WEBBER TO PHILLY IN MEGA-DEAL
The Philadelphia 76ers acquired forwards Chris Webber, Michael Bradley and Matt Barnes from the Sacramento Kings for forwards Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson and Brian Skinner.
What does it give the Philadelphia 76ers
An established frontcourt star to balance Allen Iverson's perimeter game. Webber's surgically-repaired knee has kept him from being the explosive player he was a couple of years ago, but he remains one of the NBA's elite power forwards regardless. For years Philly has been searching for a legitimate inside point-getter to balance Iverson's outside attack, and now they have one in Webber. Still an elite rebounder, passer, and scorer despite his declining quickness and power, Webber could legitimately help the Sixers make it to the NBA finals this year. Now if they can just figure out what to do with Glenn Robinson...
What does it give the Sacramento Kings
Better depth and chemistry, a younger team, and an excellent chance at keeping Peja Stojakovic. Make no mistake--this deal is no short-term commitment by the Kings. General Manager Geoff Petrie is obviously trying to win now, even though many expected Petrie to be looking for expiring contracts they could cash in for cap space after this season. That's not what the team got in return for Webber. Thomas, Skinner and Williamson are all big-contract players with several years left on their deals after this season (Thomas five, Skinner four, and Williamson two). That suggests this move was about chemistry more than anything. And while it doesn't look like it on paper, the Kings may actually be better right now without Webber. With three young-ish stars in Brad Miller, Peja Stojakovic and Mike Bibby, Sacto still has excellent balance and were likely looking for more complementary players than Webber was--on and off the court.
Fantasy impact
