Unnecessary Distraction For Golden State Warriors: Chris Webber Wrong To Respond To Jim O’Brien

I thought Chris Webber had matured. After all, the forward squashed his beef with former enemy Don Nelson to sign with Golden State, so it looked like personal growth (whatever that means) had taken place.

I did wonder why C-Webb broke bread with Nellie and joined the Warriors. Perhaps, the forward had gotten down with Anthony Robbins’ personal power in his time off. Or perhaps he reconciled with former girlfriend Tyra Banks (she’d calm any man).

Finally, I concluded Webber’s newfound diplomacy was a product of age. In his mid-thirties, he had grown up. No big deal.

I was wrong. Yesterday, the former All-Star took the bait and couldn’t resist responding to less than flattering comments made by his former coach in Philadelphia Jim O’Brien.

I’ve been in the league longer than Jim O’Brien," Webber said. "I think he’s trying to justify why he got fired or why players didn’t like him. It’s funny, because I was the baby-sitter that year to make people like him."

“We all helped each other get in the playoff picture, so I don’t know why he would do all that, but like one G.M. told me, that’s just who he is.” (San Jose Mercury)

I understand Webber’s frustration. He felt blindsided by O’Brien discussing their past in the City of Brotherly Love with reporters six weeks ago. So he finally hit back.

Even though O’Brien was offside, Webber shouldn’t have responded. Coaches and GMs talk. They all know each other; it’s a small fraternity. The sideline bosses and execs will take note of this dispute and have reservations about giving Webber, who is near the end of his career, another contract.

If Webber wanted to respond, he should’ve done so after O’Brien’s comments first broke. It doesn’t look good speaking out weeks later. It also distracts the Warriors from their playoff push.

Once again, Webber is in the middle of controversy. This squabble, however, could be his last in the NBA.

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