Chris Webber was once brought into Philly to be the Robin to A.I.’s Batman. Let’s take a look back at the new HOF member’s time with the Sixers.
Former number one pick Chris Webber was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this past weekend as a part of the 2021 class. Webber had a controversial basketball career but ultimately, his impact and play on the collegiate and NBA level led to him becoming a Hall of Famer.
During his Hall of Fame career, Chris Webber played for five teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers. During the 2004-2005 season, Webber was surprisingly traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Philadelphia 76ers to be paired with Allen Iverson. Webber was traded along with Michael Bradley and Matt Barnes, while Brian Skinner, Corliss Williamson, and Kenny Thomas being traded to the Kings.
Chris Webber had recently undergone surgery on his knee and wasn’t performing at his best in the early part of the season in Sacramento. The Sixers thought pairing Webber with Iverson could bring in a co-star and help the Sixers move up the standings in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers hoped that Webber would fare better than previous co-stars such as Larry Hughes, Keith Van Horn, and Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson.
Webber played 21 games in the 2004-05 season and averaged 15.6 ppg, 7.9 RPG, and 3.1 APG. He helped the Sixers finish 43-39 and 7th in the Eastern Conference. They faced off against the Detroit Pistons in the first round and lost the series in 5 games. Webber played 75 games the following season averaging 20 points and just under 10 rebounds per game, but the 76ers did not make the playoffs and finished two games out of 8th place. The following year he played only 18 games with the Sixers and was waived and eventually signed with the Pistons.
Chris Webber has mentioned in the past that he didn’t have the best time in Philadelphia and wasn’t the biggest fan of the practice facility and coaching staff. Recently he sat down with Shams Charania and reflected on his time in Philadelphia. He discussed how Allen Iverson was the best player he has played with and how much love the fans showed him, although he didn’t think it was deserved.
Webber’s time in Philly wasn’t as successful as the organization hoped, but he did help bring some excitement and reliable scoring next to Iverson for two seasons. Webber had his most successful years with Kings, but it is good to see him acknowledge Philadelphia as a stop that he wished would have turned out better on his way to the Hall of Fame.
