Rafer Alston joins Orlando Magic in win over Bobcats

Rafer Alston said his family can't wait to see "Mickey" -- as in Mickey Mouse --- after he settles in Orlando.

[NoFish]

Rafer Alston has saved the Magic's season. You heard it here first folks. Nice to see the Magic on the right side of a trade for once.

[Austin]

Great showing from Rafer! His shooting was off a bit, but that's somewhat expected given he's brand new to the team. And it's something I'll take if we get this many assists along with it.

I definitely got a laugh out of the jersey, too. I can't recall ever seeing a game in the NBA with a player not having his name on his jersey. I mean, it's probably happened but I don't remember it. Shoot, even when MJ's jersey was lost one game in his career and he had to wear a different # for the night, they stitched his name on the back in time for the game.

[turdstorm]

pass first pg, 8 ast, 3 stls, 1 to... finally, the type of player you don't mind having a bad shooting night - well, just as long as he keeps the attempts down to 10ish and they're open shots.

[Jon]

Good game Rafer! Need to make some of those layups but the magic looked like the magic again. Thats good to see. Pietrus needs to learn how to land. The guy hurts himself every time he gets in the air.

[turdstorm]

i haven't seen this much ball movement in a long time. like SVG said, at times alston pushed it up faster than the players could keep up. as expected, alston may not shoot so well, but he brings defense (3 stls), handles and passing (8ast, 1TO). This is the best pg you'd ever hope to get w/o giving up one of your core players. Here's to continued success.

[Magic Rocks]

This team might be better now with Skip than with Jameer, He really seems to click with the team, knows how to get the ball to the open man, looks for the hot hand and breaks the defense at ease. Our shooters will have a feast with him and Dwight is going to have fun again, looking forward to the playoffs...

[donald I]

I LIKE THIS BETTER

[Magic Rocks]

Otis has more tricks than Houdin ever had. Great aquisition at a very cheap price. Skip brins intensity, defense and attitude to the team, GO MAGIC

[turdstorm]

yeah, i like pietrus going to the bucket hard, but damn. i also like courntey lee starting over pietrus. i think it gave pietrus a lil piece of humble pie being benched. he wasn't taking nearly as many uncalled for shots

[Snaps]

Alston has the Magic playing good solid pick and roll basketball once again. The life has returned to the team. And now Johnson can go back to being a decent backup.

The thing I was most impressed with was the defense. And Rafer did a good job there as well. His leadership and toughness will be tremendous for this team.

Turkoglu and Rashard have returned to their solid play. Lee starting again is good to see too.

Perhaps the Magic is back. Let's be cautious still. After all this was the Bobcats. But still it's good to see that the excitement is back for the Magic and their fans.

[Jon]

Once he clicks with Howard, that will be a big plus too. You could tell he figured out Lewis and Turk pretty quick but he wasnt quite in sync with Howard. Once that happens, we could be back to where we were a month ago.

[Snaps]

How about a Rafer and Jameer starting guard combo for next season ?

Also now with Pietrus probably out the Magic have to sign another player to their roster soon.

I would try to find a big bruiser type like a Kendrick Perkins.

[Jon]

Skip to my loo on the court, skip to the end of the bench Ty Lue. I like it!

[Snaps]

Magic Rocks wrote:

Otis has more tricks than Houdin ever had. Great aquisition at a very cheap price. Skip brins intensity, defense and attitude to the team, GO MAGIC

You hit the nail on the head. Right on the money. This may truly be a blessing in disguise.

[derek]

Yea, Nelson will always be the better option for the Magic, but I think Skip being a true point guard adds a much needed dynamic to the team. He has alot of HOT games in his career, so it'll be sick to see his first one soon and the Magic can look forward to dominating in the playoffs again!
8AST, 3 STL, 1TO- Alston

[Snaps]

Jon wrote:

Once he clicks with Howard, that will be a big plus too. You could tell he figured out Lewis and Turk pretty quick but he wasnt quite in sync with Howard. Once that happens, we could be back to where we were a month ago.

Right you are Jon. Once he gets in sync with Dwight with the alley oops and such it will be totally off the hook. Also if he continues to get open shots like Jameer did when teams would choose to go underneath on the screens, you know it's just a matter of time before he starts to hit most of them.

[Jon]

Snaps wrote:

How about a Rafer and Jameer starting guard combo for next season ?
Also now with Pietrus probably out the Magic have to sign another player to their roster soon.
I would try to find a big bruiser type like a Kendrick Perkins.

I think they should play that richardson more. Hes got some game, dont know why they dont use him more.

[Snaps]

turdstorm wrote:

yeah, i like pietrus going to the bucket hard, but damn. i also like courntey lee starting over pietrus. i think it gave pietrus a lil piece of humble pie being benched. he wasn't taking nearly as many uncalled for shots

I always liked Pietrus better coming off the bench. He can give the team a spark and provide some energy.

[Jon]

I see Houston beat dallas tonight. I wish them the best. Thanks for Rafer.

[Snaps]

Aaron Brooks tonight for Houston: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists.

It won't be long now before the Houston fans come back in here to let us all know about it.

This trade worked out good for both teams I think. The Magic got what they needed, and so did Houston.