Nice Von Wafer article...

[Roy H.]

Scott Souza has an article on Wafer's attempt to be our 15th man.  It sounds like he almost has the spot wrapped up, after a slow start:

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said after last night's open practice at TD Garden that the final roster cut may come following tonight's preseason finale.

After struggling badly at the start of training camp, former Florida State sharpshooter Von Wafer might have found his game just in time to make the final 15 when the Celtics open against the Heat next Tuesday.

Wafer was one of the bright spots in last night's 16-minute scrimmage, taking the ball to the basket against Shaquille O'Neal and Kevin Garnett, and knocking down open shots.

"He's been more aggressive," Rivers said. "He still has to buy in defensively and into our culture. I think he'll do that."

I knew once I got my legs under me I'd be a little more explosive and knock down shots," he said. "I'm still not there yet. Almost there. I still have to get my legs under me a little more. When I get those legs under me, I'll be all set."

It begs the question: Why didn't the former Lakers' second-round pick, who played three games in Greece last season after failing to latch on with the Mavericks, have his legs securely under him to start camp?

"You can't really simulate game speed or simulate a practice," he said. "I can work out as much as I want to, but it's still not going to come close to these practices and exhibition games."

Wafer said he realized during camp he was wasting an opportunity - perhaps his last in the NBA after being on seven rosters in four years.

"I felt that (urgency) when I first got here and started working out," he said. "I needed to stop putting as much pressure on myself, though. I was bringing out a little bit of bad body language and I don't want them to think anything negative.

"I believe in myself so much. It's just real disappointing when I don't produce like I know I can."

"In the second unit he's picked up more of the scoring burden," [Ray] Allen said. "We haven't had that scoring punch (off the bench). You have had me and Paul (Pierce), and when he goes to the bench Doc's usually got to keep one of us out there. So (Wafer's presence) is why I believe this team is definitely deeper than years past."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/pros_and_colleges/x1742450369/Wafer-on-thin-ice-with-Celtics

[clover]

That's a pretty strong statement from Ray.

[Roy H.]

I like that:

1) He acknowledges his poor body language;

2) He's finally hitting shots;

3) He's attacking the basket, especially against Shaq and KG.

I know Wafer has soured a lot of fans with his demeanor, especially in the face of fan-favorite Stephan Lasme.  However, I think it will be Wafer who makes the roster, and I'm predicting that Celtics fans will be pleasantly surprised by him.

[Assassin70]

I like it

[j804]

I like that:

1) He acknowledges his poor body language;

2) He's finally hitting shots;

3) He's attacking the basket, especially against Shaq and KG.

I know Wafer has soured a lot of fans with his demeanor, especially in the face of fan-favorite Stephan Lasme.  However, I think it will be Wafer who makes the roster, and I'm predicting that Celtics fans will be pleasantly surprised by him.

Agreed, also on the flipside probably safe to assume Lasme hasn't been impressive in the last couple practices or what the staff/players have seen. Also with Pierce and Ray praising Wafer it's not hard to see he's going to make that final roster spot.

I like that the kid is fearless taking it to the rack, also he's really athletic and I think will nicely balance out our mostly non athletic veteran team.

[Mencius]

...
I know Wafer has soured a lot of fans with his demeanor, especially in the face of fan-favorite Stephan Lasme.  However, I think it will be Wafer who makes the roster, and I'm predicting that Celtics fans will be pleasantly surprised by him.

We fans are a fickle lot.  Many of us who were soured on his 'tude and body language, quickly come around the moment he starts hitting his J with consistency.

[Evantime34]

...
I know Wafer has soured a lot of fans with his demeanor, especially in the face of fan-favorite Stephan Lasme.  However, I think it will be Wafer who makes the roster, and I'm predicting that Celtics fans will be pleasantly surprised by him.

We fans are a fickle lot.  Many of us who were soured on his 'tude and body language, quickly come around the moment he starts hitting his J with consistency.

As a fan I try not to sour on anyone in pre season. So for me if he starts hitting j's immediately I will be high on him for the entire season.

[GreenEnvy]

I would like to see Wafer get the final spot IF we can secure Lasme in Maine (along with Tiny).

Wafer will have 10 games to prove his worth. If he shines, we have trade bait because I believe DWest will ultimately be the better all-around player for us.

If he looks anything like he did with Houston a few seasons ago, a package of Wafer and Baby can fetch us a really nice piece if we have a strong need (SF?).

[jpd985]

I am a bigger fan of Lasme but Wafer fills a need. He provides scoring off the bench and help spreads the floor. Lasme although better defensively cannot shoot like Wafer. 

[CelticHooligan3]

I like that:

1) He acknowledges his poor body language;

2) He's finally hitting shots;

3) He's attacking the basket, especially against Shaq and KG.

I know Wafer has soured a lot of fans with his demeanor, especially in the face of fan-favorite Stephan Lasme.  However, I think it will be Wafer who makes the roster, and I'm predicting that Celtics fans will be pleasantly surprised by him.

Completely agree here. Especially the part about body language and the early technicals he got. I was one of the many who were turned off by this behavior because it looked as if he had the same attitude that got him benched in Houston by comb over Rick. But your right as soon as he starts playing up to his potential and hitting shots I'm sure his detractions will become less evident and his contributions will be more widely received by fans and media alike. That's good for him and this team. I just hope he keeps the positive attitude. All that being said I somtimes wonder if the players read this blog because they seem to many times address the issues spewed forth on here. All in the eyes of the beholder I guess. It's probably just wishful thinking on my part.

[KobeShesNotConsenting!]

i'm glad to see i was right on this one. My instincts were tellin me that we'd be better off w/wafer (a proven scorer, possible headcase) over lasme (good defense, but offensively challenged somewhat like TA). Frankly i've been surprised at the overwhelming preference lasme's been gettin over wafer round here. The way i see it, it's easier to teach defense, than offense.

[Phil125]

YAY! You did just enough to get the 15th spot.

This guy seems like a loser.  We should dump him and get somebody that actually wants to be here.

[kofanis0880]

i'm glad to see i was right on this one. My instincts were tellin me that we'd be better off w/wafer (a proven scorer, possible headcase) over lasme (good defense, but offensively challenged somewhat like TA). Frankly i've been surprised at the overwhelming preference lasme's been gettin over wafer round here. The way i see it, it's easier to teach defense, than offense.

I think a lot of it was just how good Lasme look on both ends the first 2-3 games of the preseason. This what the preseason is as long as it is. If it was just two games Lasme would be a no brainer however Wafer has done well enough recently to warrant a spot. He can guard SG and a little bit of SF and with him West and Robinson on the bench we can catch fire from deep very quickly when the bench is playing in the 2nd and early 4th quarters. They will also help to bring an inside outside element with the Oneals and Davis. I can't wait for next week.

[Celtics18]

Well, I don't think Von's got the spot locked up just yet.  Afterall, Ray Allen isn't the one making the personnel decisions.

C'mon, Steph, put up a good showing tonight.  I'm straight up rooting for the middle aged African rookie out of UMass.  Even though he doesn't have alot of offensive skills, I like his energy, his demeanor, and his athleticism.

By the way, wouldn't it be cruel if Tiny Gallon came in, played one preseason game, and made them both D-leaguers?

 

[kofanis0880]

Well, I don't think Von's got the spot locked up just yet.  Afterall, Ray Allen isn't the one making the personnel decisions.

C'mon, Steph, put up a good showing tonight.  I'm straight up rooting for the middle aged African rookie out of UMass.  Even though he doesn't have alot of offensive skills, I like his energy, his demeanor, and his athleticism.

By the way, wouldn't it be cruel if Tiny Gallon came in, played one preseason game, and made them both D-leaguers.

 

Honestly I think that would be the perfect situation. If tiny can do in one game what those guys have been trying to do for 3 weeks I would be more than happy with him making the team over tem. If anything I think that would be a boon for us.