Gutz Gatzu:
Nice avatar. Paying tribute to the "Smartest Man Ever".
It's about time.

my bad. i guess i missed that.

i've been meaning to watch The Departed....

I like the signing. I know Webber is 34 and over the hill, but I think he will energize the Pistons like Sheed did in '04 (maybe to a lesser extent). Now I hope we can ship out Nazr or DD and get another wing player. I was really liking the Bonzi Wells idea.

Webber doesn't have to energize the whole team. He just needs to energize Sheed. Getting an energized Sheed will energize the rest of the team.

Its official Nazr is probably the guy out.

Fron ESPN.com:


Center Nazr Mohammed (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3272), who lost his starting job last week, said he wants out if the Webber acquisition leads to him being used even less off the bench.
"I came here to play," said Mohammed, who came to Detroit as a free agent last summer after Ben Wallace (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3149) left for Chicago. "If I'm not in the plan, I would ask for a trade."

Nazr and get fucked. Fucking Spur. Never liked your ass anyway bitch.

nazr muhammed, aka edward scissorhands.

I think me are missing the real question here. What number will Webber wear?

I think he'll wear 5.

He's worn #2 and #4 before, but both are retired here, so I think he'll go with a local theme.

I think he'll wear 5.

He's worn #2 and #4 before, but both are retired here, so I think he'll go with a local theme.
he put 84 on his website. It'll be interesting to see if he flips it like that.

that would look silly IMO. why not 44 or something that won't make him look like he's playing in the summer league or streetball league.

if he puts up big number that jersey will sell out. you better believe it.

Well, when you think of #91, you think dennis rodman.

Big men have popularized odd numbers before.

he put 84 on his website. It'll be interesting to see if he flips it like that.


Then that will likely be his number. I thought it would end up being 44 since he wore it at Country Day, that is the only number outside of 2 or 4 he has used.

he took the 84 jersey down, so it may still be up for debate.

he took the 84 jersey down, so it may still be up for debate.

Do you think Joe would let him wear 4?

He wouldn't let chauncey wear #4.

http://www.clublakers.com/forums/webber-watch-07-nba-webber-to-sign-with-pistons-87-t65928,start,2460.html

Its somewhat funny to watch a bunch of lakers fans in agony because webber chose to play in detroit over high and mighty LA.....

They're all ripping on him now for picking us over them. pathetic.

He wouldn't let chauncey wear #4.

At the time Chauncey was a nobody of consequence to speak of, so Joe wasn't inclined to let a nobody wear 4, who could be gone in a year or so.

I doubt it would happen there is too much paperwork that has to be done to unretire a number, but wonder if Joe would have done it to make sure he came here?

According to the news, It was Webber's people that asked JOE if he'd be interested in bringing chris in, so i doubt there was much begging on our end.

Webber's got enough negative feelings to overcome here without asking to wear Joe's #4. I bet he wouldn't wear it even if Joe insisted.

#44 makes the most sense, but it doesn't really matter.

There was an IHL player back in the 80's that wore #111 (Mel Hewitt), I'd like to see somebody in the NBa go to three digits. (FTR, I know that they can't)

You have got to be kidding me on these crappy ass selections.

I'll stick to sports wagering. I was doing much better before that.

:lathamjahnke:


Rasheed Wallace misses the days of playing with another dominating big man, as he did with ex-Piston Ben Wallace.

Webber's addition might lighten the load on Wallace's shoulders enough to rejuvenate him. They played together in 1995-96, when both were members of the Washington Bullets (now Wizards).

"I think so," Billups said. "They've played with each other a little bit, when 'Sheed was a rookie, I believe. So I know they know each other. So I think that will help him ease his tension a little bit and know that he's got someone else who's a great player playing alongside him."

Wallace said he hopes the addition of Webber will give him more room to play without having to face double-teams.

"It's pretty much pick-your-poison," he said. "Are you going to double-team him or are you going to double-team me?"

This is what I wanted to hear.

From St. Paul Pioneer Press...

Garnett says it's a perfect fit: Garnett sees Webber as a "huge lift" for the Pistons. He remembers the combination of Webber and Rasheed Wallace when they played together in Washington in the 1990s, and thinks both players are wiser now.

"I hope that fit works here," Garnett said. "It seems to be a perfect fit. It's definitely entertaining not only as a competitor but as a fan. I can't wait to see how that works. Webb coming here makes them a lot more versatile. It gives them depth. It gives them experience, a leader in the locker room."

DreTre11 Exclusive!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris Webber's contract with the Pistons forbids him from calling timeouts.

by DreTre

Coach Flip Saunders added a clause in Chris Webber's recent mid-season signing with the Detroit Pistons: he cannot call a timeout, or be fined $25,000 by the organization.

Aaron Goodwin, Webber's agent, concurred with the clause. "We're so hard up for muny... shit, bro. He'll keep his mouth shut, yo."

Added Saunders, "If that bitch ruins a game for us by calling a phantom timeout, I am going to punch him."

Webber responded, "He said what???? I'll go Spree on that fucking cracker.. I.. I mean, he's a wonderful coach, and Detroit is a top-notch organization and I am very proud to be home as a Detroit Piston."

Isaiah Thomas could not be reached for comment.

Added Saunders, "If that bitch ruins a game for us by calling a phantom timeout, I am going to punch him."
LOL...funny shit, but Flip wouldnt even say this to the last guy on the bench. [smilie=bigshot.gif] [smilie=peepwall.gi:

That's some funny shit. Denny for ROY.

Webber's got enough negative feelings to overcome here without asking to wear Joe's #4. I bet he wouldn't wear it even if Joe insisted.

#44 makes the most sense, but it doesn't really matter.

There was an IHL player back in the 80's that wore #111 (Mel Hewitt), I'd like to see somebody in the NBa go to three digits. (FTR, I know that they can't)
Webber wore #2 in Washington as well, but we retired that for Daley. I wouldn't have a problem with Webber taking that number though, because Daley never wore the number. Why do they even have a number up there for him? They should just have a banner without a number on it. The Tigers did that at Comerica for Ty Cobb's statue because they didn't have numbers then.

Webber wore #2 in Washington as well, but we retired that for Daley. I wouldn't have a problem with Webber taking that number though, because Daley never wore the number. Why do they even have a number up there for him? They should just have a banner without a number on it. The Tigers did that at Comerica for Ty Cobb's statue because they didn't have numbers then.
The Pistons have a banner for David$on without a number on it. I thought about taking a shot of it at the game yesterday and 'shoping a dollar sign in at the bottom and using it as my av.

well, they should remove the #2 then and give it to C Webb.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k70/WTFchris/other/Webber2.jpg

I haven't seen any of these movies besides Borat, but let me just say that it's a FUCKING SCAM if any movie with Beyonce wins the award.

McCosky wrote about this today and had some interesting quotes I haven't seen anywhere else. I'm going to clip out the stuff we've already read but you can read the whole thing at the link below if you want:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070116/SPORTS08/701160348/1004/SPORTS


AUBURN HILLS -- Chris Webber confirmed Monday what Joe Dumars pretty much knew Jan. 4 -- the former Detroit Country Day and University of Michigan star wanted to come home and play for the Pistons. It was that night, as the Pistons were in the process of beating the Hornets, Dumars got a call from Aaron Goodwin, Webber's agent. "Joe, would you have any interest in Chris Webber?" Goodwin said. "Yeah," Dumars said, "except he plays for the Sixers." That's when Goodwin informed Dumars that Webber had reached a buyout agreement with the 76ers, and that Webber wanted to go to a contender, and he hoped the Pistons would be interested.
At 2 today, Webber, after clearing waivers, will sign a prorated one-year, $1.17 million contract ($650,000) with the Pistons.
"After careful thought and discussions with my family, I have decided I will sign with the Detroit Pistons," he said in a statement. "Joining the Pistons will allow me the opportunity to play the game I love in my hometown of Detroit, surrounded by my family. I look forward to joining a roster of talented athletes and working towards a fourth NBA title for the Pistons and the great city of Detroit."


How much is left?...

...Goodwin said Webber's left knee was about 95 percent healthy. And, from what he has seen on film, Pistons physical therapist Arnie Kander agrees. "I like a lot of what I have seen," he said. "I don't think (his knee) is an issue." In recent days, Kander has studied Webber on film dating to 1998. He said Webber's mobility issue has been because of a balky left ankle, which he believes is correctable. "It's very similar to Dyess (Antonio McDyess, who came to the Pistons after knee surgery in 2004)," Kander said. "It's not the knee; we have to correct the things around the knee. People fail to realize, he had a terrible ankle sprain in Sacramento and then six months later had microfracture surgery. "If you watch him run, he always lists to one side. He can't get over the right ankle so he comes down hard on the left knee."

If Kander can work some magic, the Pistons could be getting their center for the next couple of years. The Pistons will consider signing Webber beyond this season if things work out. "I ain't one to count my chickens before they hatch," Wallace said. "But I don't see nothing but positives."
Wallace should be the biggest benefactor of a productive Webber...


..."If somebody would have told me in my career I was going to play with, on one team, Rasheed Wallace, McDyess, Chris Webber, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince -- I'd say, 'Maybe so, on an all-star team,' " Billups said. "But not every single night. It's unbelievable."

Arnie Kander's hands are insured and will be frozen after he dies to be further studied in the keys to longer life. His herbs come from alien mutant blood and are only grown 4 galaxies away. He is the medicine man.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a372/ddot313/full.jpg
Arnie: Mike, get my case of Mutant Alien blood in the liquid nitrogen container, STAT!!!!!
Mike: Its ok Chauncy, just think of a happy place with roses and all the things that make you happy. Just please don't die!!!
Arnie: Damnit Mike! The case!!
Mike: Oh right. [smilie=peepwall.gi:

The secret is alpaca blood, not alien blood.

Nice diversionary tactic though, Gutz.

Alpacas are aliens my friend.[smilie=peepwall.gi:

http://www.andromeda-alpacas.com.au/images/logo_andromeda_frame.jpg

Acolyte

http://webpages.charter.net/preston805/alpacas%20mag%20w06.JPG

Take it off baby!!

Chicks that wear alpaca are dead sexy.

http://www.andromeda-alpacas.com.au/images/logo_andromeda_frame.jpg
...
o_0
...
wow

What time is the presser?

Anybody got the lowdown on a video/audio stream?

Edit: nevermind, from Pistons.com

The Detroit Pistons will hold a press conference to announce the signing of Chris Webber today at 4 p.m. at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Local media members will be in attendance, but you can watch live on your computer. Check back later for the live video link.

the REAL question now is what number webber will wear? that #2 in that jersey looks nice GG.

Ah, memories of the great Stacey Augmon.

He can't wear #2.

I like #44, but they are probably saving that for the day they retire it for, you guessed it, Ratko Varda.

http://www.nba.com/pistons/history/alltime_numerical_roster.html

Interesting that nobody has worn a higher number than #55.

Back in the day, I think you used to have to wear numbers that refs could easily sign with their fingers when they called fouls. Don't remember how that worked/works exactly.

the REAL question now is what number webber will wear? that #2 in that jersey looks nice GG.

Thanks for stealing my work GG. And yes, #2 is retired, but in the other thread I mentioned they should take that number down (for Daley) because Cobb has no number retired and neither does Davidson (but they have 'banners' anyway). Keep Daley's banner but take the number off it.

never would claim ownership on someone else's work. i just decided to get avatar dibbs.

I like #44, but they are probably saving that for the day they retire it for, you guessed it, Ratko Varda.

http://www.nba.com/pistons/history/alltime_numerical_roster.html

Interesting that nobody has worn a higher number than #55.

Back in the day, I think you used to have to wear numbers that refs could easily sign with their fingers when they called fouls. Don't remember how that worked/works exactly.

also interesting that Dumars was the only #4 ever.

i still think he'll wear 84.

The Palace is already selling #84 Chris Webber jerseys, according to WDFN. Kids are already walking around in them.

Starts at 4 pm

Video link at pistons.com

Ocho Quatro?

Anybody know of any good figure skating forums?

Did the screen on the Pistons.com video player just get scrambled for anyone else?

Did the screen on the Pistons.com video player just get scrambled for anyone else?

mine says "loading, please wait"

BTW, i fixed the posts in the wrong threads. please keep the trades in the other thread.

I was watching videos about figure skating and Blue Man Group (saw them in Vegas, btw, not bad) and then it just got scrambled and all I can hear is Barbara Walters singing "Hot Legs" live in concert.

nothing worked on mine at all. I'm just going to do the radio stream from the inferno. I'm sure they'll carry it.

WDFN's got the audio stream at least