Well, I know there is nothing that has suggested he is on the trading block, and the guy has just signed a 5-year, 28 mill contract this past off season, but if you have been following this season, you would know that he has been on Sam Mitchell's bad side for some time now, resulting from this incident: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1938303 However, I really think the guy ain't half bad and can seriously help a team like ours in a time like this. I also think he wants out of Toronto, and the Raptors won't be too attached to him if they get something worthy in return (I don't know what it would be, but may be a TE or something that we still have left) especially since he has threatened to quit on them not too long ago. I know it is doubtful that the Raptors would give up a 14 PTS/7 AST/4 RB/1.4 STL player, but may be for the right offer we could make it work, especially if they think he will one time make good on his threats to quit the team the next time the going gets rough. More importantly, I think sooner or later Toronto will go in full dumping mode, and it does not figure Alston will be in their future plans if they want to rebuild around Bosh. But again, the contract size/length would definitely worry me. Just a thought, since I really and honestly see no one whom the Rockets can bring in to help us at the 1. Otherwise, I don't see someone who can help us at the 1 this season, unless Cleveland is still trying to get rid of Wagner for a 2nd rounder or something (and ONLY if he is not injured as always). Anyways, suggestions guys/possible scenarios/disgruntled players we can get here ?
Oh, what a coincidence, it seems Alston was just suspended from the Raptors for a couple of games, I guess I posted this thread in just the right time
Nothing against "Skip to my Lou", he is a great role player, but his contract is kind of long for a 29 years old point guard.
I do have concerns about the contract as well, but I guess they had to compensate him for the sub-$700G he was making the years before!
Why would we not want Alson? He is averaging 7 assists per game on a crappy team, plays decent defense and can get inside a defense to create shots for others. We all complain that the Rockets guards don't push the ball, which he can do. He may not be the greatest PG, but he could be a decent fit for this team and could very well be available. And, it's not like he is getting paid an arm and a leg, and 29 is not an age to think about his age. Especially, when alot of the PGs' names thrown around these boards, are over 30.
why would we want alston?? alston got suspended because his coach thinks he shoots too much and he argued with his coach. I thought most of the fans here complainin sura doesnt pass to yao yet they still want alston????
If the Rox were interested then one supposes brothers Van Gundy would discuss the merits of coaching the fellow.
Banks blows. Now everyone's on the Dickau bandwagon? Okay, I know he's had a good 2 weeks. But the guy is not a very good distributor. He plays horrible defense. He's a good shooter and he can dribble through traffic and all. That's about it. Please no...just cause he can succeed on a barren Hornets team who had to choose btwn him and Junior Harrington at the point doesn't mean he's solid or worth mentioning as someone we need to get..
The problem now is that we are hamstrung in terms of deal making. We do not have much any other teams might want save for the possibility of Rox-NJ trade. Most teams would presumably want our first round pick in the deep 2005 draft - and I am with CD and do not want to part with that pick for limited short term gain. The fact remains that the PG position looks like it is going to be a position of strength for us this summer with Key free agents like Antonio Daniels and our steadily maturing Spanoulis (who btw had another big game the other night scoring 18 points while leading to a comeback 1-point victory). We have not even mentioned the possibility of landing one of those dynamic guards in div 1 college basket ball like Felton, Miles, Jack or Paul (just name the most recognizable few). The key is to bridge the gap between now and the summer when major improvements and changes are expect at the 1 and 4 spots plus a better backup for tmac. So I will say we just hang in there bewteen the 6th and 8th playoffs postions with what we have now and just hope the guys we have now stay healthy. Even as it stands, we match up well with all teams save for Phoenix and we are still improving.
his coach was saying he doesn't pass enough and that it's hurting the team. the guy definitely pay but i don't know if he's worth 5 at $29 mill
Sorry, I should elaborate more. Banks hasn't shown much improvement since coming into the league. He can get to the hole, but that's about it. He's so-so finishing around the bucket, he's not a very good shooter from the outside. My main problem is that he's not that great a passer...and that was supposed to be a strength somewhat of his. He has shown very little in that department..while still turning the ball over. I'd say his biggest strength is his physical strength and defense/hands. But that's not nearly enough to start at point on this team. Gotta at least be able to stick the J as well as Sura
When Toronto signed Alston to that contract my first reaction was that they overpaid. I still think that way. We shouldn't try to get him.
maybe if they will include Marshall and take Mo Taylor, Spoon and Ward off out hands - the $5 M per year won't be so bad ... of course there is still the conduct detrimental to the team thing
I think Banks has good potential for a team like us because of his physical gifts. He has the body and the hands. I think Van Gundy could turn him into a Derrick Fisher type defender, which on our team, defense is always gonna come first. The rub would be would Banks be willing to learn to distribute the rock, penetrate and dish, and spot up for the 3 ball off the doubles of TMac and Yao? That's what we need our PG to do, be an effective defender and be happy with being the 3rd of 4th option offensively with enough skills to put the ball in the bucket when called upon.
I think he is already a good defender. JVG might help him out some, but he's not bad. The whole point is getting someone with distribution skills and shooting skills...because the team/coaching can teach defense better than offense. If you want a project, you want the opposite of Banks. Someone like a young Steve Nash. (And don't try saying Dickau is that because he doesn't have the vision that Nash did when he came in the league..even when he was getting booed in Phx and Dallas)
Alston would be an upgrade over Sura - I think it'd be awesome if we could get him, even with his 'run-ins with his coach'. He's faster, a better passer, can better stay with quicker guards, and has a better shot from the outside (though its been off alot this year). Sura definitely hussles more and is a better rebounder, but I'd rather have Rafer...and I've never been a Sura hater (although his recent ball-hogginess is starting to wear on me). I doubt we have anything that would interest Toronto though. -Nick-
