Word around town is that Chris Webber is close to returning to the Golden State Warriors, the official announcement could come out as soon as tomorrow. The Warriors offered to sign the former All-Star for the rest of the season at a pro-rated $1.2 million veteran minimum.
Webber was invited to play for the Warriors by coach Don Nelson and former teammate and current team vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin - Webber was drafted by the Orlando Magic 14 years ago, was traded to the Warriors and won the 1994 Rookie of the Year award. Webber and Nelson will be putting aside a long standing feud that started during Webber’s rookie season when he forced the Warriors to trade him to Washington after only 6 months. Nelson is obviously putting aside any ill-will as he told reporters yesterday that he would welcome Webber, as the team needs him.
Webber said at the end of last season that he would only return to the NBA as a Piston, but he has changed his mind in recent weeks. Webber was pursued by the Lakers after they lost Andrew Bynum but he declined their offer. Over his career Webber averaged 20.9 points per game, 4.3 assists and 9.8 rebounds. However, due to injuries and attitude issues he never fully realized the potential people felt he had after coming into the NBA from Michigan.
Nelson made his own return to the Warriors last year as led them to a 50-32 record and a playoff berth - their first since Webber’s rookie season in 1993-1994. This season the Warriors do need some veteran front-court help, however Webber does not fit well into the Warriors up-tempo style of play. But for $1.2 million why not take the gamble?
