Webber's addition makes 76ers contenders
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-02-26 09:21

With one bold move to acquire Chris Webber, Philadelphia went from the fringe of the Eastern Conference playoffs to instant contenders.

No more worrying about a strong second scorer to complement Allen Iverson. No more wondering how the Sixers could compete with one of the most undersized frontcourts around.

Forget winning the Atlantic Division. Webber has the Sixers thinking about making a run to the NBA Finals.

"We're trying to make a push now," said veteran guard Aaron McKie. "You don't want to sit back and just be comfortable with making the playoffs. With everything that went down, we're trying to make a statement."

Before the start of the Sacramento Kings and the Dallas Mavericks game on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005 in Dallas, Mavericks fan Israel Norcom, munches on popcorn and holds a sign expressing his delight with the Kings trade of Chris Webber to the Philadelphia 76ers. [AP]

Webber brought his 21.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists from Sacramento to Philadelphia (26-28) in one of two trade deadline deals by Sixers president Billy King. The other one brought 3-point specialist Rodney Rogers to the Sixers for Glenn Robinson.

Webber did not practice with the Sixers on Friday and still needed to complete a physical. Still, he was expected to be in the lineup on Saturday night when the Sixers host, of all teams, the Kings.

Coach Jim O'Brien had a brief conversation with the five-time All-Star forward, and Webber said he was excited about playing with Iverson. The NBA's top scorer has always wanted a legitimate No. 2, but with little luck.

Robinson, the "Big Dog," was the latest in a long line who failed in that role.

Jerry Stackhouse didn't adjust; Tim Thomas and Larry Hughes didn't get much of a chance; Toni Kukoc underachieved; Matt Harpring never fit in; and Keith Van Horn faded in the postseason.

None of them had the resume of Webber.

"Chris Webber is a cut above most power forwards in the league, offensively," O'Brien said.

O'Brien hoped Webber would ease some of the scoring burden off Iverson, who scored 60 points in a game this year. Iverson and Webber may be the best inside-outside duo in the league besides Miami's Shaquille O'neal and Dwyane Wade.

"Now you're in a situation where Allen doesn't have to do everything off the dribble or be the guy that has ballhandling responsibilities probably 80 percent of the time," O'Brien said.

O'Brien said Webber could do for the Sixers what Rasheed Wallace did when he was traded in midseason to Detroit last year — deliver a title.

"But Rasheed was joining a team that had back-to-back 50-win seasons," O'Brien cautioned. "As for changing the balance of power in the East, I think that all remains to be seen."

The Sixers were undersized in the frontcourt, with the 6-foot-7 Kenny Thomas and 6-7 Corliss Williamson often playing at the same time. Thomas and Williamson were sent with free agent bust Brian Skinner to the Kings for Webber.

King made a steadfast commitment to keeping the young nucleus intact, notably Andre Iguodala, center Samuel Dalembert and forward Kyle Korver. With their age and Iverson's and Webber's salaries reaching the $20 million range in a couple of years, this could be the Sixers core roster for a while.

And it's one that's suddenly expected to win now.

"I thought we were a playoff team already," King said. "I thought we had a real good chance to win the Atlantic Division even without making a deal. But I think this deal gives us a better chance."

The biggest issue now could be easing Webber's fears about playing in Philly in front of their notoriously tough fans. Webber told the Sacramento Bee for Friday's edition that he initially had concerns about Philadelphia's demanding fans.

"I really worried about how the city of Philly was going to accept me," he said, "but then about five minutes after the trade, (Allen Iverson) was on the phone with me, and that made me feel better."

If he'd been hearing the buzz over his arrival on talk radio and on the street, he wouldn't have to worry.

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