When Chris Webber received his buyout from the Philadelphia 76ers recently, there were several calls into the local talk shows voicing the opinion that the Cavaliers should pick up the former Fab Fiver from Michigan. This shows me that these fans either don’t follow the NBA very closely, even though the wine and gold is doing quite well, or they haven’t seen the Sixers play this year.
The Chris Webber who signed with the Pistons yesterday bares no resemblence to the C-Webb who played for the Sacramento Kings five or six years ago. The guy who played for Philly earlier this year can’t jump, nor can he move. This makes him a less effective rebounder, and a non factor on defense. With the Cavs and Coach Mike Brown putting a great emphasis on the defensive end of the floor, Webber is not a good fit. He may be able to help Detroit as a role player, but if he is going to play 25-30 minutes per night, the Pistons won’t be the force on defense they are accustomed to being.
Then you have the question of Webber being happy if he’s not playing extended minutes. My guess would be that he wouldn’t. And where would C-Webb get minutes with the Cavs? My guess is he would take playing time away from Drew Gooden and Anderson Varajao. Fans don’t think about that option when they call talk shows.
Another guy who keeps coming up in conversations if he becomes available is Knicks guard Steve Francis. Danny Ferry shouldn’t touch him with the proverbial ten foot pole. The reason the public is interested in the former Maryland standout is, of course, the play of Eric Snow. However, Francis is a shoot first point guard who also plays no defense. Also, he has had injury problems of late, and couldn’t guard a stone. Other than that, he’d be a perfect fit for the Cavs.
At this point, Cleveland has the best record in the East. Why is everyone looking to change the make up and chemistry of this team. Adding all star type players who no longer play at an all star level isn’t the solution. It quite possibly cause problems. What GM Danny Ferry should be looking for is a role player, preferably a combo guard, who can come in and play 15-20 minutes per night at a high level. That would be the piece that could get the Cavs to the Finals. An aging or injured star won’t help the situation.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 