Can Rafer Alston Work Some Magic for Orlando?

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Ah the trade deadline. Amar'e Stoudemire, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson. Oh wait. No, no, none of those guys were traded. It was Rafer Alston, who hopped on a plane and gladly had his butt shipped out of Houston, and headed to Orlando, where he now plays alongside superstar Dwight Howard, sharp-shooter Rashard Lewis, and lengthy Hedo Turkoglu.

Could it have been the best move? Listen to this Yahoo! sports video as Kenny Smith, TNT NBA analyst, says it was, yes, the BEST move on Thursday.

Of course, I do have to agree with Smith. While Rafer Alston does not bring the fire Jameer Nelson does, he can get them to the championship filling in for the injured Nelson. Also, not only does Alston bring talent to Orlando, but he makes it easier for Nelson.

Nelson who, before the deadline, had to decide whether to risk his career for a possible championship, or throw away Orlando's so far successful season and have surgery to come back next year. He makes it easier for Jammer. Meaning because, now Nelson doesn't have to decide. Anyone who has half a brain would now know that the Magic are back, and that Nelson doesn't need to risk his career for the Magic to get a desired championship.

Alston is averaging 11.3 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game, along with 2.9 rebounds per game. The Magic currently have a 40-14 record, and are only a mere three games back from first place in the Eastern Conference after their recent win over the lowly Charlotte Bobcats. They play today against Miami at 5:30 (ESPN) as Alston plays in his second game in the blue and white Magic uniform.

The question is:

Yes, it's a possibility that they will make the championship, and if they get to the promised land, why couldn't they win the whole thing? But, would they have a better chance of getting to the promised land as I said, with Alston, or now-star guard Jameer Nelson?

Hmmm...well, let's look at the numbers.

Alston is averaging 11.9, 5.4 assists per game, and 2.9 rebounds per game. He also has an efficiency rating of 11.88.

Nelson is averaging 16.7 points per game, 5.4 assists per game, and 3.5 rebounds per game. His own efficiency rating sits at 18.31.

Obviously, as you can see, Nelson has the undeniably better numbers. Then again, Rafer Alston has the playoff experience, playing for the Rockets from 2005-06 to the 2009 trade deadline (Thursday).

Of course, (doing a little pros and cons here) Nelson needs almost two less minutes EACH game to accomplish these numbers, which can be a huge factor come playoff time. He also destroys Alston in the field goal percentage category, as well as three-point field goal percentage. And, (the deciding factor) for the first half of the season, he played on the much better team, with much better players.

Meaning, he had to work much harder, and had to be THAT MUCH better to achieve those numbers you see above.

So yes, the Magic would have a better chance with Nelson. That's not knocking Rafer Alston either.

What's your take on this topic?

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