Bay Area Sports Blogging

Golden State Warriors Chris Webber has announced his retirement from the NBA. While his current stint with the Warriors was ill-fated, Webber finishes with a solid career spanning 15 years.

Chris Webber was an All Star caliber player, taking the Sacramento Kings to the Western Conference finals before losing Game 7 against the Los Angeles Lakers. But that was years ago. His bum knee has robbed him of his mobility and quickness. It got to the point where Webber's per minute production was being compared to Austin Croshere.

It is time to admit that the Chris Webber project has failed. Before the Warriors acquired Webber, there were high hopes for what a player of Chris Webber's caliber could bring to the team. Webber could help defensively in the paint and he gives the team another option for half-court offense. After nine games, we have yet to see the benefits.

If someone would have told you, at the start of the season, that bringing in Chris Webber would have the same effect as an Austin Croshere, would you have believe them? Chris Webber is averaging 3.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while getting 14.0 minutes per game. In comparison, Austin Croshere is averaging 4.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists while only getting 10 minutes per game.

As highlighted in this SF Chronicle article, Chris Webber has greatly impressed coach Don Nelson during their mini-training camp. Nellie went on to say that he plans on starting Chris Webber every night. That would give the Golden State Warriors a starting line-up of Baron Davis, Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Chris Webber, and a rotating 5th spot.

The 5th starting spot will be whoever Nellie feels would give the Warriors the best matchups. If the Warriors need a big body to clog the lanes, Andris Biedrins will start. If the Warriors need a deadly outside shooter to free up the paint, Al Harrington will start. If the Warriors want to go with a small line-up, Matt Barnes will start.

Golden State Warriors fans are treated to two reunions this week. The first is the return of Chris Webber to a Warriors uniform. The second is a visit from former Warriors player, Jason Richardson. While the Oracle Arena crowd's reaction to Webber will be mixed, there is no doubt that Jason Richardson will get a huge pop from the crowd. Richardson spent his first six NBA seasons with the Warriors while winning back to back slam dunk contests.

Chris Webber started his career at Golden State and helped Golden State make the playoffs, but he clashed with coach Don Nelson and Webber was subsequently traded away. Nelson also left the organization soon afterwards. That was the beginning of the 12 year playoff drought. With the return of Webber, the Warriors are looking to go deep into the playoffs.