After being blitzed by Detroit on Monday, the Sixers will visit MSG tonight, most probably without Chris Webber in tow. The much traveled veteran is expected to accept a buyout from Philadelphia, perhaps as soon as today, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Art Garcia writes that Dallas is just one of the clubs interested in his services.
Despite his diminished production this season, Webber figures to command a lot of interest from the league™s elite teams. The Mavs likely would compete with San Antonio, Phoenix, defending champion Miami, Detroit and others for Webber.
œIf I™m putting myself in his shoes, he would want to compete and play for championship-caliber team, president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. œWe™re on of those teams he could make a ˜run for the roses™ with.
Nelson added the advantages to adding Webber stems from his track record. The Mavs also could have a need for a true power forward behind Dirk Nowitzki, as Austin Croshere has struggled this season. Devean George has played a number of backup minutes there, but he™s a true small forward at 6-8.
The disadvantages could be the lack of playing time with the Mavs ” Nelson estimates it™s somewhere between 7-to-15 minutes ” and Webber™s physical state.
The Journal News’ Mike Doughtery reports the Knicks are amongst those chasing Webber. There’s no truth to the rumor Isiah Thomas misunderstood the buyout stories and has already offered to assume 100% of C-Webb’s contract.