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Sacramento Kings Coverage
Team Report - Big Deals
By: Brad, SKC Team Report Writer
It happened, it really happened. Chris Webber is staying. The Kings made their 2001 Free Agent period a good one by retaining their top 2 priorities, Doug Christie and, of course, C-Webb. Definitely one of the better off-season moves in the NBA. Petrie did a remarkable job signing two guys who fully explored the world of free agency. Both Christie and Webber did their share of city-hopping, and both came close to deals elsewhere. This decision by Chris was the best decision he's made in his entire NBA career. He's decided to stay with not only great fans, great owners, but a great team who now has just as good of a chance at the title as any other NBA team does. Chris is surrounded by a group of dedicated athletes who all have their eyes set on a common goal, the NBA Championship. As many look back on last year's conclusion, they remember an embarrassing series with the LA Lakers. But actually, if you look at it in depth, the Kings put up just as good of fight as anyone. The Kings lost three times by no more then six points. This compared to the Spurs (best record) who got killed in each of their four attempts; this is a rather good series. The Lakers' proved to be an unbelievable force to be reckoned with. With the addition of a solid PG, and the loss of Horace Grant in LA, this is one of the Kings' best chances for the title.
-Brad |
Christie opted to return to Sac after being offered a greater deal by the Spurs, who offered a six year contract for $45 million dollars. Christie then signed a seven year, $48 million contract. Webber, on the other hand, came reasonably close with Detroit, Indiana, and at times New York. But apparently Webber had it all planned out. "I don't think Chris ever had any second thoughts," Chris' brother Jeffrey said. "I think he's been leaving little hints all along. Like he never moved out of his house out there, never moved his furniture, none of the stuff you'd think he would do if he was out of there." He signed with the Kings for a league max seven-year deal worth close to $122.7 million. 
The signing of Christie and Webber is outstanding work by Petrie and the Maloofs. Doug Christie has played a strong role in the Kings success as a member of Sacramento. He brought alive the entire defensive effort by the Kings in the 2000-2001 season. Christie brings heart, hustle, intensity, and a solid two guard to the floor each and everyday for the Kings. As for Webber, he's one of the most dominant players in the game. He can consistantly score 20 points a contest with ease. Averaging over a double-double a game, Webber proved to be a solid contender for MVP. The Kings have the most solid one through 4 positions in the game. With the rising star is Peja Stojakovic; the superstar in Chris Webber; the great improvement in the point guard position in Bibby; the all around player in Christie; and the super glue of them all in team leader Vlade Divac you have a great starting five. The Kings off season accomplishments will prove pivotal for the Kings future. Two long term deals with Webber and Christie will solidify the Kings roster for seven years. Petrie and the Maloofs have done yet another amazing job in luring in Christie and Webber, and I see nothing but success coming from the squad that's taking the floor for the 2001-2002 season.