The Other Side of the Coin: Why the Celtics Should Hold On to Von Wafer
Posted by Brendan Jackson on Nov 15, 2010
As CelticsHub newbie Ryan DeGama eloquently put earlier today, the Celtics should release Von Wafer in order to supplement their depleted frontcourt. Ryan is right. The Celtics need to address their frontcourt situation. The potential amount of missed time Jermaine O’Neal could accrue is really starting to loom large. Along with the Jermaine O’Neal situation, Semih Erden’s shoulder has been wrapped up tight for the past two games and his game seems to be suffering for it. Like his younger brother, Shaquille O’Neal has already missed time this season with a bruised knee. Luckily, the Celtics can adequately address their frontcourt situation without cutting Wafer.
In order to really understand the effect that releasing Von Wafer to add a frontcourt player will have on the Celtics, one must consider all of the ramifications.
1) The Celtics are still winning. This is true despite the fact that a) Jermaine O’Neal, Shaquille O’Neal, and Semih Erden have all shown up in the injury report; and b) Von Wafer has contributed next to nothing to this reality. Admittedly, the Celtics’ starters and Glen Davis have logged way too many minutes this season and minutes will start to become more important for this veteran-laden Celtics team as the season goes on.
2) Wafer’s contract is only partially guaranteed. According to ShamSports, Wafer can be cut at any time and the Celtics only have to pony up 150,000 bucks. If the Celtics cut Wafer and sign a player to a guaranteed contract, they forfeit their roster flexibility.
3) The Celtics may have capable frontcourt fill-ins already within their system. There’s Luke Harangody, a collegiate rebounding monster. Harangody also showed Celtics fans that he’s more than just a hustle player with his spectacular preseason play. Aside from the Celtics giving Harangody a chance to show he can log some minutes while the rest of the Celtic bigs get healthy, the Celtics also have some DLeague players from which to choose. Magnum Rolle, Stephane Lasme and Keith “Tiny” Gallon all have the potential to come in for spot duty should any of the other Celtics bigs need some time off. Here is a spot where the Celtics might cut Wafer but again, are any of these rookies or DLeague players going to make more of an impact than Wafer? If I have learned anything from the last few years of imploring Rivers to play guys like Shelden Williams, Bill Walker, and J.R. Giddens, the answer is “no”.
4) Erick Dampier is awful. I understand the hesitation to use rookies, especially ones that have not played/practiced with the team. Rookies are inexperienced, unseasoned, and do not know the nuances of the Celtics’ playbook. Everyone knows that coach Doc Rivers does not play anyone that cannot make the necessary defensive rotations. But all of this still begs the question: is any available veteran big a better option?
I suppose I gave the answer away in the paragraph title. Those clamoring for the Celtics to sign Erick Dampier before anyone else does should realize a few things; most notably, the fact that no team has signed Dampier. Dampier is completely invisible on the offensive end, only being involved in 11.45% of Dallas’ offensive possessions (league average is 17.43) Similarly, Dampier also posted the 6th highest turnover rate (HoopData). The Celtics already have a turnover prone big man who is limited offensively. His name is Kendrick Perkins and he should be back by January.
Signing Dampier causes other problems as well. Dampier will undoubtedly necessitate a guaranteed contract which means signing him would completely handcuff the Celtics (unless they were to entertaining the idea of releasing Delonte West. After the next few games where Delonte will start getting regular minutes, you’ll see that releasing West will not be an option). Giving away the team’s roster flexibility who would not make the Celtics’ playoff rotation seems like an uneven trade.
The Celtics simply need to weather this early storm of injuries. If game 65 rolls around and Jermaine O’Neal only has one leg, Erden hits to rookie wall, and Shaquille O’Neal incorporates Pacific Buffett into his daily routine the Celtics can start considering their options. As it stands right now, they might as well hold on to Wafer. After all, whether it’s Von Wafer or an open roster spot, it’s not like either will get any playing time.
My proposed solution? Start playing Luke Harangody. Why not? Wednesday night against the Wizards would be the perfect opportunity for Harangody to get some court-time. The Wizards have an undersized rookie power forward themselves in Trevor Booker and they also sport power forward turned swingman in Al Thornton. If Harangody shows that he can hang with Thornton it will bode well for his future in the league.
What do you all think? You guys ready to see some Luke?
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