Chris Webber, a five-time National Basketball Association All-Star power forward, has said he will sign with the Detroit Pistons once he had cleared waivers yesterday. 

Webber said in a statement released Monday he would return to his hometown and play for the Pistons, whom he watched lose 94-90 to Minnesota in overtime in a Monday home game.

"After careful thought and discussions with my family, I have decided I will sign with the Detroit Pistons," Webber said. "I thank all of the interested teams for their time and consideration.

"Joining the Pistons will allow me the opportunity to play the game I love in my hometown of Detroit, surrounded by my family. I look forward to joining a roster of talented athletes and working towards a fourth NBA title for the Pistons and the great city of Detroit."

Webber, 33, was dumped last week by the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a contract buyout worth a reported 37 million dollars but must wait until Tuesday afternoon to clear waivers before he can sign a deal with any NBA club.

He reportedly also spoke to the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.

The return allows Webber, a college star at the nearby University of Michigan with the "Fab Five" and a a local youth hoops hero, to reconnect with his home community and try to return the Pistons to their 2004 NBA title form.

"He's a multi-dimensional player who makes other people better," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. "He's a great passer. Last year, he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds, so he's still going to give you scoring inside and rebounding. He'll take some pressure off our other front line people."

At 21-15, the Pistons have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, two games behind Cleveland.

"Of course he's going to bring a spark, but more importantly, another veteran, some more leadership for the ballclub," said Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince. "Great passer, very underrated passer, great passer in the post. He'll complement the other players on the team that are with him on the floor."

Webber played in only three of 13 games for the 76ers from December 13 until his release. He has been sidelined with ankle and foot injuries and averages a career-low 11.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 18 games.

In the 2003 playoffs, Webber suffered a knee injury that required surgery and has not been the same since.

(China Daily via AFP January 17, 2007)