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Webber set to make Warriors debut against Bulls

Feb 7, 2008 - 2:53 PM Chicago (19-29) at Golden State (29-19) 10:30 pm EST

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) - Chris Webber's career will come full circle on Thursday when he makes his debut for the Golden State Warriors against the Chicago Bulls.

The 34-year-old free agent forward signed with the Warriors last week for a reported prorated veteran's minimum of $1.2 million for the remainder of the season.

It is a shocking return to the Bay Area for Webber, who won Rookie of the Year honors with the Warriors in 1994. Six months after claiming that honor, he forced a trade following a bitter feud with coach Don Nelson.

With Webber and Nelson allegedly on the same page, the 14-year veteran returns to Golden State after spending the final 43 games last season with his hometown Detroit Pistons, averaging 11.3 points and 6.7 rebounds.

Webber, who adds frontcourt depth to Golden State, owns career averages of 20.9 points and 9.8 rebounds in 822 games. He joins the Warriors after they completed back-to-back wins with a 127-96 drubbing of the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday.

The Bulls suffered their third loss in four games on Wednesday, falling 100-97 to the Portland Trail Blazers. Thabo Sefolosha scored a career-high 22 points as Chicago played without three of its top four scorers. Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich all missed Wednesday's contest with injuries.