Celtics Finally Make a Move: Add Von Wafer

Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld is reporting that the Celtics have agreed to a deal with Von Wafer. Wafer spent last season with Olympiakos where he simply did not play well. Wafer shot only 36% from the field and averaged only 3 points a game during Greek League play.

However during his last season in the NBA, with the Houston Rockets, Wafer averaged about 10 points a game while shooting 45% from the field and 39% from the three point line. Celtics fans may remember the three point he hit to beat the Celtics during that season.

I left Wafer out of my bargain bin column I wrote about the Celtics free agency prospects a few days ago but he was on my radar and the Celtics for a little while. Wafer is a young athletic player with the ability to shoot from distance, in essence he could be exactly the kind of player the Celtics need.

However Wafer is no sure thing. He was a second round draft pick and didn’t crack a rotation in his first three years in the NBA. Wafer then struggled mightily in Greece last year.

Wafer isn’t going to come in and carry the Celtics to a championship or anything crazy like that. However if he can put together a season like he did in 08-09 Wafer could turn out to be a huge addition for them. We all know the Celtics desperately need a backup wing who can shoot from distance. Their biggest problem last season was an inability to shoot the three and a lack of scoring of the bench which is something Wafer can bring to the table. Also the Celtics need someone to fill the role of defensive stopper and Wafer can help with that.

Wafer gained playoff experience during his one season with the Rockets and actually did quite well. He scored nine points a game, shot 43% from the field and 40% from the three point line. Wafer is still an unproven commodity, he is young and still has room to grow as a player. He has landed in an excellent position on a veteran laden team that is chasing another championship ring. I think he has a real chance to excel with the Celtics. Pierce, Allen, Rondo, and Garnett will take the eyes of the defense far away from Wafer and give him a chance to be the three point specialist and backup scorer they need so badly. Whether or not Wafer works out or not is yet to be seen but I like the idea of bringing him in. It is a low risk, high reward type or move and hopefully it will pay off.