Chris Webbs' Impact on the Pistons

Even as Chris Webber was set to begin his career as a Piston, the local media and fans were weary. His talent was unquestionable but age and injuries had taken a toll on the once-flashy superstar of the Sacramento Kings. Holes in his game not seen before began to become apparent as his tenure in Philadelphia continued. Chris was not nearly as explosive as before. He was a defensive liability. Certainly not the player once thought to be worth a maximum contract in the NBA.

So the Detroit media, still angry from his scandals as a Michigan Wolverine, took out their frustration on Webber. Will he work out? Can he still play basketball? Can Chris repair his image in the state of Michigan? As of just under twenty games in with his new team, the answer to all of their questions has been a resounding yes.

Even in his first game, Chris showed that he was what the Pistons had been missing all season long. His unselfish play, uncanny passes and stellar post play have given the team something they haven't had for a long time. And his sheer enthusiasm for setting up teammates has become contagious. While the numbers may not completely show it, the Pistons have finally overcome the offensive deficiencies that plagued them throughout the Ben Wallace era.

Sure C-Webb's twelve-plus points a game may not seem impressive. But factor in that he is playing under thirty minutes a game and shooting over fifty-six percent and the twelve points seem like his career average of twenty. Unlike the woeful 76ers, the Pistons have multiple scoring options. Webber understands that his role on the team is to facilitate the offense and keep his teammates in the game.

There is no doubt that Webber is, as advertised, not the same explosive player as he was in the late 90s and early 2000s. But so what? His lack of explosiveness is made up by a veteran mindset that allows him to make the smarter plays. His inability to effectively guard a big man one-on-one has been overcame by a relentless zone defense. And his injury problems have been a non-issue with talented big men Antonio McDyess and Jason Maxiell on the bench. And did I mention he is making the veterans minimum, essentially costing the team nothing, in a no risk one-year deal?

After struggling with consistency, the Pistons have reeled off ten wins in their last eleven games to regain the lead in the Eastern Conference. In fact, the team is 14-3 with Webber in the starting lineup. Among these wins was a memorable blowout of Orlando. After being poked in the eye and suffering a minor, yet serious, injury to the cornea, Webber was announced unlikely to return. It took him all of one quarter to get back on the court and score sixteen second-half points to keep the Magic at bay.

The Pistons once again are looking at home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs and with Dwayne Wade injured may be looking at a third trip to the Finals in four years. And if they do get there, remember a big factor was the late free-agent signing, gift wrapped from the 76ers, of Chris Webber.