Link Wow I wonder what made Rafer decide to go back to Toronto.Probally because they gave him a big contract instead of the Heats maybe 5 million offer. He will help the Raptors out at the PG spot where they dont have any dept,he will probally start over Alvin Williams.
wow, im pretty surprised at this. it is a big contract and he did say he hoped to stay in toronto for a few more seasons in the And1 mixtape tour when they were playing in toronto. so i guess this means were not gonna get hudson or fisher.
^I've said this many times, Hudson is supposed to stay in Minnesota or Utah, and Fisher is interested in Houston, we didn't have a chance in getting them. Great to see that we have a point guard, Rafer is a fan favorite here and will be welcomed warmly by the fans. The contract is a little big though, but he can bring some energy as a starter or off the bench for Alvin.
I am extremely happy that he has decided to come back to Toronto. It seems like his shooting has improved since he left and I have no doubt that he can be the distributing point guard we have seen in the past. I'm actually excited about the Raptors squad next season: PG- Rafer Alston SG- Vince Carter SF- Jalen Rose PF- Chris Bosh C- Rafael Araujo It is good to be a Raptors fan....for now.
He's definitely worth approx. 4.9 mil per season that the Raptors are going to pay him over the next 6 years. Raptors likely tried to lure Troy Hudson but obviously it did not work out.. I'm happy though, I wanted Rafer Alston to sign with the Raps and according to Sam Mitchell's desire to make his players "run", Alston should be a great fit with his quickness, speed and passing ability along with his 3 point shooting touch. Here's the projected lineup for 04-05 Season: C: Rafael Araujo / Pope Sow / Jerome Moiso PF: Chris Bosh / Donyell Marshall / Jerome Moiso SF: Vince Carter / Donyell Marshall (?) SG: Jalen Rose / Mo Pete (If resigned) / Roger Mason Jr. PG: Rafer Alston / Alvin Williams
pretty happy bout this. i was hoping for hudson, but rafer was the next best bet available. looking back at the season he had...him and alvin sharing time in the back court locks down our pg spot nicely works out to about 4.8 mil a year. seems like a pretty reasonable price to me. im sure thats the going rate for a decent point guard
He's gotta play like he played with us, not like he played last season in Miami, thats all I have to say about him, good addition, hope we can get a cheap big man still, Steven Hunter anyone?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting og15:</div><div class="quote_post">He's gotta play like he played with us, not like he played last season in Miami, thats all I have to say about him, good addition, hope we can get a cheap big man still, Steven Hunter anyone?</div> what? he played way better with miami...he hit shots. thats not like he played with toronto. he was REALLY streaky with shooting when he was a raptor
Yes, but his passing was nothing to be please about, we aren't getting him as a scorer, I want him as a distributor, his assists numbers in Miami were not good, that's what I was relating it too, shooting was good, still streaky, and bad decisions at times, but good.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting og15:</div><div class="quote_post">Yes, but his passing was nothing to be please about, we aren't getting him as a scorer, I want him as a distributor, his assists numbers in Miami were not good, that's what I was relating it too, shooting was good, still streaky, and bad decisions at times, but good.</div> he can pass. and look at the players he got around him, vince, jalen and bosh!? im sure he's thinkin about career highs in assists and apg, not scoring. :thumbsup:
Good for the Raptors. Finally got themselves a point guard. Who knows, could be a pretty good team next year. Always possible.
^ Assuming that Vince doesn't leave...which he probably won't. And yes, thank God we at least got Skip. I don't think we had a chance at getting Hudson (although the management still tried) so we still got something good. I personally thought the Raps would become stuck in a hole again and sign some crappy pg...good move Babcock.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dj_premium_plus:</div><div class="quote_post">he can pass. and look at the players he got around him, vince, jalen and bosh!? im sure he's thinkin about career highs in assists and apg, not scoring. :thumbsup:</div> Yea I know he can, just saying I hope he knows his role and doesn't chuck up wild three's. So who's the SG? Rose or Carter, I'd rather have Carter at the 2, but Rose is weak, is he better at the 3?
I kinda have mixed emotions right now because I'm happy we got Rafer back, but man, that contract $29 million for 6 years seems a little too crazy for a guy who only really had one good season. Plus he's turning 28 this month so that means we'll have him till he's 34. I guess I can't blame Babcock for doing it though. It seems like everyone's getting huge contracts this off-season so he just wanted to make sure we can get one of the big name FA pgs. Oh well, now I can't wait to see Alston play alongside Vince, Bosh and Jalen next season.
Nothing is wrong with having players that are 25 and over.... one big example who is having a career year during his 30z is Sam Cassell.... Really happy Alston is coming back to Toronto...
this was the second best point guard on the market, too bad grunwald didn't sign him cheaper last year for a long term contract when his value wasn't so high.
This was a great signing for the Toronto Raptors...you can't help but feel happy for Skip...Streetball,NBA,Streetball,NBA...then he gets this huge contract He better play good and show he earned this contract.
The *Heck* with Hudson, he didn't want to be with the Raps. We got someone who's happy to play here. He can also run on the fastbreak, shoot the 3, and pass. I could just imagine it, Rafer breakin down the D with his cross-over, kicks it out to the far right to Donyell...(insert Chucks high pitched voice here) 3!!! Well anyways, yeah he did have one good season. But he will most likely have another with Sam coaching the team. Btw, do we have anyone on our team thats older then Sam Mitchell?
