Clippers will meet with Von Wafer

[illastrate]

Clippers to Meet with
Wafer
Updated: Monday, 03 Aug 2009, 8:47 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 03 Aug 2009, 8:15 PM CDT

MARK BERMAN
HOUSTON - Los Angeles Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy asked free agent guard Von Wafer to come to L.A. Tuesday to meet with him.

"My agent called and said I am going to have lunch with Coach Dunleavy and the Clippers (Tuesday)," Wafer said in an interview Monday with FOX 26 Sports. "So I'm very excited and very happy."

After being with five teams in four years, Wafer was finally able to play meaningful minutes as a member of the Rockets and show what he can do coming off the bench.

He played in 63 games, starting 11 and was sixth on the team in scoring at 9.7 points a game. However, his play last season has not translated into the type of contract he was looking for. The Clippers invitation couldn't have come at a better time.

"It means a lot because it's been a tough time," Wafer said. "This free agency has been real difficult for me to deal with. It's just real stressful. I'm just ready for it to be over.

"At the same I want to get a situation that's best for me and my family. Just because I'm tired and upset doesn't mean I go out and do something. I've got to be patient."

Wafer believes part of his problem is how he is portrayed by the media and on the internet.

"I read all the comments that people make. They say I'm a weak defender. I feel I need to work on that. That's good.

"But it just irks me every time I always see he's a good player or he's an OK player, but he's a head case. That's just something that bothers me because I don't understand where people could get that from. I don't understand."

Wafer knows some of the negative speculation about him probably stems from his disagreement on national television with Rockets head coach Rick Adelman during game two of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Adelman was in the process of replacing him on the floor and Wafer didn't act appropriately. Adelman sent Wafer to the locker room for the rest of the game.

Wafer apologized the next day for his actions and again during this interview.

"I'm sorry that it happened," Wafer said. "There was a lot of tension in the air and I'm a very emotional player and sometimes I do things without thinking. In that instance it was wrong what I did.

"I wasn't trying to show up Coach Adelman. I was just upset because I really wanted to be in the game. It didn't look good and I can understand where Coach Adelman was coming from. He has to do what he did. I didn't mean it that way and I just think it got blown all out of proportion."

While Wafer will meet with the Clippers Tuesday, he is still hopeful he might be able to return to the Rockets.

"This is where I want to be," Wafer said. "They gave me my first opportunity. I want to be here."

But if that's not possible, and the Clippers make him an offer, Wafer could be changing addresses again.

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/ ... er_meeting

[mj_shoefanatic]

Wafer to Clips = right on time

Also, means less PT for Bricky Davis

[PlinkingPanda]

He would be a pretty good spark off the bench for points, but you gotta wonder about that attitude. You guys can talk all the crap you want about Ricky, but Wafer hasn't exactly shown himself to be a "good role model".

[TheNewEra]

HELL YEA!!!!

[scratch21]

We dont need a guy like him we need a utility man

[loflin3hree5ive]

His attitude and scoring percentages are causes for concern. I'd prefer a utility guy as well who is long and can play defense (Carney, Udoka).

[thanumba2clippersfan]

Wafer could be good if he matures

[TheNewEra]

Now that I think about it I like him but we do need a utlity guy more.

[ClipperDomination]

If he brings the right attitude and work ethic to this team, I'm all for it. But I think we could use a glue guy much more than Wafer.

[kombayn]

I like Von Wafer's game, he can play and I rather have him over Ricky Davis as our back-up SG. Von Wafer would bring playoff experience with him and I like our veteran core to be good role-models for Von Wafer, he's only 24 years old. Much rather have him over Mike Taylor that's for sure.

[mkwest]

It's not the best move (if we make it), but he could provide a scoring punch off of the bench. He also gives us another player that can hit from the perimeter. He does have some red flags in his game that are a cause for concern though. I'd also take the versatile glue guy and even Sessions over him, but those type of additions are not looking too likely right now.

[jgustav1]

I'd pass on Von Wafer. No need to add him to team while paying Ricky Davis guaranteed money. I'd like to add Rodney Carney though if the contract was reasonable.

[SportsFan215]

I'd prefer Carney or Bogans.

[Jeezo1]

The Clippers need to go after Rodney Carney or Gerald Green to help solidify our wings. We need to stop going after people past their prime (Tim Thomas, Mobley, Ricky Davis). Both Carney and Green are still young and have plenty of potential to go along with our young core. Not to mention, they would fit in perfectly with our supposed new "uptempo offense."

[Clip34life]

Clips should target the following three players: Sessions, Ime Udoka, and Mikki Moore. End of offseason.

[mkwest]

Vonny is headed to Greece to play with Big Sofo, who is looking a little lighter btw.

[Forte IV]

how do you know?

[scratch21]

Thanks!

[ClipperDomination]

Eurobasket.com is reporting it.

[Forte IV]

I won't believe it until it comes out of espn or nba. On his twitter Von said he doesn't like Greece. "freee agency is wearing me down -- clippers, knicks or even maybe rockets are in the game -- but I don't like greek food."