Like most Americans, I stopped caring about the NBA when MJ retired. When I started watching again, it was 2002 and Chris Webber and the Sacramento Kings were the best team in the NBA. They were unselfish, fast-paced, high-scoring, and would have won a championship if they hadn't foolishly committed 58 shooting fouls in the fourth quarter of Game 6 against the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. What were they thinking? Anyway, I haven't followed his entire career, but I loved watching those Adleman-coached teams with Webber and Divac in the high post throwing behind the back passes to cutters for easy layups.
The 2002, 2003, and 2004 (Webber was traded during the 2005 season) Kings Teams averaged 104.6, 101.7, and 102.8 points, respectively, when the league averages were 95.5, 95,1, and 93.4 points per game, respectively. It's unfortunate that they had to play during the NBA's Dark Ages (mid-nineties to 2004), when every coach hated offense and scoring. While it would have been more fun if they didn't have their opponents slowing everything down, they did help keep the NBA from sucking even worse during their time. And for that, they deserve thanks.
Here's to you, Chris Webber, a five time All-Star, one time 1st Team All-NBAer, three time 2nd Team All-NBAer, and a member of the Unofficial 2002 NBA Champion Sacramento Kings.
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