Thank you for being basically the only person in here to bother understand the context of what I wrote.
A perfect example of a cancer would be Gilbert Arenas. Had phenomenal gifts on the court, but his off-the-court tactics, his attitude, and his lack of humility created a glass ceiling for the team he played for. If I owned a team and I had an option of picking Arenas or an NBDL level player, I'm picking that NBDL player with high character first. I'll take some early losses, but a good org will eventually lead to bringing in future high-character talent, and eventually a winning team eventually.
Dion Waiters is not a superstar, all-star, or franchise player in this league. Because of that, he's considered a role player (anywhere from 4th option to 8th option on a contender), correct? So ask yourself this, does he have the characteristics of the role player we've watched over the years on championship teams?
IMO, the perfect role players have these characteristics:
1. Unselfish and understand their role
2. Willing to sacrifice and take fewer shots
3. Be the go-to defender if they had to, or a spot up 3pt shooter if they had to
4. Guys respect them in the locker room. They don't say much, but when they do, people listen.
5. Willing to do nothing but the dirty work to help the team WIN.
Examples: Horry, Kukoc, Rodman, Bruce Bowen, Bryon Russell, Rick Fox, Fisher, Shaw, most of the players on the Rockets 93-95 team, Byron Scott, Nick Anderson, Horace Grant, Kawhli Leonard, Shawn Marion, Tony Allen, James Posey, Tayshaun Prince, Shane Battier.
Dion Waiters is not a superstar or even all-star, but he's also not THE ROLE PLAYER because he has visions of grandeur. He's the type to think he's better than Kyrie, better than LeBron and better than MJ. Legit role players understand humility and know their role. Waiters already publicly announced he's unwilling to come off the bench. Really Dion? What if you coming off the bench is for the betterment of the team?
Let's just hope that having LBJ and other vets around can help him. Otherwise, it's a good idea to trade him while he has some "value". I'm indifferent towards him emotionally...I just think he's the next Michael Beasley.
