The fact that your screen name is TMac4Life and you are ragging on a SG who plays no D (damn the offensive skills) is more than a tad ironic.
First of all, let me say that it's an honor to have beaten DaDa to this thread, big Von Wafer fan. Shout out to DD. I'd love to see Von Wafer return, I think as long as the price is right and he doesn't feel the need for green, he will probably be back and playing well. Like somebody said, the dude's only 23, he's got some stuff to learn. He's emotional, that's not necessarily good or bad, but if used right, can be a good thing. He's jsut gotta learn to keep it in check. Von's got some amazing talent, though, that's not saying anything new. Would love to see what he could develop into next year and would love to see some improvements that he's made in the offseason. I don't have blind hope in Von, though, just remember how well he played as a starter last year when called upon, I think we could see some more of that, and maybe even better. If he can accept his role and get some consistent time, I think he could be a great player. Hope Von comes back.
So much criticism for a guy who was by far the best slasher this team has had in quite some time. Throw in the fact he is the most efficient guard on the team and had fewer turnovers per minute than any of the other guards, shot just under 40% from three point land and an improving mid-range and passing game and it's tough to see how people are so critical of a guy making next to nothing. I guess with this team if you're not an All Star you're a scrub
Good analysis, I agree and I'd throw in he's also a guy who stepped in and played really well as a starter during the multiple-injury period. That impressed me. Does he need work? Of course. But look what he is, young kid, 23, he's got some raw talent. Also, like you said, look what we're paying him. Besides efficiency on the court, there's also his overall cost efficiency. I say keep Wafer, it's nice to see somebody "slash" to the basket like Wafer can. He can be really good.
if he can EASILY be replaced, name 1 other rocket player during the tmac era that can drive and knock down 3s (actually has more than 1 specialty on offense) like he can? The Rockets defense is already fantastic, what they lack is offense. Losing an offensive player is not going to make the team better.
Don't make me laugh. Sure, Wafer didn't bring his A game to the series, but you cannot attribute it to Vujacic's doing.
Actually, I can. When Vujacic played aggressive defense on Wafer, Wafer became a complete non-factor.
Well, that is one of his weaknesses that with confidence and experience He can overcome. He is not your superstar player, whom you can depend on every single game BUT He is a player that would complement the star players of the team when they are off. He knows his role and it is for him to build on his great effort last season. No one can fault the guy for being over aggressive in offense. This aggressiveness was the factor that made him an asset. Bad shots, yes but it is part of being a scorer and gaining confidence with his game.
Anyway he will be overpaid by whoever signs him, but 2m/yr is the boundry I can accept. We will have to say no if he calls for a higher prize.
I agree, but Adelman already reduced Wafer's minutes in Game 1 against the Lakers, which means his decision to decrease Wafer's role was made prior to the start of that series, prior to playing against Vujacic and prior to Wafer's temper tantrums. So was Adelman simply anticipating matchup problems that Wafer would face against Vujacic, or was his decision based on something more general? In other words, I can't tell if Adelman would feel secure with having Wafer as his main backup SG again.
players like him are a dime a dozen, give james white a chance and i'm sure i could put up stats similar to wafer.
There are thousands of talented guys playing on streets yet having no chance to show their talent in the court of basketball, I believe we will dig out many more guys like him if enough attention is paid to our training camp.
It seemed like a match up choice to me. The Lakers are an experienced and pretty long team, Wafer might have helped but was a defensive liability and going smaller seemed like a good option since Brooks and Lowry on the court meant two very good ball handlers who would more likely get foul calls if they drove in against the Lakers' big men.
It all depends on his price and other offers he might receive. I think he raised a lot of question marks with his disappearance in the Lakers series. He is a valuable guy off the bench but I wouldn't give him anything long-term at this point.
No other teams would be foolish to offer him a long term contract. His best bet is to remain with the Rockets for a 2 year contract. If He improves then 2 years from now He can cash it in but till then He should be thankful and stick to the team and coach that gave him this break.
I'm on the Von bandwagon. Keep him, work with him, make him watch video of Vinnie Johnson and similar guys.
