New Hall of Famer Chris Webber’s time with Detroit Pistons

Chris Webber and Detroit Pistons take on a young LeBron James

By the time Chris Webber arrived in Detroit, he was 33-years-old and in his 14th NBA season.

The Pistons fans had never been that friendly to their native son. They blamed him for an association with Michigan booster Ed Martin that led to sanctions on the university’s basketball program.

But all was now forgiven, and he was cheered wildly when he made his Pistons debut.

The remnants of the ‘Goin’ to Work’ Pistons, who had won the NBA title in 2004, were still there, although center Ben Wallace had left for Chicago before that season.

Since the number 4 had been retired for Joe Dumars, Webber chose 84 for his Detroit uniform number.

Webber was a starter but, as they say, Father Time always wins in the end. He had a lot of tread on his tires by then. Webber was not the player fans remembered . But he still averaged  a decent 11.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in 43 games.

However, Detroit was the No. 1 seed entering the playoffs, so Webber had a chance to make his first NBA finals.

All that stood in his way was an Eastern Conference finals against a Cleveland Cavaliers team led by some young flash-in-the-pan named LeBron James (whatever happened to him?)

The Pistons took a 2-0 lead in the series but the Cavs came back to win the next two to knot the series at 2-all.

The key game was Game 5 at The Palace, which went double overtime. Webber was great, pouring in 20 points on 9-for-13 shooting. However, James scored 48 points and Cleveland pulled out the game.

The Cavs then closed it out easily at home, to win the series, 4-2.

Game 6 vs. Cleveland pretty much ended Webber’s career. His knees were giving him problems and, though he still had his remarkable skills, he was not the same player.

Webber played nine games the following season for the Warriors and called it a career. He became a TV commentator and has worked for national networks since.

Webber’s resume speaks for itself (remember, the Naismith Hall of Fame is for basketball, not just the NBA).

He led Country Day to three MHSAA championships, Michigan to the NCAA finals in both his seasons there, plus a long NBA career that included five All-Star Game appearances and career averages of 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists .

Webber has been eligible for the Hall of Fame since 1993. For a while it did not look like he would ever get in, but it was announced in mid-May, 2021 he had finally made it. The induction ceremony is scheduled for September.

Even his ex-Michigan teammate Jalen Rose congratulated Webber on his selection, burying a long-time frosty relationship.

Chris Webber only played 43 of his 831 NBA games for the Detroit Pistons. His time with them probably was not the major reason he is making it to Springfield, Massachusetts.

However, he was in Detroit a starter on a team with the best record in the Eastern Conference that reached the conference finals. So, it certainly did not hurt his chances.

But it is nice that all facets of Michigan basketball, high school, college and the pros, had some part in Chris Webber making the Hall of Fame.