Why Chris Webber Should Sign With Orlando Magic Instead of Cleveland Cavaliers

The Florida Today reports on the Orlando Magic using their injury exception to sign free agent Chris Webber:

Getting the injury exception gives the Magic a significantly greater amount to throw at Chris Webber or P.J. Brown, the two best available power forwards on the free agent market. Neither indicated a desire to play in Orlando when the Magic pursued them over the summer, but that was when Orlando had nothing more than a veteran’s minimum contract to offer.

Brown has told teams he’ll likely retire, while Webber has stated his desire to return to Detroit. Cleveland is also reportedly trying to lure Webber.

My Quick Take: Not long ago, Chris Webber was the face of the hi-octane Sacramento Kings, a highly skilled big man, and a legit MVP candidate. His hi-post passing was a thing of beauty, wowing the league’s table-setting point guards and impressing basketball purists.

Today, Webber resembles a bit of a jilted lover. His team of choice, the Detroit Pistons, after last season’s audition, said thanks but no thanks and let him go in favor of younger players.

For months, the former All-Star ignored the signs and hoped for a reunion with the Pistons. It didn’t happen. Detroit musicians Eminem and Kid Rock have a better chance of reconciling with ex-wives Kim Mathers and Pam Anderson.

Webber finally seems to be grasping the not-so subtle hints from Detroit. He’s now open to signing with other teams. But here’s where things get interesting because reports indicate the former Michigan star prefers Cleveland over Orlando.

His choice is odd. The Magic may be the better fit for what Webber offers at this point:

• Orlando is an explosive offensive team. C-Webb’s hi-post passing would complement Rashard Lewis’ three-point stroke and Dwight Howard’s arsenal of attack-the-basket moves.
  

• Cleveland emphasizes defense. Webber, because of micro fracture surgery, can’t move his feet to stay in front of his check and help teammates. Cavs’ coach Mike Brown might get frustrated with the veteran’s statuesque D.
  

• Orlando, with Lewis and Howard in the mix, seem to be a rising power, while Cleveland, even with LeBron James, hasn’t gotten organized after last year’s playoff run.
  

Contending teams like Detroit and Dallas have little interest in Webber’s services. With the curtain falling on his career, the Magic may just be Webber’s best option.

Where should Webber sign: Cleveland or Orlando? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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