The Portland Trail Blazers acquired guard Von Wafer from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for guard Taurean Green, it was announced today by general manager Kevin Pritchard.

Wafer, 22, posted averages of 1.3 points, 0.5 rebounds, 0.2 assists and 4.3 minutes in 21 games this season for the Nuggets.

“We want to thank Taurean Green and wish him all the best for the future, which I think will be a bright one in this league,” said Pritchard. “We had a positional need to fill with some of the injuries we’re having to endure and with Von Wafer we think we’re getting a player who can provide us with some offensive firepower.”

A third-year pro out of Florida State, Wafer was originally selected in the second round (39th pick overall) by the L.A. Lakers in the 2005 NBA Draft. During 38 career games with the Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets, he averaged 1.2 points, 0.5 rebounds, 0.2 assists and 4.3 minutes.

Green, 21, was selected by the Trail Blazers in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft (52nd pick overall) out of Florida. In eight games with the Trail Blazers this season, he averaged 2.1 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 5.5 minutes.

Now on to the good stuff. This is a horrible trade in my mind. Taurean Green never got a chance to prove himself. He led the National Championship team Florida Gators last year in points, and he is a spark plug. He did great in the D-League and summer league. The guy never got a chance to play. I understand that the Blazers do have to many PG’s but what is the point of this trade? I see no gains. Granted the Blazers are thinking that this guy can be developed like Trout, but I honestly cannot say anything about Von Wafer, other then his name is cool.

Taurean was a town favorite, maybe because he was goofy, and he seemed like a stand up guy.  But for some reason this trade actually bothers me, and upsets me. I cant put my finger on it, but it does.

So here is Von Wafer. I know what you are all thinking, he is not white. But with a name like that you would think so. But none the less I welcome him aboard. It has been heard though that he has a good shot, and has springs. He as well did great in the D-League. So this is a “meh” trade for me.

I will be at the Garden tonight and it will be a ruckus like usual. Melo is back to full form and he is looking to make a strong statement. I always love watching these guys come into town, the Garden goes bananas. The Nuggets are coming off two wins, and they Blazers are coming off a very hard fought game against the Knicks (Which is weird to say).

But the Nuggets hold the second spot in the NW division at 28-18, the Blazers are right behind them at 27-19. So this again would tie them up for the second spot in the NW division. Nene will not be back for some time, but I fear how good this team will be once they get him back. I honestly think this is where the 8th seed fight will be.

But my predictions for this game are high and lofty. I think Melo, and AI will come out guns a blazing, but once again I think the Blazers will stay close and pull it out in the fourth.

Travis Outlaw is playing at his highest level right now, so look for him to get a lot of touches tonight. I dont suspect LA will have a big game against the Camby Man. Look for the “Vanilla Gorilla” (JPryz) to have some good ol Michigan meat and potatoes for the Nuggets. He usually has big games when he presented with large challengers like Camby.

Obviously BRoy will be fantastic no matter what he does. I think he will be that X-Factor we always talk about. After breaking the barrier with his first career triple double we will see some more of that tonight. Im thinking double, double.

So those are my game predictions. This is the first post I have linked to my new site, and I hope you all like it at the Yard!

I wish all the players the best on both teams, I hope they all stay healthy. I just favor the Blazers tonight.  I also wish my man Melo has a good game, it will be nice to see him back,  and he will be fresh to death for the All-Star game.