i think it was for a couple reasons: 1. Long term, when jameer is back, he'll be playing like 35-40 mins a game, so they didn't really feel like they needed promising young point, he'd probably never get much PT. 2. Although Rafer is very streaky, he can hit the 3 when he's at the top of his game, with orlando's game plan revolving around Dwight kicking it out for 3s, he's a better fit than Lowry. 3. Rafer has 2 yrs left on his contract, although lowry makes less, i believe has 3 years left. 4. Orlando is very young and they need some vets who can help them in a playoff run, it's not just about their play, but just experience, advice, etc.
Yeah in Houston, and that is why he wouldn't want to come off the bench. If he went to Orlando with Jameer already being there he would have no choice but to come off the bench. Basically since his contract is up this up coming off-season whoever he signs with he will have to accept being a backup PG.
Edit : Nevermind just saw the guy in front of me say Rafer has 2 years left on his contract. Either way he will have to accept a backup role in Orlando.
He was the starter in Toronto as well. The only reason he wasn't starting in Miami is he was playing behind Dwayne Wade.
I haven't followed Jameer's career, but is he really that good? I know he's having a career season this year. Just wondering.
Yeah but as far as now, I think he has gotten to the stage where leaving Houston will now force him to accept a backup role next year.
History has shown that Rafer Alston as a backup roll is as good as a completely drained Duracell saved up for backup power. In order for Rafer to give you good games, he has to start. And even then you have to roll the dice every night with heavy odds against you. As for Rashard Lewis, you are right he is not a waste in absolute terms. He has a good shot and is a decent finisher. But for the price of $120 million and considering he does not create for others, that is a waste.
He said it himself that he's happy to be in Orlando...happy knowing full well that Jameer Nelson will be back and was the starting point guard before he got injured. So if Rafer thinks he should keep the reigns on the starting spot once Nelson returns, then he's got to be one of the dumbest players in the NBA.
Oh yes he can. Whatever you say but Rafer is still better basketball player overall than Kyle Lowry and that's normal due to age,experience. Orlando got a veteran for champ chase also, Lowry is too inexperienced in their eyes.
From the Q&A with Morey on the Rockets website: http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Q_And_A_With_Daryl_Morey_Rock-302475-34.html
Because the Magic want to win now, they don't want to win 2-3 years from now. Although the Magic have much better young talent, This is a decent trade for the present. However, I think it's obvious the Rockets are the winner overall. Lowry actually is an upgrade over Rafer. Lowry shoots a good % when he plays, he makes the correct play quite often. Rafer Alston is a great PG, don't get me wrong. He is just way too inconsistent. Lowry is the most consistent PG we have.
Somethings never change. So glad we have a penetrating, hard-nosed finisher in Lowry instead. Like the quote in some member's sig., you can't make chicken pot pie from chicken ****.
Morey is one of, if not the, best GM in the NBA. He just out-maneuvered the Orlando GM, period. Maybe he persuaded him that Lowry sucks, or that Rafer was good, or whatever. Maybe Orlando thought that with Rafer's streetball background he could add some excitement and ticket sales in Orlando whereas Kyle Lowry was a no-name. Who the hell still thinks Rafer is a better overall player than Lowry? Have you watched any games since the trade? Are you a Rafer only fan? Wtf Defense: Lowry Setting up the offense: Lowry Ball handling: Rafer Shooting: Lowry Finishing: Lowry Better salary: Lowry Floor general: Push
Really doesn't what Orlando does at this point. They cant beat Houston since Yao Ming dominates Dwight Howard. Getting rid of Rafer only helps us since we can leave him wide open and know he will shoot.
