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-------------------- November 17, 2004 by Tyson Wirth Top Ten Oldies but Goodies
continued 6 – Following Dikembe’s size 22 shoes is a tough task, but Chris Webber can do it if anyone can. Hell, I’m not going to doubt the man who turned around what was a dreadful 27 win Sacramento team the year prior to his arrival (remember that as you’re booing him, ARCO faithful). The four time All-Star has been excelling so long that he won his Rookie of the Year award before Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president. The award was well-deserved too; C-Webb became the first rookie to ever total more than 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 blocks and 75 steals. A one-hit wonder Webber was not, however. Despite injuries that have prevented him from ever playing a full season, the psychology major’s 22 points per game average is second best of anyone on this list (and, no, Robert Horry is not first). Just ask the Pacers how prolific Webber’s game is – in 2001 he dominated Indiana to the tune of 51 points and 26 rebounds. For his career he’s out-scored Tim Duncan, out-rebounded Ben Wallace, and handed out more assists than Baron Davis. The former Washington Bullet has over 1000 blocks, and will likely exceed 1000 steals at the end of this season. Next time you pull out Webster’s Dictionary for some leisure reading, look up “versatile.” Webber’s mischievous half-grin will undoubtedly be smiling up at you. Of course, it’s hardly ever been all smiles for the first overall choice of the 1993 draft. He’s had to face the consequences of lying about illegally received booster money at Michigan, his disappearance acts in big playoff games rival Houndini, and the infamous timeout call in college made him as popular in Ann Arbor as Colonel Sanders at a PETA convention. The bottom line is C-Webb’s only as human as the rest of us. That’s just hard to remember when he’s always playing at a superhuman level. 5 – If Chris Webber has superhuman skills, Clifford Robinson has superhuman anonymity. Despite being one of the most productive and classy players to tuck in a jersey the last 15 years, the name of Clifford Robinson is just not one that pops to mind immediately when talking about the last decade’s greats. He, like Webber, has been accused of vanishing during the playoffs, but the very fact that he’s seen postseason action in 14 of 15 seasons is amazing. Perhaps the only thing more incredible than Robinson’s longevity is his durability. He’s amassed over 38,000 minutes in his career, and missed just 19 games due to injury. If the Energizer bunny were 6’10” and dug headbands, we might have a secret identity conspiracy – both of the endurance icons even premiered at the same time, in 1989. But even non conspiracy-theorists should respect what the Connecticut graduate has accomplished. He’s been an All-Star. He’s been a Sixth Man of the Year winner. He’s been to 125 playoff games and the Finals twice. He’s one of 25 people to ever record 1,000 3-pointers – and the tallest to do so. His list of accomplishments is longer than a stadium bathroom line at halftime. Still aren’t impressed? How many other second round picks do you know that have dropped 50 in a game – in their 11th season, nonetheless? How many other centers have 3,000 career assists? Or 1,000 steals? How many people period have registered 18,000 points, 6,000 rebounds, and 1,000 blocks? Not a single active player can boast the across-the-board statistics that Robinson can. Just like everyone’s favorite bunny, he keeps going and going and going… and when he finally retires he’ll keep on going and going right into the basketball Hall of Fame. ------------------- Previous: Basketball Power-Dribbling Drills Back to articles main © 2001-2005 H o o p s C o r n e r . c o m, All rights reserved Terms of service Privacy policy Contact |
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