http://greenstreet.weei.com/sports/...cs/2010/08/10/an-older-more-mature-von-wafer/ Story:By Paul Flannery 3 tweets retweetFor many the enduring image of Von Wafer in an NBA uniform is when Rockets coach Rick Adelman sent him back to the locker room during a playoff game. Wafer apologized the next day, but the damage had been done. The Rockets didn’t renew his contract, even after a breakout year in which he averaged almost 10 points a game, and he spent a year in exile. “I just acted out at the wrong time,” Wafer said. “I love Coach Adelman. He’s the first coach who gave me an opportunity to play. I never talked back to him. I just acted out at the wrong moment. It cost me. It cost me a lot. That just can’t happen.” Wafer signed with a team in Greece, but he bought his way out of his contract and his attempts to return to the NBA were thwarted when it was reported that he failed physicals in Memphis and Houston. The Mavericks eventually did sign him to a 10-day contract but he never saw action. Wafer said that he’s fine physically and that mentally he’s a much stronger player. He knows he has a lot to prove this season. “I didn’t want to go out that way,” he said. “A lot of bad things were said about me. That’s why I’m here early trying to get ready. This is a big year for me. I can’t go out like that. I’ve got too much pride. I’m more mature now. I know how this business works. You work hard, keep your mouth shut and stay out of trouble and you’re going to be blessed and fortunate.” The biggest knock on Wafer is his defense, which he also acknowledged. “Not good,” he said. “I’ve heard bad things about my defense. I think I’m an okay defender. The name of the game is putting more points up on the board than the other team.” Wafer will find out soon enough that okay doesn’t cut it defensively with the Celtics, but he is more prepared for the challenge. “I had a lot of ups and downs, mostly downs, but it made me stronger,” Wafer said. “I actually became a better basketball player last year. Most people might not believe it, but mentally, I’m definitely better. Physically, that will come, but the mental, I needed that.” Good read, Hope he really does good and has changed.
Rick had to do what he had to do when he put Wafer in his place. Pretty ridiculous that a scrub like Wafer was trying to talk back to a vet coach like Adelman. That said, I hope he proves himself at the Cs and doesn't screw this up. It really bothers me when people screw up the opportunities they get.
but you know what bothers me even more? when they blow the chance, but don't work to make up for it. Wafer is doing the opposite and thats nice to see
Francis made a fortune in the NBA, Von Wafer has not. Francis can swim in a pool of money. Knowing how horrible the average NBA player is in money management, this was a horrendous mistake by Von.
Granted. But, Francis still wants to play. He just can't seem to have the humility that he would need to be able to accept a minimal role. So he keeps passing his free time taking shots, waiting for Miami to call. My hope for Von is that he learns that the window for making money is really short and that, whatever he does earn, whether in the NBA or in Europe, he doesn't go out and drop it on a tricked out escalade and instead puts it in a balanced portfolio and draws money from interest/dividends. Not sure that's going to happen though.
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Glad he is back in the league and learned a tough lesson, the guy played with heart for the Rockets.... Can't help cheering for those kinds of guys. Go Von...when you are not playing the Rox of course. DD
The Rockets didn't renew Wafer's contract but they did offer him one. Wafer wasn't exiled to Greece; he just took a more lucrative offer. The article's take might make for a more dramatic story, but it's playing with the facts.
you know, this article got me thinking.. with ariza gone, along with certain others such as von wafer, dorsey, hilton armstrong, etc..there's no one really on the rockets' roster whom would be stupid enough to talk back to Rick the ruler. (at first i was going to put artest up there being crazy and all, but i figured he's got mad love/respect for Rick) but yeah, top to bottom..the rockets' roster is (mostly) composed of well spoken and articulated individuals. i don't think it's a big deal one way or the other, but it's pretty rare to see a team resembling a "Duke-like" demeanor in the NBA. :grin:
