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Veteran point guard Rafer Alston has left the New Jersey Nets, but he's not leaving the NBA for very long.Alston and the Nets agreed to a buyout Tuesday that ended his brief stay in New Jersey, allowing him now to sign with a team that could use his experience.
"People know I still have lively legs, and I can still play,'' he told FanHouse Tuesday afternoon. "I don't think I'll be out very long."
Although Alston declined to say where he would play next, league sources said that both he and the Heat are working toward a return to Miami, where he played during the 2003-04 season.
"Miami would be nice. I know the system there, but I'd go any number of places. I just want to get back to work quickly,'' he said. "I can play heavy minutes if someone needs me, or I'd be happy as a backup on a good team.''
Alston, 33, was traded to the Nets this summer in the multi-player deal that sent Vince Carter to Orlando. Alston was the starting point guard for the Magic in the second half of last season and helped them reach the NBA Finals. He was traded away when it became evident that Jameer Nelson would be returning from a shoulder injury to regain his starting role.
"I didn't leave on a bad note at all. This (buyout) worked well for both of us."
- Rafer Alston
on leaving New Jersey Alston is in the last year of his contract paying him $5.25 million. He accepted slightly less to leave the Nets. He is expected to clear waivers Thursday afternoon, and he could sign with a team with salary cap space, or just accept the veteran's minimum of $1.2 million.
In 27 games this season (13 starts), he averaged 9.7 points and 3.9 assists. He shot poorly (34 percent), but he also filled in reasonably well when starter Devin Harris was out. He fell completely out of the rotation recently when Keyon Dooling returned as the backup to Harris.
Earlier this season, though, Alston had his moments. He had 20 points in 19 minutes against Cleveland. He returned to Orlando and recorded his first career triple-double, getting 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against the Magic.
After winning big last season, it wasn't easy playing for the lowly Nets (3-30), who are on course to set a league futility mark.
"There was no clash, or butting of heads in New Jersey. It's a team with a lot of young guys, and a good future,'' he said. "I didn't leave on a bad note at all. This (buyout) worked well for both of us.''
"I'm available to go somewhere,'' he said. "I'll wait for my agent to let me know where. For now, I'll just sit tight and see where I land next.''
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