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What about Von Wafer?

 

Entering the off-season, I felt the Mavericks' three biggest needs were to address the center, shooting guard and lack of athleticism. It appeared that the Mavs had addressed the center situation by singing an offer sheet for Marcin Gortat; however, we all know how that worked out. While several rumors have swirled around regarding other potential deals to address the center position, none have materialized as of this time.

Acquiring Shawn Marion improves the athleticism of this team to some extent and the flashes that Rodrigue Beaubois has shown in his brief NBA Summer League career suggests tha the too could add some athleticism to this team. Yet this team still lacks the athleticism of many of their Western Conference counterparts.

The only thing the Mavs have done at the shooting guard position is the signing of Quinton Ross, who the front office says will provide defensive help and shoot the three. What they really mean to say is that Ross is just another Antoine Wright.  If we assume that the Mavericks will move Josh Howard to the starting shooting guard position, we can set the depth chart--Jason Terry will come in off the bench and get a majority of the minutes at the 2 and Ross will fill in, as needed, in specific situations. Theoretically, the Mavs are three deep at the 2 position.

I love what JET brings off the bench, but neither Ross nor Howard excite me.  My suggestion? Go for a change of pace, sign Von Wafer.  The little I saw of Wafer last year, I liked. He would instantly add a level of athleticism to this team that is asbsent. 

How would the rotation work at four deep? The move would make Josh Howard expendable. He could be shopped to someone like New Orleans, for Tyson Chandler, or to Charlotte, near his home, for someone like Emeka Okafor.

The Mavericks starting line-up would look something like this:

PG - Jason Kidd

SG- Von Wafer

SF - Shawn Marion

PF- Dirk Nowitzki

C - Emeka Okafor/Tyson Chandler

I realize the move has it drawbacks.  One, Wafer's limited body of work and lack of starting experience. Terry would still get a majority of the minutes at the 2, but would start as a change of pace. Think of the way the Nuggets used Dahntay Jones last season (18.1 MPG, 5.4 PPG). Wafer put up better numbers (19.4 MPG, 9.7 PPG) as a reserve.

Could you get Okafor or Chandler for Howard? It's worth shopping around. I hope the Mavs learned from the Gortat fiasco and would have a deal in place for Howard before inking Wafer. This is the key piece to making the deal work. If you can't move Howard for an upgrade of Dampier, then there's really no sense in pursuing Wafer. However, if the Mavs are serious about addressing two of the most glaring weaknesses, they should at least give Wafer a casual glance.



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I like the Wafer addition

I also like the idea of trading Howard for someone to man the middle. I can’t think that Charlotte would not get on board and make a deal. Howard has loads of potential but never seems to fullfill any promise. He plays absolutely great for stretches, but then dissappears. I say trade him when he is at his most valuable, teams still might think he can take it to another level, and he is an expiring deal.

by Eric9321 on Jul 16, 2009 9:22 PM CDT reply actions  

The only thought I have

Is patience. With the financial landscape of the NBA and lottery teams looking to go cheaper, if nothing materializes by way of a big man, I say wait until one does (trade wise). Don’t do anything just to do it, get a good big man, at least of Okafor/Chandler’s ability level. By the trade deadline, a lot more teams will be looking to trim payroll I bet.

by Eric9321 on Jul 16, 2009 9:27 PM CDT reply actions  

I thought he already signed with the Suns?

The Mavs need someone who can hit the 3 consistently. We were one of the worst in that category last year while being in the Top 5-10 in attempts.

by ptrck on Jul 17, 2009 3:25 PM CDT reply actions  

We can sign Wafer and keep Josh and still get a Center

what Wafer brings is athleticism off the bench and can start if JHo has wrist/ankle probs again

"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards

by nicholas.rodriguez on Jul 18, 2009 4:56 PM CDT reply actions  

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