Wafer made some giant strides defensively tonight, and that was one of the biggest reasons for the win. Before the game started I was commenting about how Wafer ought to be a lockdown defender with his physical tools. This time he made some great adjustments and became a lot more disciplined. I was particularly impressed with how well he played on Paul Pierce, denying him penetration and forcing contested shots without being fooled by fakes. If he can keep that up, he's going to be seeing playing time even when Battier and McGrady return to the lineup.
After getting cut by a bunch of teams, he probably worked extremely hard this summer and the Rockets got lucky and noticed he improved. The best part about Wafer is that he is only 23 years old.
This kid loves to play the game. If he had a 9-5 job I think he would be at the playground by 5:30 trying to get in a game. He definitely still has work to do but what coach doesn't want a guy who is enthusiastic and just happens to be a freak athlete who loves to attack the rim and also has a sweet jump shot. He has all the physical tools and the drive to be a solid rotation player and maybe more.
i like his attitude, he plays hard and is not afraid to take the shot. he had one air ball before he hits the big shot to give us the lead with 40 sec left. i don't know how many bench player can have one air ball and still have the confidence to take another big shot.
Right now, I would rather him in the game instead of TMac; I know that sounds crazy, but that is just the way it is. Compared to TMac in top form, no contest, but TMac is not effective in his present condition. Sit TMac, play Wafer.
What about when he lost control of the ball and got stuffed by the rim on that dunk attempt. The Boston fans were howling with laughter so all Wafer did was come back on the next play and drain a 3. I wonder if Tmac said from the bench "hehe....Wafer had the last laugh."
Our starting lineup should be: Yao Brooks Wafer Artest/Battier Scola Rafer and T-mac should be benched.
Agreed. McGrady needs to be on the bench right now at this stage, he can offer sparks off the bench. Wafer, Brooks and Landry = Rocket's future Big (Small) 3.
I'm not going to sit up here and turn Wafer into an all pro but there is no question that he's ballin' out of his mind. He's hungry and that's always a great thing for NBA player. Here's hoping tonight's blowup is just another in what would be a long line of similar performances by the guy for the Rox.
I really love Wafer's attitude. Whenever he messes up you can tell that it hurts him and cares about trying to improve so it won't happen again. After that missed dunk he didn't stand around and feel sorry for himself, but came right back and nailed a 3.
HE'S NOT A CRACKER! HE'S NOT A COOKIE! HE'S VON WAFER!!!! did anyone else hear craig ackerman say that on the radio broadcast after that clutch trey?? lmao
Yeah I like how he bounces right back. After that rim blocked dunk he knocked down a three and then after the airball he knocks down the game-winning (basically) three.
He shows a lot of passion, even when he didn't get a minute in a game he was always hollaring and cheering for his teammates.
That's EXACTLY how I feel. Wafer's got a heck of potential. With the way he plays recently, I'd say let TMac take his rest for one or two months.
