Kings Legend Chris Webber Aids Sacramento’s Training Camp

Former Sacramento Kings great and NBA Hall of Famer Chris Webber was present at the start of Sacramento's 2026-27 training camp.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sep 30, 2026, 12:43 AM Updated: 12:43 am

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NEW YORK - JANUARY 4: Doug Christie #13 and Chris Webber #4 of the Sacramento Kings high five in th...

Doug Christie #13 and Chris Webber #4 of the Sacramento Kings high five in the third period of their game against the New York Knicks on January 4, 2005 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Over the years, the Sacramento Kings have brought back and involved players from their prime years in the early 2000s. Vlade Divac spent a few seasons as general manager with Peja Stojakovic on his staff. Bobby Jackson previously filled various coaching roles within the organization as recently as last year.

Even some not directly involved with the team have stayed in the area, such as Mike Bibby, who is the current head coach of the Sacramento State basketball team. Brad Miller is often seen courtside in Kings apparel, and current head coach Doug Christie is probably the best, longest-standing example.

Chris Webber, the best player on those teams, has only made occasional appearances but was seen after their first day of training camp on Tuesday. There’s the obvious connection with Christie, but team sources said general manager Scott Perry invited Webber.

The two have a longstanding relationship because they share a hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Newest lottery pick and hopeful future face of the franchise, Darius Acuff Jr., was born there as well and lit up when asked what it was like having Webber at practice.

“It was crazy,” Acuff said after Tuesday’s practice. “I saw him before, like two hours before we even started practice. We’re both from Detroit, so it was great to see him. We hugged like two, three times, so it felt good to see him in the building.”

“All this is because of him,” he said while gesturing at the practice facility. “So, it was great for sure.”

Acuff said his dad, Darius Acuff Sr., and Webber “probably” know each other as well, having played high school basketball against each other in Detroit. He was not the only one with family ties to the Kings’ legend.

Keegan Murray said Webber is close with his father, and that the two played against each other in high school.

“The last time I saw him was my rookie year, I think, and he’s real close friends with my dad,” Murray said. “They played high school basketball against each other. So, he’s been cool. Obviously, a good guy. He had a really good career in Sacramento, and it’s cool to see alumni come back.”

Of course, Webber’s deepest connection with Christie goes back to when they were teammates for five seasons in Sacramento and helped lead the Kings through the franchise’s most successful stretch, including an infamous seven-game series in the Western Conference Finals.

“Man, I miss him,” Christie said when asked about having Webber back in the building. “He always brings a good vibe for me, so it was really good. But he has so much knowledge. He loves this city, loves the fan base, and loves his team. So just to get him back, it was good.”

Webber was seen speaking with the team during the closing huddle at Tuesday’s practice. Christie declined to share exactly what was said, but noted that many of Webber’s messages aligned with what he and his coaching staff had been emphasizing.

“He has come to this city and did something that hadn’t been done, and that’s what we are going to do,” Christie said. “(For) someone who did it, for him to speak on those types of things is really powerful.”

It sounded like Webber may stay around the team throughout training camp, although that was never confirmed or how long. If so, it would give the Kings’ current group more chances to hear from one of the central figures of the teams Christie has referenced throughout his tenure.

When asked whether this current roster could learn from or adopt stylistic elements from those early-2000s teams, Christie didn’t hesitate.

“Absolutely,” Christie said. “That style has been copied a few times, and it’s been very successful.”

Domantas Sabonis naturally creates a parallel with his ability to facilitate offense as a big man, something Webber and Divac did at a high level in Sacramento.

“We love Domas. His physicality, his versatility, his playmaking, his connectivity, all those things,” Christie said when asked how Sabonis could help them play in a similar fashion. “He can definitely help in that regard.”

He outlined their offensive vision, which won’t rely on any one specific action, instead mentioning a variety that will include handoffs, passing, cutting, screening, and playing with pace while staying organized.

Webber’s presence also reminded everyone what that team accomplished, even if they ultimatley fell short of an NBA championship. Christie has referenced his desire to get the Kings back to that level in years past and echoed that sentiment again on Tuesday.

“When you don’t finish and you get that close, it just bothers you,” Christie said. “This community is incredible. I love Sacramento. I know those guys love Sacramento… so to come back and pour in, however that is, whether it’s in the community, for the team, for the team in the community, whatever it is, their willingness to do that is something I think people truly appreciate.”

That won’t happen overnight, but having perhaps the greatest player in Sacramento’s history back in the building reminds us how Perry’s relationship can make an impact, and that fielding a great team in California’s capital comes with lifelong appreciation from the fanbase and the city itself.