Get Ready to Welcome Wafer

Posted by Brendan Jackson on Jul 29, 2010 935282 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F07%2F29%2Fget-ready-to-welcome-wafer%2FGet+Ready+to+Welcome+Wafer2010-07-29+23%3A53%3A06Brendan+Jacksonhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D9352

According Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.com, the Celtics have signed Von Wafer to a one year contract worth the veteran mininum.  This signing most likely puts a stop to the Rudy Fernandez trade discussions.  Danny Ainge has been saying for weeks that the Celtics need a wing and a big man.  Now with Wafer on board, the Celtics have their wing and may decide that Wafer is enough.

Personally, I didn’t think Wafer was really coming to Boston so I didn’t bother writing any type of speculative analysis.  It’s hard to say how Wafer will fit in with this very veteran squad.  For those who don’t know, Wafer made headlines in 2009 by having a breakout season with the Houston Rockets.  When his contract expired at the end of the season, he decided to cash in for more money overseas.  It’s almost always a smart business move for an athlete to get the most money while he/she can given the prevalence of career ending injuries (see Darius Miles).  This strategy, however, backfired when he was waived by his Greek team a short five months later.

Wafer has had a few stints in the NBA since then (10 day contract with the Mavericks and almost resigned with the Rockets after coming back stateside in 2009 before failing a physical.  No word on whether this was a Luther Head-type physical) but has not made a significant impact in the NBA aside from that one season with the Rockets.

Now that I’ve got you pretty much up to speed on Wafer, it’s time to start talking about what he will bring the Boston Celtics:

• Shooting: The kid can shoot-the-rock.  45% from the field and 39% from deep.  The only draw-back is that he averaged 8 field goal attempts a game during his breakout season.  Do you think he’s getting 8 FGA’s for the Celtics next year?
• Defense: So far? Sub par.  In 2009, Wafer ranked below league average in defensive efficiency and steals. Compared to Tony Allen, his heir apparent his defensive numbers don’t even come close.

There is really no telling what Von Wafer will bring to the Celtics considering he hasn’t played consistent, organized basketball in a year.  What is known, or at least apparent after a quick perusal, is that his Twitter account may be a constant source of entertainment.