BadBaronRudigor

I had and gave reasons for my opinion of Webber; few of which you seemed to dispute (unless you are saying that in Sacramento he was (1)a good defensive player - - he was a great athlete who would let people get position then challenge their shots, not a good defender (2)willing to initiate contact to hold players out of the post or on offense to generate fouls, (3)a good locker room leader/practice player, or (4) not prone to mental errors in clutch situations) . . . I don't see any argument from you that isn't about Webber's PAR.

Karl Malone, even in the declining years of his career in Utah, played more games, worked harder in practice and on defense, drew more fouls, and had a more positive impact on his team than Chris Webber . . . the years you gave don't include his year in LA where his leadership could be argued.

Kevin Garnett always worked at defense and in practice and whined in the press even much later when everyone around the league was saying he should, for most of this period he was a step above Webber, not just for one year.

Brand and Nowitski were certainly young but were showing the caliber of player they could be and had great work ethics; I'd have taken either over Webber but agree that most people wouldn't. I tend to value athleticism less and character more than most evaluators.

As for the others. Antawn Jamison in those years averaged 22/8/2 playing mainly next to rebounders Danny Fortson and Adonis Foyle and with PGs not known for playmaking (Mookie, Larry Hughes, Bobby Sura, Gil Arenas) . . . stats that while not quite up to Webber's level are within sight (considering he was playing as a 3). Looking beyond the stats, he was an abysmal defender (yes, worse than Webber in all ways!) but a classy locker room presence, good leader and practice player, and a guy who could get his points without having to run the offense through him. I'd take Webber over Antawn (or Marion or McDyess with the injury threat) during this period but was including them as guys one level down who could be considered on Webber's level depending on how much you want character, defense or versatility (all were two position players whereas Webber whined about the very idea of playing him anywhere but the 4).

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