RIP Marvin Webster

by Andrew Feinstein on Apr 9, 2009 12:06 AM MDT

I received an email from Denver Stiffs reader Kevin T. today suggesting I mention the passing of former Nuggets center Marvin Webster. Kevin wrote:

"You probably don’t remember [Webster]. When the Nuggets drafted him he was listed at 6’10", but when he came into training camp they measured him at 7’ 1" and a fraction. That was a pleasant surprise. The Nuggets made him the first draft pick of the ABA draft because they knew they were going to get the rights to David Thompson through a trade (so they didn’t draft Thompson first)."

In case the story hasn't made it your way yet, Webster - known as "The Human Eraser" - was found dead in the bathtub of a Tulsa hotel due to coronary artery disease. He was just 56 years old. Tragically, Webster's own son died of a heart attack in 1997 at the age of 18 during his sophomore year at Temple University.

If you have a few minutes, I also encourage readers to check out The Wages of Wins Journal's feature on Webster from 2007.

Tweet Comment 2 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I was in junior high school when the Human Eraser was traded from the Nugs to the Sonics (Was Paul Silas part of that trade, too?). Loved the Human Eraser and so I cheered for Seattle. That was an underrated team. Eraser, Sikma, Silas, Dennis Johnson, Gus Williams, and Downtown Freddie Brown. Those two years battling the Bullets for the Championship were good ones. Sadly, Sports Illustrated had the Eraser on its cover in a Knicks uniform after the Seattle championship (the first of the two battles). NY erased the Eraser.

Sure am sad to hear this news. Another relic from youth gone. RIP Marvin Webster.

by DeAngelo Starnes on Apr 9, 2009 2:25 AM MDT reply actions

Immediately realized I got my years backwards. Eraser didn't go to the Promised Land with the Sonics because that was the year the Fat Lady sung for the Bullets.

In the immortal words of Nancy Reagan, just say no.

by DeAngelo Starnes on Apr 9, 2009 2:30 AM MDT reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

STIFF LIST (as of 4/26 by Andrew Feinstein)

1. METTA WORLD PEACE

Metta resorted back to Ron Ron last Sunday by clubbing James Hardenwith an "inadvertent celebratory elbow", landing him a 7-game suspension. Apparently, changing his name didn't prevent NBA commissioner David Stern from overlooking Metta's past behavior problems.

2. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

The 'Cats are on the verge of securing the worst winning percentage in NBA history. Given that the guy who runs the team - Michael Jordan - had previously drafted Kwame Brown and Adam Morrison, should this really be a shock?

3. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
The team that was supposedly built to overcome the lockout-shortened season managed to lose 7 of its last 14 games, ceding the Western Conference's 1-seed to the Spurs in the process. Their reward might be a first round matchup with defending champion Dallas.

4. BILLY HUNTER AND DEREK FISHER

With report after report coming out about NBPA union head Hunter's shady, nepotistic dealings and questions arising about Fisher's own role in dealing with NBA owners behind Hunter's back during the lockout, this off-the-court scandal could prove to be more exciting than the playoffs themselves!

5. STEVE NASH AND THE PHOENIX SUNS
The Suns are on this list for squandering the last few great seasons from Nash. Nash is on this list for his stupidly stubborn loyalty to a franchise as awful as the Suns.