Alston Making Immediate Impact
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Feb 23, 2009
ORLANDO -- When most people start a new job they are usually granted a period of adjustment.
On the first day the organization usually helps you get settled in; you go through a few orientation meetings, watch a company video and get to leave early.
Throughout the rest of your first week, someone shows you the ropes and you slowly learn your company’s way of doing things.
But the Magic have not awarded newly acquired point guard Rafer Alston any such luxury. He’s been thrown straight into the fire.
Without the comfort of a single full practice, Alston has gone from running the court with the Rockets’ Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady to leading the Magic to two straight victories in a 72-hour period.
“I didn’t even think I was going to play,” Alston joked about his first win with the Magic on Friday. “I was in the locker room sitting there thinking I am going to have a relaxing evening and get ready for Sunday. But they were like ‘no; here put this jersey on, you’re going out there.’”
Although it would appear to be a difficult transition, the point guard also known as Skip 2 My Lou has had no problem dealing with the turnaround. After coming off the bench in his first contest with Orlando, Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy didn’t waste any time handing him the keys for the starting offense against Miami.
The 10-year veteran was an instrumental cog to the team’s success as he knocked down two treys and dished out seven assists in the first quarter to help the Magic jump out to any early lead, one they would never relinquish in Sunday’s 122-99 home win over the Heat.
“I thought he was really good early,” Van Gundy said following the game. “He gets the ball up the floor so quickly, and now our other guys are in a jog and then they look and the ball is coming right at them and they take off. I thought he did a great job early setting the tone, getting our pace going, great ball movement.”
The fast-paced brand of basketball Alston likes to play was instantly evident on the court.
“Rafer brings a lot to a team,” All-Star center Dwight Howard said in the locker room. “We can run a little bit more; he did a great job tonight. It was only the second game and I like what he’s doing. Everybody’s a little bit more motivated and we’ve got to keep it up.”
Right after Otis Smith made the trade to acquire Alston, the Magic’s GM said he hoped it would have “trickle down effect” on the rest of the roster.
So far his wish has come true.
Two of the players that have had the toughest time acclimating to life without Jameer Nelson, who went down with a season-ending shoulder injury earlier this month, have been Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.
After failing to reach the 20-point plateau for four straight games and watching his turnover numbers skyrocket, Turkoglu has hit the 20-point mark in both contests since the Orlando’s newest addition has been integrated into the lineup.
Lewis has also seen his numbers jump with Alston on the court, scoring 18 in both games – his highest point totals since Nelson has been absent.
“He’s been playing well,” veteran guard Anthony Johnson said of Alston. “That is the one dynamic he brings to the court night in and night out, his playmaking ability. He is well renowned for his handle and having a ball on a string. His passing with that starting unit is something special.”
Alston’s already making his teammates aware of his quick ball delivery. Right after he arrived he warned Howard to look for the pass as soon as he makes eye contact.
Howard explained he need not worry.
“I got cat-like reflexes,” the All-Star center rebutted. “I am ready for any pass or anything that’s thrown my way.”
While the adjustment to a new team might normally be a difficult process, Alston claims that his time spent playing for Van Gundy in Miami, along with a welcoming group of teammates has made it run much smoother.
“It’s been rather easy for me,” Alston explained. “I am coming to a system that I remember playing for Stan in Miami. I am coming to a group of guys that welcome me and didn’t mind handing the ball over to me and telling me to run the team. I knew that I had to bring my energy, my ability, my game to this team and they knew that was going to help them.”
If this is the type of success that he can generate in a 72-hour whirlwind, just imagine what Skip can do after a full practice under his belt.
