Mr.Bottomtooth
01-10-2007, 01:48 PM
Mavericks interested in C-WebbBy ART GARCIA
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The Mavericks plan to take a hard look at Chris Webber if and when the former All-Star power forward gets released by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite his diminished production this season, Webber figures to command a lot of interest from the league’s elite teams. The Mavs likely would compete with San Antonio, Phoenix, defending champion Miami, Detroit and others for his services.
“If I’m putting myself in his shoes, he would want to compete and play for championship-caliber team,” president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. “We’re on of those teams he could make a ‘run for the roses’ with.”
Webber, a native of Detroit, is on the verge of being bought out of his contract, according to reports out of Philadelphia. He’s averaging 11 points and 8.3 rebounds this season in 18 games, having missed 10 of the last 13 games because of ankle and foot problems.
Webber (6-10, 245) was traded to the Sixers last season after six-plus years in Sacramento. The 14-year veteran has also played for Washington and Golden State, averaging 21.4 points and 10 rebounds for his career.
Nelson and coach Avery Johnson both have ties to Webber dating back to 1993-94, his rookie season with the Warriors and then-head coach Don Nelson. Donnie Nelson served on his father’s coaching staff, with Johnson as the starting point guard.
Nelson said the next step is to discuss the situation with Johnson and owner Mark Cuban pending Webber’s release. Nelson is in an information-gathering mode and plans to talk to Webber’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, soon.
Johnson would also have to meet with Webber before any decision is made.
“Avery is a meeting guy,” Nelson said. “Before we come to terms with players, he wants to sit down face-to-face, eye-to-eye.”
Nelson added the advantages to adding Webber stems from his track record. The Mavs also could have a need for a true power forward behind Dirk Nowitzki, as Austin Croshere has struggled this season. Devean George has played a number of backup minutes there, but he’s a true small forward at 6-8.
The disadvantages could be the lack of playing time with the Mavs — Nelson estimates it’s somewhere between 7-to-15 minutes — and Webber’s physical state.
“Can he add something to the mix? The obvious answer is yes,” Nelson said. “But it’s complicated. We don’t want to do anything to upset balance of this really cool chemistry we have on this team right now.”
Webber also has had a reputation of being a difficult personality. Nelson doesn’t anticipate that being a problem, noting the success the Mavs have enjoyed with Jerry Stackhouse and Nick Van Exel.
“The majority of NBA players, they’re like great artists or musicians,” Nelson said. “They like things done a certain way. That’s nothing new. That’s what makes them great talents.
“With age comes wisdom and understanding and more openness. We experienced that with Jerry and Nick and on down the line. Their priorities shift.”
Since the Mavs have the league-maximum 15 players on the rosters, one would have to be waived to make room for Webber. The contract of rookie guard Jose Barea became guaranteed today.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/16427901.htm
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The Mavericks plan to take a hard look at Chris Webber if and when the former All-Star power forward gets released by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite his diminished production this season, Webber figures to command a lot of interest from the league’s elite teams. The Mavs likely would compete with San Antonio, Phoenix, defending champion Miami, Detroit and others for his services.
“If I’m putting myself in his shoes, he would want to compete and play for championship-caliber team,” president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. “We’re on of those teams he could make a ‘run for the roses’ with.”
Webber, a native of Detroit, is on the verge of being bought out of his contract, according to reports out of Philadelphia. He’s averaging 11 points and 8.3 rebounds this season in 18 games, having missed 10 of the last 13 games because of ankle and foot problems.
Webber (6-10, 245) was traded to the Sixers last season after six-plus years in Sacramento. The 14-year veteran has also played for Washington and Golden State, averaging 21.4 points and 10 rebounds for his career.
Nelson and coach Avery Johnson both have ties to Webber dating back to 1993-94, his rookie season with the Warriors and then-head coach Don Nelson. Donnie Nelson served on his father’s coaching staff, with Johnson as the starting point guard.
Nelson said the next step is to discuss the situation with Johnson and owner Mark Cuban pending Webber’s release. Nelson is in an information-gathering mode and plans to talk to Webber’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, soon.
Johnson would also have to meet with Webber before any decision is made.
“Avery is a meeting guy,” Nelson said. “Before we come to terms with players, he wants to sit down face-to-face, eye-to-eye.”
Nelson added the advantages to adding Webber stems from his track record. The Mavs also could have a need for a true power forward behind Dirk Nowitzki, as Austin Croshere has struggled this season. Devean George has played a number of backup minutes there, but he’s a true small forward at 6-8.
The disadvantages could be the lack of playing time with the Mavs — Nelson estimates it’s somewhere between 7-to-15 minutes — and Webber’s physical state.
“Can he add something to the mix? The obvious answer is yes,” Nelson said. “But it’s complicated. We don’t want to do anything to upset balance of this really cool chemistry we have on this team right now.”
Webber also has had a reputation of being a difficult personality. Nelson doesn’t anticipate that being a problem, noting the success the Mavs have enjoyed with Jerry Stackhouse and Nick Van Exel.
“The majority of NBA players, they’re like great artists or musicians,” Nelson said. “They like things done a certain way. That’s nothing new. That’s what makes them great talents.
“With age comes wisdom and understanding and more openness. We experienced that with Jerry and Nick and on down the line. Their priorities shift.”
Since the Mavs have the league-maximum 15 players on the rosters, one would have to be waived to make room for Webber. The contract of rookie guard Jose Barea became guaranteed today.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/16427901.htm