Man this is horrible, everybody here in South Florida absolutely loved Skip, he was a huge fan favorite. I can't blame him for going to Toronto though, he did say money wasn't important but "job security" was and the Raptors offered him a 6 year 29 million dollar deal as opposed to the Heat's probably 1 year 2.5 million dollar offer. A Vince Carter / Rafer Alston back court is going to be deadly, i'm just really sorry that it wasn't going to be a D-Wade / Skip back court. Now that Skip is definitely not returning, it was a HUGE mistake not to take Jameer Nelson. If Skip returned we could have made do, but now we have no backup PG whatsoever and Jameer Nelson would have been perfect. It's a sad day for Heat fans <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Rafer Alston, whose transformation from a street-ball legend to a playoff point guard with Miami proved one of the season's more uplifting stories, has reached a verbal agreement with the Toronto Raptors on a six-year deal believed to be worth $29 million, league sources told ESPN.com. After stints with Milwaukee and Toronto, Alston broke through with the Heat, averaging 10.2 points and nearly five assists per game while shooting a healthy 37.1 percent from 3-point range. Miami had hoped to re-sign the guard widely known as Skip To My Lou for his role in the And1 Mix Tape series, but the Heat was reportedly hoping to split its $5 million mid-level exception between Alston and a power player such as Boston's Mark Blount.</div> More here.
It's not good that he left, but I feel that we can still do well without Skip. I really don't know who's going to be backup PG now, maybe Dorell Wright will have to play multiple positions. Or maybe we can find one from waivers, freeagent etc.... even though we don't have much cap room. I still think Dorell Wright is a better choice in the future.
wow I'm surprised Miami just let Skip walk like that...he was a huge part of their late-season resurgence, so does this mean that the Raptors are no longer interested in Derek Fisher? I'm sure they wouldnt pay that kind of money for a backup, would they?
This was a huge hit to the Heat, having Skip as insurance off the bench was a huge part of the growth of D.Wade last season. Having Skip to come in the game & allowing Wade to move over to the two allowed Wade to be able to balance his scoring with his play making. When Skip was in the game he culd focus more on his scoring because Wade knewe Skip can make plays for others. And Skip really step up during the times Wade sat out due to injury. I suggest the Heat go after Damon Jones or maybe bring back Mike James, with his time spent a the Celtics starting PG and then helpng the Pistons win the championship the 2nd half of last year. He has had alot of growth in just the one season since leaving the Heat.
I think we should go for Damon Jones. He has proven he can play the point, just as long as the Bucks don't resign him. He did a good job with the Bucks, racking up assists and points.
Skipping To Toronto I hate to see Skip leave but there is NO WAY the Heat could of matched that deal. The Heat need a backup point guard in a hurry! Pat Riley does have a good reputation for finding good point guards. So hopefully he'll find another one. Its ironic that Toronto is the team thats giving that much money. They didnt even want him a year ago!
Well Toronto wanted him, but apparently Glen Grunwald, who no longer is our GM, preffered Milt Palacio. Rafer is not making a lot, its his contract length that I'm concerned with. He'll make an average of 4.83 a year, which is lower than the Mid-Level exception. The most he'll make in a season is just over 5 Million so its not a biggy. Like I said the contract length scares me, but oh well consider this a bargain, since guys like Foyle and Okur get 8 Mill a year
Does anyone here think that Skip has the skills to be a full time starting point guard in the league?
If Rafer doesn't start the signing is worse than it is. You don't give a reserve a 6 year contract and that kind of money. He did very good when Wade was out so I think he can be a good full time starting PG. I'm hoping for 10 and 7 a night from, plus the tempo he brings to the game to go with his swagger.
It's not that much money they're giving him. Under 5 million a year. That isn't a whole lot. You guys see the Warriors signing Adonal Foyle for 8 mil a year??!! WHAT HAS HE DONE? And Memet Okur on the Jazz for 8 mil? Seriously...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Mr.Wade:</div><div class="quote_post">It's not that much money they're giving him. Under 5 million a year. That isn't a whole lot. You guys see the Warriors signing Adonal Foyle for 8 mil a year??!! WHAT HAS HE DONE? And Memet Okur on the Jazz for 8 mil? Seriously...</div> great signing for the raps ,, they lacked a good pg , i think they'll move williams too the 2 and alston will take the pg spot ... with vince , marshall and bosh up front
Who knows if Alvin can play, all the pain killers and stuff wow they're catching up with him now. He's probably sitting all summer to rest. He's goign to be even worse next year... didn't you froget about Rose and Arajuo though?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Tripl3:</div><div class="quote_post">wow I'm surprised Miami just let Skip walk like that...he was a huge part of their late-season resurgence, so does this mean that the Raptors are no longer interested in Derek Fisher? I'm sure they wouldnt pay that kind of money for a backup, would they?</div> Fisher has a desire to start. He is probably gonna end up in Houston. I hope he goes where Shaq goes.
