Fab Five Legend Chris Webber to Retire

Golden State Warriors power forward Chris Webber, who has been battling a chronic left knee injury for the past couple of seasons, is expected to announce his retirement from the NBA today, after playing in just nine games this season. Though Webber is probably most famous for his days at the University of Michigan, he has been one of the most prolific players on the pro level who will one day garner serious Hall of Fame consideration.

Drafted by the Warriors with the top overall pick in the 1993 Draft, Webber played only a single season for Golden State and won co-Rookie of the Year with Orlando Magic guard Anfernee Hardaway. Webber was traded in the off-season to the Washington Wizards, where he played for the next four seasons.

In 1998, Webber joined the Sacramento Kings, where he had his best seasons as a pro, including his 2000-01 campaign that saw him average 27.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. For his career, Webber is one of only six players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists per game, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Larry Bird, Billy Cunningham and Kevin Garnett; all but Garnett and Webber are in the Hall of Fame.

Webber spent the rest of his career jumping from team to team, landing him in Philadelphia, Detroit and this season with the Warriors. He has been bothered by a left knee injury since he left Sacramento, which has forced him to play less than 30 minutes per game. Nevertheless, the time he spent on the court was effective for both Webber and the team.

The 6-10 forward finishes his career averaging 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. He is 72nd on the NBA’s all-time scoring list and 63rd in rebounds.