For three seasons, Von Wafer had fallen into the category where so many players with unsatisfying professional careers slip. He was the guy with talent who never truly got an opportunity.
Before the start of this season, there was little reason to believe that would change.
But it has. And in a big way.
The former Nuggets guard has found a niche with the Houston Rockets and has parlayed his chance to play into the best month in his young NBA career. When the Nuggets meet the Rockets today in Houston, Wafer will appear on Denver’s scouting report.
Who would have thought that would happen?
“I’ve just been getting a chance to get out there, getting a chance to get some experience,” said Wafer, who has led the Rockets in scoring twice. “There’s only so much you can see sitting on the sideline. But Coach (Rick Adelman) gave me a chance out there, and I’m just trying to make the most of it.”
In eight games in January, Wafer is averaging 16.3 points and 2.8 rebounds and is shooting 53.6 percent from the field, including 43.2 percent from the 3-point line. His eight double-figure scoring games this month are more than he had in his entire career before this season. Overall, his 9.6 points per game, 2.2 rebounds, 47.6 percent shooting from the field and 40.7 percent shooting from the 3-point line are the highest averages of his career.
Wafer has played in 22 games and has started a career-high eight times. He appeared in 21 games with the Nuggets last season, which was his previous high for games played with one team. But those were mostly mop-up roles. Now he has hit the prime time.
“It didn’t work out here,” Nuggets guard J.R. Smith said. “He didn’t have the best of luck, but I’m glad to see him doing well. He was always in the gym and playing hard.”
Wafer’s opportunity came out of necessity for the Rockets, who suffered backcourt injuries and are still without Tracy McGrady, Ron Artest and Luther Head. And while Wafer says he’s not certain how long he will play extended minutes, he also acknowledges he is more equipped for success this season than any other.
In Denver, Wafer’s biggest lesson was toughness. The Nuggets used him sparingly, sent him down to the Colorado 14ers of the NBA Development League and generally couldn’t find a spot for him. They eventually traded him to Portland.
“I feel like I just got stronger mentally, being in Denver,” he said. “It helped me get stronger mentally just knowing that there’s more than basketball involved. You’ve got to wait your turn and just be patient.”
The Rockets called this season when most teams didn’t. Wafer signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for just under $800,000 and made the team. His success in Houston has been good for his confidence, but it has likely also bought him more years in the NBA. He says his preference is to return to the Rockets.
“This is really the only team that would give me an opportunity,” Wafer said. “No one else did. These guys brought me in. I would love to be a (longtime) Rocket. I love the fans, I love the city. I own a house here. I love it here.”
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
Denver at Houston
Noon, ALT, KCKK 1510 AM
Spotlight on Yao Ming: The Great Wall of Houston has been superb in his last two games, tallying 19 points, 17 rebounds and five assists against the Lakers and then making all 12 field-goal attempts against the Heat. Yao is averaging 19.7 points and 9.7 rebounds and scored 32 points Dec. 16 in a 108-96 victory over the Nuggets. “He’s a special player that’s getting better and has the passion to get better,” Nuggets coach George Karl said. “Now, can the Rockets make that next step to where they’re competitive for the championship?”
Nuggets: Coach George Karl is contemplating whether to put Linas Kleiza back in the starting lineup or start Anthony Carter. J.R. Smith has been struggling in his past four games, shooting 12-for-58 (20.7 percent). . . . In his blog at , Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he is waiting to hear from the Nuggets with regard to a charity to donate his $25,000 fine. Cuban said if he doesn’t hear from the Nuggets, he will donate the money to the NHL Players’ Association’s Goals & Dreams Fund in the names of Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore, who suffered a career-ending injury from Bertuzzi’s on-ice attack. Cuban said it would be “a reminder of what could have happened, and that not every retaliation attempt misses.” Smith threw an elbow and missed Dallas’ Antoine Wright. . . . Carmelo Anthony (broken hand) said he still is shooting to return Jan. 30 against Charlotte: “It’s kind of getting boring right now. I’ve got to keep myself motivated.”
Rockets: Tracy McGrady (knee) and Ron Artest (ankle) could miss today’s game because of injuries. . . . The Rockets have won four of their past five games. . . . In two games against Denver this season, guard Aaron Brooks has averaged 16.5 points and 5.0 assists, well above his season averages of 10.4 and 2.6. . . . The Rockets have won three consecutive home games against the Nuggets. Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
