Among the Elite: Von Wafer Makes Noise with the Houston Rockets

Vakeaton Quamar Wafer—better known as the Houston Rockets' Von Wafer—is certainly getting his name heard all around the NBA this season.

But it has not always been this way.

The former FSU three-point shooter has been on five different teams in his three-year NBA career, averaging no more than eight minutes per game.

He was drafted in the second round in 2005, going as the 39th pick overall to the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 4.6 MPG in 16 games for the Lakers before being sent to the D-League, where he was named Player of the Month in January 2007.

Wafer then was signed to a 10-day contract by the Los Angeles Clippers—and was waived a week later. He was picked up and signed by the Denver Nuggets during the 2006-07 season and averaged only 4.3 MPG in 21 games.

In the 2007-08 season, Wafer was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played only eight games and averaged just eight minutes a game.

So when Wafer was signed by the Houston Rockets this season, one could have assumed he would not stand out.

But he did. He has played extremely well, actually, scoring in double figures in each of his last 12 games.

Standing 6'5" and weighing 210, Wafer has an excellent body physique for the shooting-guard position. He has an outstanding stroke and could drain a shot from anywhere on the court (he is 22 3PTM in his last 12 games).

Along with his shot, Wafer can play great defense (16 steals in his last 12 games) and has great awareness on the court (only 10 turnovers in his last 12 games).

Wafer has finally gotten his opportunity with consistent minutes to prove what he is capable of doing for an NBA team. In Tracy McGrady's absence, Wafer has put up stellar numbers, including a 23-point performance against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Fantasy Standpoint:

If Von Wafer can continue to log consistent starter minutes, his fantasy value will continue to rise. He has the potential to put up great scoring numbers and will do so when given the opportunity. Wafer should be picked up in all fantasy formats if still available in your fantasy league, as he can give your team a great amount of points, three-pointers made, steals, free-throw percentage and field-goal percentage.

Fun Fact:

Wafer averaged 32 PPG, 10 RPG, and 7 APG during his junior year in high school.