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[Orlando Sentinel] Alston Grateful to be with Contender

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by durvasa, Apr 6, 2009.

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  1. durvasa

    durvasa Member

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    http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-sportsmagic07040709apr07,0,7537990.story

    [rquoter]
    HOUSTON — The last time the Orlando Magic made a trade for the Houston Rockets' starting point guard ... well, let's just say that the melancholy look on Otis Smith's face still says it all.

    Smith, the Magic's general manager, shakes his head when asked about Steve Francis.

    Three years after the bitter Stevie Franchise saga, Smith said Francis was the only player that he "couldn't figure out" since he's been in Orlando.

    Not so with Rafer Alston.

    Smith had a read on Alston — and he hasn't disappointed the Magic since he was acquired in a three-team trade from the Rockets in mid-February.

    Orlando turned to Houston again for help at a pivotal juncture in the Dwight Howard era, this time after losing Jameer Nelson to a season-ending injury.

    The Magic aren't the only ones who feel fortunate that this deal is working out. When Alston returns to the Toyota Center tonight to face his former teammates, he realizes how lucky he is to have perhaps upgraded his playoff chances with the Magic move.

    Orlando (57-19) has the league's fourth-best record and is currently the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference postseason derby. Houston (49-28) has the fourth-best record in the West.

    "Orlando is definitely a contending team," Alston said. "There's plenty of trades in this league where you can maybe go from a great situation to a bad situation. I'm thankful the Magic wanted me."

    Still, Alston thought he finally had found a home in Houston after three previous NBA stops. His three-plus seasons represented his longest stay anywhere since his rookie year in 1999.

    Alston was driving home from practice as a Rocket on Feb. 20, feeling he had beaten the trade deadline. Hours later, he was a member of the Magic.

    "That's the NBA for you. I didn't want to leave Houston," he said. "It's going to exciting to see those guys. I still text Yao [Ming] and Tracy [McGrady]. ... That's always going to be a special place for me, but I have a job to do."

    Alston has done his job in Orlando, averaging 12.0 points and 5.3 assists.

    It was a trade that actually benefited both teams.

    ...
    [/rquoter]
     
    #1 durvasa, Apr 6, 2009
    Last edited: Apr 6, 2009
  2. djohn2oo8

    djohn2oo8 Member

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    "a contending team"??? Ok brickfer........
     
    #2 djohn2oo8, Apr 6, 2009
  3. aussie rocket

    aussie rocket Member

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    Misleading thread title.

    It implies that he is dissing Rockets as not being a contender when infact he talks about the exciting future for the Rockets and that he still has contact with Yao and Tracy and a love for the organisation.

    Good on you Rafer, thanks for your assistance to the cause during your tenure.
     
    #3 aussie rocket, Apr 6, 2009
  4. YugoRocketsFan

    YugoRocketsFan Rookie

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    Im going to game tommorow, and I am gonna boo rafer and have a sign that makes fun of his shooting.
     
    #4 YugoRocketsFan, Apr 6, 2009
  5. durvasa

    durvasa Member

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    The title of the article was, "Orlando Magic point guard Rafer Alston grateful to be with contender." Sorry I accidentally typed in the wrong preposition.
     
    #5 durvasa, Apr 6, 2009
  6. Artesticles

    Artesticles Member

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    Alston better hope his team doesn't play Detroit in the first round. Otherwise, they should advance at least a round, but probably no further (unless they nab the 2 seed away from Boston).
     
    #6 Artesticles, Apr 6, 2009
  7. 1individual

    1individual Member

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    Why would you do such a thing? He tried his best in Houston and after all his effort you're gonna diss him out? Come on. Get real.
     
    #7 1individual, Apr 6, 2009
  8. Rocketman2000

    Rocketman2000 Member

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    That was classy of Rafer to compliment Houston as he did.
     
    #8 Rocketman2000, Apr 6, 2009
  9. durvasa

    durvasa Member

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    Why don't you cheer for the Rockets instead? I'm sure players on both sides would appreciate that more.
     
    #9 durvasa, Apr 6, 2009
  10. YugoRocketsFan

    YugoRocketsFan Rookie

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    The 1st amendment allows me to say Rafer sucks, therefore let the Rafer-hating begin.
     
    #10 YugoRocketsFan, Apr 6, 2009
  11. napalm06

    napalm06 Huge Flopping Fan

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    We are sports fans - there are no laws to hide behind here.
     
    #11 napalm06, Apr 6, 2009
  12. YugoRocketsFan

    YugoRocketsFan Rookie

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    This is what I am talking about. No weak pacifist comments.
     
    #12 YugoRocketsFan, Apr 6, 2009
  13. napalm06

    napalm06 Huge Flopping Fan

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    That being said I wouldn't boo Alston. :D
     
    #13 napalm06, Apr 6, 2009
  14. tiger0330

    tiger0330 Member

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    If the Houston fans have any class they should give Rafer an ovation when he's introduced.
     
    #14 tiger0330, Apr 6, 2009
  15. BaiHua

    BaiHua Member

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    #15 BaiHua, Apr 6, 2009
  16. orbb

    orbb Member

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    yes sir! you have every right to be a rabid @hole
     
    #16 orbb, Apr 6, 2009
  17. Dr of Dunk

    Dr of Dunk Clutch Crew

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    Honestly, what the hell did Rafer do to get boos here? You can think the guy didn't cut it as a PG, but it's not like he's a Charles Barkley talking crap about the team afterwards or a Scottie Pippen who quit on the team. The guy tried doing his job. I hope he does well... and his team loses to us.
     
    #17 Dr of Dunk, Apr 6, 2009
  18. djohn2oo8

    djohn2oo8 Member

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    Actually, Rafer might have a career night
     
    #18 djohn2oo8, Apr 6, 2009
  19. ima_drummer2k

    ima_drummer2k Member

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    Huh? Why would Rafer taunt Tracy in the locker room?

    :confused:

    And why would you boo Rafer? He didn't say anything bad about the team, the city, or the fans. Quite the contrary, actually.

    I don't feel the need for an Otis Thorpe-like standing ovation or anything, but why the hell would you boo him??
     
    #19 ima_drummer2k, Apr 6, 2009
  20. Codman

    Codman Member

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    Good for Rafer...he tried his best in Houston. It just wasn't enough for our team. He seems to be doing allright in Orlando.
     
    #20 Codman, Apr 6, 2009
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