30 NBA players who got better after leaving their first team: 8. Chris Webber
Chris Webber had an amazing first year. He was the Rookie of the Year and pushed the Golden State Warriors into the playoffs averaging 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. He and his coach, Don Nelson, never got along which led to him opting out of his contract after just one season and choosing a new team.
Webber was an All-Star with the Washington Bullets/Wizards while turning into a 20 and 10 machine. After four seasons in the nation’s capital, Webber was traded to the Sacramento Kings and enjoyed the greatest success of his storied career.
Over the course of seven seasons in northern California, Webber averaged 23.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. He led the league in rebounding once at 13.0 per game. He was a four-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA player. If not for some nefarious officiating, the Kings had real chances to win championships and Webber would not be waiting to make it to the Hall of Fame this long after his career.
Allow this to be a reminder that Webber is a sure-fire member of the Hall of Fame. He is one of the most talented power forwards of all-time and earned numerous accolades even while playing in the same era as Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. Whether it be a college scandal, an ill-called timeout, or the lack of a championship ring, none of these are good enough reasons to stop him from making it to the Hall.