we have 14 players on the roster + deke makes it a nice 15 with depth at each position yao / deke / dorsey scola / landry / hayes artest / battier mac / barry / head / wafer alston / brooks / francis if only wafer was 6'8
Money move - step 1 of more. If DJ's salary wasn't guaranteed until December and Von's salary was guaranteed on the season opener, we would have cut Wafer instead. We're talking about our 15th player not a starter or rotation player. These players are good for practice, insurance and pure garbage minutes. I doubt losing either one will have any bearing on our Win/Loss. Next to fall later in the season will be Head for a TE. Possibly cut Wafer before his contract becomes guaranteed. Or maybe Francis + a low cost player of value + cash for a TE - though I doubt we have any takers with a TE available.
i think it was adelman who made the call to keep wafer. i think von wafer's success in the preseason in the motion offense convinced RA that he's the better option than DJ. morey might use von wafer as a sweetener in a trade with luther to get under the LT or get a 7" center prospect (mutombo might retire next year). if nobody gets dj off the waivers, i hope he gets to return to the rockets.
Von's salary wasn't guaranteed on the season opener due to an amendment to remove the guarantee. It still be for money though. I believe Morey also would able to waive him and renegotiate a contract that's similar to Von's. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6075721.html
Oklahoma and possibly Orlando are the only teams with TEs large enough to trade for Head or Hayes and not go over LT themselves. Without a TE this could mean Battier, Head, and Hayes are either traded for cheaper young talent or simply salary dumped.
Nice move. Von Wafer is really good shooter and has played well in NBDL and preseason. I feel sorry for D.J. Strawberry but that's business.
I think this was the right choice, he has a good 3 and mid range, and he can slas to the rim for a dunk, or layup
I think someone needs to link the Real Men of Genius Mr. Wannabe GM Guy or whatever. I never understand why people are so worried about our 12 man. Always looking for diamonds in the rough that never happen. Even bizzaro V-Span wouldn't be able to play, etc. Instead of worrying about 12th man, how about everyone just prays every day for the Rockets' health. That's the key 1-3 not 12.
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Von is a hidden diamond in the ruff. He needs to focus on his fundamentals, do mental visualization (see himself making free throws and smooth, crisp passes in his sleep). He needs to continue executing the banana & V-cuts and taking advantage of the angles with his quickness. Von is actually 6-6 and about 221 now, he would be an awesome PG. When Von improves his turnover and assist ratio and develops a tenacious defensive posture, he will explode into a premier player. I have faith in this kid and wish him all of the best; likewise I wish DJ all the best in his future pursuit of his dream. Despite Killa Wafers turbulent past remember this kid’s history. Von did not play AAU basketball until he was 16 due to Ray P's (RJ) strict requirements for academic achievement. He exploded in Houston during the King Wood Classic, later he played in the Nike Basketball Camp, USA Basketball Youth Development Festival, McDonald All American Classic and Jordan Capital Classic. Von was ranked anywhere to 5th to 29th in the nation prior to going to FSU; I personally wanted him to go to Texas Tech under Bobby Knight, they did send him a recruitment letter. No doubt had the kid spent four years in college and attended class he would have been a first round draft pick in 2007. The kid has an impressive resume despite what appears to be a dismal performance during the past three years; more to the story than meets the eye. What happened when he received consistent minutes with the Colorado 14’ers? Rocket fans are in for a pleasant surprise this season. This kid is hungry now and realize what’s at stake given this will be his fourth year in the NBA, should he survive the full season. Jmoney an (OIF Veteran) G.O.M.A.B
No, this one. I couldn't find the short version. The song starts about halfway through... http://sportsradio610.com/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=473881 Just wait, pretty soon there will be talk about packaging Von Wafer for Jose Calderon or something. Come on Mr. Proposterous Trade Suggestors...
Its sad to see strawberry go but cuz it was between wafer and strawberry, i think it was the right decision. Our team is very strong defensively, i think we had the 2nd or third best defense last year but we could use a little more offense. Strawberry is a good defender but Wafer in my opinion is the better offensive player.
Oh right - Wafer is a proven bust - as opposed to DJ Strawberry, who is older, has only ever made 1 NBA roster, and who demonstrates above average defensive capabilities, but struggles to throw the ball in the ocean. Face the facts, Strawberry is a defensive specialist who can't stop people... Ok - he can stop some people, but if you're going to make it as a defensive specialist, you need to be able to stop the BEST players, and not just the mediocre ones. If Bowen couldn't guard could only shut down the likes of Brewer and Kyle Korver, do you think he'd still be in the NBA? They were never going to keep Strawberry, his contract just meant that he could be kept around until right before the season started as a guy who would bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm and who would actually TRY on the defensive end during pre-season. Super move to bring him in, probably saved one hundred thousand dollars on Singletary's salary. The cut shows that Morey actually DOES know what he's doing, not that he's incompetent!
Duh, 1 is a rookie behind an all-star, one is jumping around the league for 3 years now. Anyhow, DJ still get 2 extra days on Harris.
How does Wafer play? Can he pass? Does he drive? Is he a chucker? How is his defense? I didn't get to watch him much in the preseason... DD
Only because he didn't need to get paid for those days! Anyway - Mike Harris is (unfortunately for you!) irrelevant to the sig bet --> check the [TRADE: Singletary for Strawberry] thread to see your options for the rest of the year. On your point above: just because a player comes into the league at a younger age makes him a worse player Wafer has had 2 extra years NBA experience and is currently on an NBA roster. Strawberry had 1 year, and is currently NOT playing in the NBA. Maybe someone else will pick up the Strawberry? I'd doubt it.
