Webber to Golden State? It Looks Likely

When a Sacramento columnist used an anonymous busboy who caught Don Nelson eating at Chris Webber's restaurant to infer Webber would soon be a Warrior, I thought it was a joke. But you know, Martin McNeal might have scooped the world, because the Contra Costa Times has a screaming story confirming talks between C-Webb and Golden State.

Two team officials confirmed that the Warriors are in discussions with Webber, who played his rookie season with the Warriors in 1993-94. There is some belief the two parties are close to an agreement.

A different source confirmed that Webber and Warriors coach Don Nelson, who separated on bad terms in 1994, have talked in an attempt to put the past behind them. Warriors executive vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin has said a big man is on his wish list.

As I said earlier this week, it's a nice story... but it's not likely to help in real terms on the court. Golden State needs to improve its defense; Detroit's defense last year was 2.6 points per 48 minutes worse when Webber was in. It's not a disastrous move -- Webber's probably the best veteran big available, and his passing would be an excellent fit in the grand scheme. But I don't understand why Nelson is unwilling to try solutions from within, especially with youngsters Patrick O'Bryant and Brandan Wright languished on the pine. They'd help the rebounding and defense loads more than Webber ever could.