Old Jason Whitlock article about Webber
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=whitlock/050303&num=0
Whitlock says in part:
Chris Webber's basketball career is a lesson in why it's important to be yourself. The basketball world has never seen the real Chris Webber, at least not for very long.
We've been treated to C-Webb, the 6-foot-10, 240-pound marvel who has more in common on the court with Magic Johnson than Karl Malone, and more in common off the court with Allen Iverson than Grant Hill. That's a shame.
Because Chris Webber is better than C-Webb.
I remembered this article yesterday while reading through the Webber discussion. It could be fleshed-out a lot more, but I think Whitlock has some interesting things to say, especially when he talks about Webber the person rather than Webber the basketball player. The article reflects my own belief about Webber, which is that he settled for being a tough guy who got his cut as pro player when, with his intelligence and charisma, he could have been so much more.
March 15th, 2011 at 11:54 AM ^
was J. A. Adande's article when webber hung them up
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=Webber-080326
It was a fascinating read
March 15th, 2011 at 11:57 AM ^
Hate to say it, but CWebb is the Uncle Thomas of the Fab 5 - no doubt.
Although I still love the guy, and the Fab 5, and will never say anything damning about them as a group. They redefined basketball. A generation even perhaps (I was 10 when they came up - and white - in a small city with 90% white people - and the Fab 5 influence was visibile everywhere).
I think the ESPN doc could've been retitled "Jalen Rose and the Fab 5" since he was the executive producer of the group, and came off as so fierce / real. A great performance from him.
I think Jimmy King likes smoking weed - or at least did a bunch of it several years back.
March 15th, 2011 at 12:47 PM ^
I love how you call C-Webb an uncle Thomas, yet provide no reasoning as to why you have this amazing revalation. Idiot
Beavis' post is certifiable dogshit.
Maybe you and Beavis should have a TV show....
The funny thing about that epithet is that if you actually read Uncle Tom's Cabin, the actual Uncle Tom is nothing like the stereotype.
March 15th, 2011 at 12:25 PM ^
It's amazing, really. In absolute terms he had a very successful career. He's generally ranked in the Top 50/100 players of all time.
Still, as Whitlock suggests, if he had played to his greatest strengths (hands, quickness/explosiveness, and passing ability, for starters) and stayed within a few feet of the basket at all times, I think he could've been in the Top 10/20 conversation. Instead, for whatever reason, he became obsessed with being a perimeter big man.
Webber is not, should not, CANNOT be anywhere near a top 100 NBA all timer. He lasked the leadership, the rings, the mojo, charisma, and just about everything else.
I'm not even sure he fashioned an NBA career worth remembering at all. I think the best definition of Chris Webber is "unrealized potential"
Oh yeah, and he helped invent the baggy shorts thingy.
Tell it to Inside Hoops: