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On Tuesday, we informed you that Von Wafer was likely headed back to the Rockets after an unsuccessful stint in Greece. The Grizzlies had also been interested in the fireplug scorer but couldn't come to terms, so a return to Houston seemed to make the most sense. All's well that ends well. Or ... not.
Late Tuesday, Mark Berman of MyFox Houston (who had originally broke the imminent return of Wafer) reported that Wafer had failed his physical and as a result would not be joining the team. Instead, the situation presented itself with an ideal opportunity for the Rockets to utilize something they've invested heavily in: the D-League.
Berman reports that Mike Harris, the 6-6 forward for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Houston's D-League affiliate, was called up Tuesday night to take the place of Wafer. Harris has been to camp several times with the Rockets, occasionally landing a roster spot. This season Harris has hit a new level in the D-League, averaging 25 points and 7 rebounds per game.
An important note regarding Harris' situation is that this year the Rockets took advantage of a new D-League policy which enabled NBA teams to own and operate the basketball operations without taking on full ownership of the club and having to staff, promote and maintain offices for the affiliate. The Rockets assigned their own coach, Chris Finch, to coach the club and install their offensive systems, similar to what the San Antonio Spurs have done with the Austin Toros.
Harris arrives after spending the season developing in a makeshift farm system the Rockets have created, already comfortable with the city (he went to school at Rice), the team and the system. While his impact may be minimal (especially with Tracy McGrady being re-integrated into the rotation) and his time with the team temporary, it's still another smart move from the Rockets' wily GM Daryl Morey. Harris has tremendous potential with great finishing ability and a high basketball IQ. With this Rockets' team thriving on just such combinations, this was was another safe bet from a man who seems to come up big every time he rolls the dice.
Wafer, on the other hand, is stuck in limbo, at least until whatever ailment that caused his physical to fail is cleared up, at which point he can either join the Rockets, head to Memphis or land elsewhere. Wafer is definitely solidifying his position as a "borderline" NBA player.
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