Story in a New York fishwrap claims that Chris Webber really wants to be in New York. You can catch a link to it in insidehoops.com's rumors section. ------------------ Fear the Spear
Here it is: http://www.nypostonline.com/sports/knicks/30351.htm EX-AGENT: C-WEBB'S BIG ON N.Y. By MARC BERMAN -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chris Webber May 13, 2001 -- Chris Webber may play his last game as a King today with Sacramento on the verge of being swept by the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. If it ends tonight, Webber can start singing "New York, New York." Fallasha Erwin, who had been Webber's agent since 1993 before they went their separate ways earlier this season, knew how badly Webber wanted to play for the Knicks when the season started. Webber becomes a free agent in July and his addition via a sign-and-trade for Allan Houston is the only legitimate way the Knicks could launch back into championship-contending status. "New York was very, very high on [Webber's] list," Erwin told The Post. "Chris has an extreme fondness for New York. If it worked out in New York, he'd be very happy. There's an extremely high number of factors there that he likes and it's not just Latrell Sprewell. He likes the market, likes the ability to be able to fit in and not stick out. He likes that it's an entertainment center, the financial capital for business. There's a lot of things that can happen for him there, a lot of opportunities outside of basketball." Webber is very familiar with the New York area. When the Knicks visited Sacramento in March, Webber said he had spent the last two summers living in New York. Erwin said Webber did not own a home in New York, but spent months living at several different friends' houses, from Manhattan to the Hamptons. Webber also has some family in the area. "At times, he'd be in New York and I didn't know exactly where," Erwin said. If the Kings die in the second round without a fight, it will do nothing to enhance Webber's chances of returning. The All-Star power forward also seemed ticked that some of his teammates said they "lost confidence" vs. Shaquille O'Neal. "Playing for a championship contender weighs very heavily," Erwin said about Webber. "He wanted to see improvement [in Sacramento]. He wants to win championships. Losing bothers him, makes him miserable and he's had enough of that in his career. He doesn't want to settle for mediocrity." ------------------ "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored."- (Aldous Huxley) [This message has been edited by BobFinn* (edited May 13, 2001).]
And yet involving Allan Houston in any deal means a 3- or 4-team complication. I'm sure New York is high on the list. It's familiar terrain. We just need to get him a home-cooked meal at Mama Mobley's house. Other NY writers have also mentioned how C-Webb would like to play with Steve as much as Spree. Message to C-Webb: The Rocks would compete for many years with you. In NY, you'll be the next Patrick Ewing. ------------------
