Selected by the Orlando Magic #1 overall in the 1993 NBA Draft, Webber was dealt to Golden State minutes later for Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway and three first round picks.  Despite differences with head coach Don Nelson, Webber flourished in Oakland, averaging 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists while winning Rookie of the Year honors.  Following the season, Webber exercised an escape clause in his contract and was dealt to Washington for Tom Gugliotta and three first round picks in a sign-and-trade deal.

Reunited with his Fab 5 teammate Juwan Howard, Webber continued his ascent to stardom with the Bullets (renamed Wizards in 1997), averaging between 18.5 and 23.0 points per game in his four seasons in Washington.  In the 1996-97 season, the forward was an All Star for the first time and led the franchise to its first playoff appearance in nine years where they were swept 3-0 in the first round by Chicago.  Having worn out his welcome in the capitol city, Webber was dealt to Sacramento on May 14, 1998 for Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe.

Webber played his best basketball for the Kings, leading the league in rebounding in 1999 (13.0 per game), earning four All Star selections and finishing in the top 10 of the MVP voting five times.  2001-02 will be remembered as the most successful season in Kings history; the team finished an NBA best 61-21, won the Pacific Division and advanced to the Western Conference finals before falling to the Lakers in a thrilling 7-game series that many still feel was tainted by questionable officiating. 

Sacramento would win 59 and 55 games the next two seasons, but were unable to advance past the second round of the playoffs.  Webber missed the first 59 games of the 2003-04 season with a knee injury that required microfracture surgery.  While he remained effective and productive upon his return, Webber never regained the explosive leaping ability and agility that made him special.  By 2005, it appeared the Kings’ championship window had closed and the franchise looked to move on, sending Webber to Philadelphia with Matt Barnes and Michael Bradley for Brian Skinner, Kenny Thomas and Corliss Williamson on February 23.

Webber’s stay in Philly was tumultuous.  He helped the team reach the playoffs in 2005 – averaging 16.8 points in 21 games – but they were bounced in the first round by Detroit.  In 2005-06 – his only full season with the 76ers – the team failed to reach the postseason, finishing a disappointing 38-44.  He returned for 2006-07 season, but appeared in only 18 of the team’s first 35 games.  Unhappy with his role, he reached a buyout agreement on January 11, 2007 and was released. 

The former All Star landed on his feet five days later, inking a deal with his hometown team.  In 43 games with Detroit, Webber averaged 11.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in 29.7 minutes and wore #84 because his nephew was said to have had a dream in which Webber hit a game winning shot for the  Pistons wearing the number (his traditional number 4 was retired by the Pistons in honor of Joe Dumars). The Pistons meanwhile, advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the upstart Cavaliers.  It would be Webber’s final postseason appearance and like the others, end short of the NBA Finals.

After considering offers in Europe and 10-day contract from the Lakers, the free agent signed with Golden State on January 29.  His comeback to the Warriors would be brief; Webber appeared in just nine games and averaged only 3.9 points and 3.6 rebounds in 14 minutes.  On March 25, citing problems with his surgically repaired knee, Webber officially retired, ending his 15-year career with averages of 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists.