I’m returning because there was nothing better than where I was. – The rising star explained his decision to sign a $123 million contract with the Kings.

I’m returning because there was nothing better than where I was. – The rising star explained his decision to sign a $123 million contract with the Kings.

While playing for the Sacramento Kings, Chris Webber made a name for himself as one of the NBA’s best forwards.

Chris Webber was a talented big man who had everything it took to be the face of any NBA team. Expectations were high when he entered the league in 1993; however, unleashing his potential depended on how teams utilized him.

His NBA experience started with the Golden State Warriors. He was originally picked by the Orlando Magic before being traded for Penny Hardaway and future first-round picks. With C-Webb having an outstanding rookie season, the Warriors benefited from that decision. In 1994, Webber went on to earn Rookie of the Year.

The Michigan product would disagree with then-coach Don Nelson despite that effort. In 1994, he was traded to the Washington Bullets. He made a name for himself as one of the league’s best forwards in Washington.

In 1998, he would be dealt again, this time to the Sacramento Kings. Webber did not like the notion at first because the Kings were a losing team all the time. However, the NBA rebounding leader from 1999 had no idea that he would be a part of a new team that would turn around the team’s fortunes.

The Kings would also add players such as Peja Stojakovic, Vlade Divac and Jason Williams. That core would transform Sacramento into a contender, something that altered the mindset of C-Webb. When he hit free agency in 2001, the 1992 Big Ten Freshman of the Year would end up agreeing to a seven-year deal with Sacramento, aware that it was the best deal he had on the table at the time.

It was a fitting deal for Webber who cemented himself as one of the premier power forwards at the time. However, his career took a sorry twist due to knee issues. When he underwent knee surgery in 2003, Chris was never the same.

Other teams, such as the Philadelphia 76ers, took a chance on the five-time All-Star. Players like Allen Iverson knew what the 2001 All-NBA First Team had already accomplished and were eager to see him get his career back on track. Sadly, that never happened, and C-Webb’s NBA play soured to problems with the knee. Chris was changed forever in 2003 after having knee surgery.