ROCKETS, RAPS SWAP GUARDS
The Houston Rockets acquired guard Rafer Alston from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for guard Mike James.
What does it give the Houston Rockets
A likely starting point guard, albeit one with character issues. Heading
into training camp the only missing puzzle piece in the Rockets'
starting five was at the point, where a cast of thousands--all not
ideal--looked to compete for the top job. Now Alston will probably step
right in and join Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Stromile Swift, and maybe
Derek Anderson to form one of the Western Conference's most talented
opening lineups.
What does it give the Toronto Raptors
More salary cap breathing room, the end of a headache, and a journeyman
who isn't as good as Alston. The biggest incentive for Toronto in this
deal was getting rid of the final five years on Alston's six-year, $27
Million deal and replacing it with James' two years and $7.1 Million.
James won't make Toronto better in a basketball sense, and while he's a
less volatile personality than Alston, one never knows how a player will
respond to coach Sam Mitchell's confrontational style. Expect the club
to now lean towards a platoon at the point between James and rookie Jose
Calderon.
Fantasy impact
