Von would probably be the best scorer they have. Ariza was a 12ppg game guy. And I dont put much stock in 2nd round rookies. Especially with our draft history.
A few people have ragged on this idea... I dont hate it. First up, anybody who wants to make the arguement "Oh no we might win too many games and not get a prime draft pick" - screw u! I dont believe anybody with an ounce of pride is willing to flush a season. It's disrespectful of the players, the fans, and the game! Secondly, the whole "develop the young players".... plenty of minutes for development, but lets be honest, our young players need to develop planning in a system as role players with a superstar or two.... whether thats Ming, or Tmac, or Bosh, or AI. Anyway, all that said, my first choice woould be to acquire a big to develop for the future, but barring the right deal... toss AI the MLE for a year and lets see what happens! With the exception of Ariza for Artest, these are basically the same guys that pushed the Lakers to 7 games. Add Tmac at the midway point, throw AI in the mix and get some help at center... and we could make a run!
I like Von alright and if he'd sign for 2-2.25 million per for 2 with an option for a 3rd I'd do the deal. I think he believes he's worth more than that though so I doubt it will happen. Dude is lucky he got a chance to highlight his skills last year with Tmac down.
Von Wafer will be very lucky to get $1.25M first year, $1.75M second year and third year at a team option at $3M.
Rick Adelman says, "Allen why weren't you at practice today?" Allen Iverson says: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FUYjD7A75HQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FUYjD7A75HQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
Von Wafer 16.5 pts/game in games he started. http://www.basketball-reference.com/fc/psplit.cgi?player=wafervo01&year=2009 Does anyone expect Jermaine Taylor and Budinger to do the same thing THIS year? All things considered, Wafer shoots ALOT to get his points, to the detriment of him passing and facilitating anywhere near adequate. He plays poor to semi-passable defense. And it was part the system and playing with Yao that allowed him to shine. So consider him a 1.5 dimensional gunner. Can Budinger, Taylor, or James White with their more all-around game still create 16.5 points of productivity when asked to? Heck if the Rockets kept Donte Greene would HE be doing that? Its not like Wafer ISNT a replaceable type player. Still to me he showed enough to give himself another shot as much as anyone on the team. This is a money and behind-the-scenes attitude thing.
I don't think anyone is questioning what he brings to the table now, but rather what he can bring to the table a year or two from now. It's not just that Von's deficient in areas you mentioned, but rather that that he doesn't seem to like to work on those areas. At least that looks pretty clear to me last season. It's not important what Von can do compared to our picks next year, but rather the year after that. Also, on a team with no go-to scorers, do you REALLY think Von will jack up less than 20 shots per game? Or that he'll actually look to Scola in the post, or pass out to Ariza for a 3? You can keep him on a leash because of Yao and Artest's presence. But there's no way Von doesn't just decide to play 1-on-5 when he's playing with just role players.
That is one post filled with nothing but "if".......and a lot of extrapolating out on your opinion. DD
i think we cant wait on any of our two draft to develop which is why signing von should be moreys biggest priorites now that we have our MLE.
You're comparing guys who haven't done jack in the NBA to Wafer's actual production in the NBA. Saying he played so well because Yao and the system is a bit short sighted as well. Is he replaceable sure he is but even Yao is going to replaceable now. Wafer is one of the most proven players if not the most proven 2 guard we have on our roster now, so he deserves a little more props than he's getting so far.
i like to sign him back but he has to control his temper on the court. most importantly, he has to be aware of that he has to play team ball. i rare saw him passing ball out last season. he is really a potential cancer in the team.
If Von can take his big boy pill and play some defense, and help contribute to the team, then let's resign him, but if he tries to pull a diva act, don't. The Rockets play team basketball, and work as a team, the sooner he can trust the other guys, the easier it will be on the team, and especially with the coaches.
Dude, there's a reason Denver rose to the second seed in the West last year and although half the reason was the acquisition of Chauncy, I believe the other half was getting rid of AI. He's fast, but doesn't D-up & is more concerned with personal numbers than team wins. Say No to AI.
