At the 2005 trade deadline, the The Philadelphia 76ers pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal with the Sacramento Kings to acquire Hall of Famer Chris Webber. The trade was a no-brainer for the Sixers. They were getting an All-NBA power forward who would be able to fit in alongside Allen Iverson.
The Webber deal helped propel Philadelphia He reached the playoffs averaging 15.6 points and 7.9 rebounds alongside Iverson. He then averaged 19.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in the playoffs, but his knees failed him on defense as the Sixers were eliminated in five games by the defending champion. Detroit Pistons in the 1st round.
Webber averaged 20.2 points and 9.9 rebounds in the 2005–06 season, but Philadelphia missed the playoffs. He then played 18 games for the Sixers in the 2006–07 season before being released and finishing the season with the Pistons.
It’s unfortunate that the Sixers acquired Webber in the twilight of his career. If Philadelphia could have gotten him in his prime, then one has to wonder what would have happened between him and Iverson on the court. Webber’s skill set, which allows him to be a ruthless scorer as well as an elite playmaker in the high post, would have made him a perfect candidate for The Answer.
This article was originally published on Sixers Wire: A look back at Chris Webber’s time with the Philadelphia 76ers