One More Road to Cross

by Fantasy Junkie on Oct 10, 2006 10:50 PM PDT in Links

If you don't know Dajuan Wagner's story, you definitely need to check it out. The Warriors official site writes about how he's overcome colitis which knocked him out of the league for 2 years. He's battled his way back and is now poised to make a big splash back on to the NBA scene.

Photo: Warriors Official Site

Wagner is looking like the player who once scored 100 points in a game for Camden (New Jersey) High School. The sixth pick in the 2002 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers signed with the Warriors over the summer and has immediately shown he can be part of an exciting backcourt with Baron Davis, Jason Richardson and Monta Ellis...

"There isn't anything I haven't liked," Nelson said. "He's guarded, he's passed, he's shot, he's done every drill."

Wagner, 23, is just thrilled to be back on the court, and says he is working hard to get back to where he was his rookie season, when he averaged 13.4 points in 47 games for the Cavaliers...

"Our strengths are running and scoring the ball, and I can help us do that from shooting guard or point guard," Wagner said. "I'm ready for whatever (Nelson) wants me to do. ... I'm excited. I've been away from the game for a while."

Wagner is still very young at only 23 so he's still got time and talent to have a very good NBA career. His first step though is to prove he belongs and right now Nelson is going to give him that chance.

How do you envision Wagner fitting in? What do you project his minutes and numbers to be?

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Pulling for Dajuan

I was impressed with Dajuan at the open practice. Everyone in hoops nation, not just Warriors fans, have to be pulling for the guy.

Projections? Oooh, you all will just have to wait for the GSoM season preview...

by Atma Brother ONE on Oct 10, 2006 11:03 PM PDT reply actions

Another monta

wagner is basically another version of monta ellis and that is nothing but high praise. I think they will compete hard for the 6th man role on the team, barring any lineup changes. I put him at double figures(10-11 range) in scoring, and low assists, rebounds, etc.(1-3) Though I would be pleasantly surprised by increases in any category.

Theres always next year take 12

by FoyledAgain on Oct 11, 2006 1:54 AM PDT reply actions

he'll be good

he'll score 82 to spite kobe!

by djchuckdeez on Oct 11, 2006 4:53 AM PDT reply actions

Come back player of the year

Dajuan has all the abilities to have a great year. He's making shots, unlike most Warriors from the past year, other than JRich. Could he replace Chris Mullin in the Run-TMC reincarnation?

"If you're going to be small, you have to make shots," Nelson said. "The only guy who's buried every shot so far has been Wagner."

The question is, who will play PG more - Monta or Dajuan? Being optimistic, lets say Baron plays 70 games this year. That number could drop, and who will play PG? Last year it was DFish.

"He's a small two-guard, just like Ellis is a small two-guard, and both those guys eventually need to become capable of playing the point if they want to be great players," Nelson said. "Otherwise, they'll just be good backups at the best."

by unblinded on Oct 11, 2006 11:38 AM PDT reply actions