Why Phoenix Suns & Chris Webber Could Work Out

Sean Deveny of Sporting News reports on the possibility that Chris Webber could join the Phoenix Suns:

There is a darkhorse candidate, though, in the marketplace for both players: Phoenix. Yes, no team runs more than the Suns, and, yes, running is not Webber’s strong suit these days, but Phoenix could be setting up a nifty recruiting battle with the Mavs for both Webber and Brown.

I just wrote about Gary Payton looking for a final contract from the Warriors or Heat. Webber is in a similar situation. The forward is past his prime, but with a 34 million dollar buyout in his pocket courtesy of the Philadelphia 76ers, he can wait for the right situation.

On the surface, Phoenix and Webber look like an odd fit. Once you give it some thought, C-Webb might be able help the Suns.

Webber would give Mike D’Antoni another experienced facilitator for the Suns’ half-court sets. In some situations, the club thrived when they slowed the tempo. For example, in last year’s Western Conference semi-finals, Phoenix did quite well when they played a half-court game against San Antonio. Webber would enhance these sets, finding Leandro Barbosa on a backdoor cut or lobbing the rock to a soaring Shawn Marion on an alley-oop.

The Suns free-wheeling approach is based on basketball IQ. Well, Webber is an intelligent player. In Sacramento, he often played point center from the hi-post. And after knee surgery, Webber has had to survive on his veteran savvy.  

Phoenix’s laid-back approach would suit Webber. As a veteran, he would appreciate the freedom players receive from the coaching staff. Practices are relaxed, light, and fun.

Surprisingly, the Suns and C-Webb have a lot in common once you give the idea some thought.

Would Webber work out in Phoenix? Get at us with your thoughts in the comment box below.

Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.