Now, what if Sura comes back. Is he going to be a backup, or Rafer will be. That's a good problem, but a potential chemistry breaker.
Just a quick thought: With James being more of a SG (2) type of player and Alston more of a pure PG (1) type of player, I wonder if this is the 2 for 1 trade Doc was talking about over the summer. I like the trade in that I feel Alston gives the Rockets the type of playmaker who simply can just run the offense and hit the open three when needed. Also it will allow T-MAC to rest a little more since he will not have to worry about ball handling responsibilities.
Correct me if I am wrong but I thought that particular quote from Sura only took a place only about a week or so ago when his latest surgery was announced? Rox braintrust probably had a number of trade options to mull over the last few weeks and were forced to take action when the news with Sura wasn't good. Perhaps they were upfront with him then about a possible trade (not necessarily this particular one) to see how he would react. It might then have taken a bit longer to finalize the trade than expected, both sides trying to squeeze a better deal, or a different trade partner, whatever - why would Toronto make this trade today when their media day and training camp would be upset as well? Also, we know that trades can take a while - why did Weisbrod hem and haw forever? (Conspiracy theories are good reading anyway.)
Except Ward is gonna be a coach and Vin Baker's contract will be bought out. From this thread http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=102370
I mentioned to a friend that the Rox just traded for Rafer Alston and first words out of his mouth were 'He's a chucker". 39% FG sure seems like that description fits. This trade has upside despite all the question marks about Rafer, PG in the mold of Starbury but can't make FTs and thinks he is a better scorer than he really is. Funny that this should come after JVGs comment about "knuckle heads" because Rafer might fit that description. Feel sorry for MJ who turns out to be a 1/2 season rental whose attitude about winning I never questioned. I hope JVG can pull the Svengali act on Rafer and turn him into the fiery pass first PG that we have been looking for.
He was a starter last season. Does anyone think he'll be one this year, assuming he comes back reasonably healthy? That's a huge deal to a player, especially when you know you left blood on the floor and didn't hold anything back. Now he has DA and Wes to contend with for the two spot, and he's going to be that backup at the one. We didn't get Rafer to come off the bench. Having said that, the more I think about it, the more I like the trade. Damn, a real point, and they're just starting training camp! How sweet is that?
Haven't read the entire thread, so I don't know if this has been posted or not, but CD traded Reece Gaines and 2 second rounders for Mike James and Zendon Hamilton. Then he traded James for Alston. Could you imagine trading Reece Gaines and 2 second rounders for Rafer Alston? That's called highway robbery -- especially when a true PG was a need for the Rockets.
He was a starter, but I always felt it was cuz the Rox had noone else. His talents are more suited for coming off the bench. This move will only move Sura back to the role he should have always been in
Interesting move. I think Rafer can get a little bit too emotional sometimes and when JVG is laying down the law, Skip is going to feel the effects of strong coaching. Just hope Skip can man up and get with the program. I like this deal though, it'll be fun to watch!
I was critical of CD for not doing enough last season to fill out the roster with pieces to surrond T-Mac and Yao but I am pleasantly pleased this year. CD is becoming the Western conference version of Pat Riley.
