In a fairly surprising turn of events, Chris Webber has re-signed with the Warriors, the team where his career started so many years ago.
“It is with great pride and humility that I announce my return to the Golden State Warriors, the place where it all started,” Webber said in a statement. “This organization and city has always had a special place in my heart because it is where my dream of being an NBA player first came true.”
Although there is widespread skepticism regarding Webber’s ability to keep up with Nelson’s run-and-gunners — given the mobility issues that have hampered the 34-year-old since a serious knee injury in the 2003 playoffs and subsequent microfracture surgery — Nelson insists that the Warriors need Webber’s passing and midrange game to get them unstuck when the game slows down or their countless three-pointers aren’t dropping.
Webber initially left the Warriors during Nelson’s last stint with the team after the two had a falling out, so it’s a little surprising that both parties agreed to reunite. Webber can still pass and shoot, but he has very little lift and speed left in those legs, so count me among those that are skeptical about the chances of him fitting in well with Golden State. Nelson has a point that Webber can help in the half court game, but I wonder if that will be at the expense of the up-tempo attack.
That attack is the Warriors’ identity, so let’s hope Webber doesn’t mess it up.
