Power Rankings: Pressure is on; will Chris' bliss disappear?

Updated Jan. 16

Chris Webber could've gone to Dallas, emerged as a top-flight backup and been the Mavericks' secret weapon against the Suns. That was his best shot at a ring.

He could've gone to Miami or the Lakers, joining teams hungry to add an additional piece for a championship run.

Instead, the lure to return home was too great.

So, are Pistons fans excited about Chris Webber's arrival? Signs point to yes. (AP)

"Detroit homie..... Detroit!" was Webber's e-mail response to an Associated Press query seeking comment on his future. Downright giddy, he chose to sign with the Pistons the second he cleared waivers Tuesday afternoon.

Webber's immense contract appeared to damn him to a future of wasting away in Philadelphia, but a buyout allowed him to choose where to start his resurgence. It's no coincidence he picked the city where it all started.

In doing so, he put an increased amount of pressure on himself. No one wants to fail in his own backyard, especially when out to restore his reputation.

Webber was a high school star at Detroit Country Day in the early 90s, but his legacy was tarnished in a University of Michigan booster scandal. He lied to a grand jury and was fined $100,000; the school was placed on probation.

Now, bygones will be bygones, and his fortunes will ultimately ride on his surgically repaired left knee. Can the Pistons depend on him on a nightly basis?

"People have not seen the real Chris the last couple of years," agent Aaron Goodwin told the Detroit News. "He's at about 95 percent now. There's no pain and he can move again. You will see more of the old Chris, where he can run, pass the ball, post up and play the way he used to play."

Whether that's agent-speak or reality remains to be seen, but Webber obviously feels he has plenty to offer. Yes, he wanted to go to a contender, but he also wanted to start and play a substantial role -- and the Pistons will afford him those opportunities. It's expected that he'll step right in as the starting center, perhaps as early as Wednesday night when Utah comes to town.

Webber has played in just three games since Dec. 15, so you can expect him to have fresh legs at the start of this endeavor. And he's joining a veteran-laden team that prides itself on sharing the ball, which should help him fit right in.

His arrival figures to energize a Pistons squad that has managed to hang around the top of the East standings despite the absence of Chauncey Billups for the last two weeks. Billups is expected back from a strained right calf later this week -- possibly Wednesday -- and feels that with Webber aboard, the Pistons can "reach another level."

Wouldn't that be something? C-Webb returns to Detroit and plays conquering hero, helping the Pistons back to the Finals. He could also come back and be a total flop, unable to do the things he once used to. Thrive or fail? There doesn't seem to be much room for anything in between.

By choosing a highly visible role in his hometown, Webber has set himself up for an all-or-nothing gamble. The Detroit faithful gave him a standing ovation when he showed up to watch Monday afternoon's loss to Minnesota, making him feel right at home. Will they still be cheering at season's end?