Rafer Jamel Alston or better known Rafer Alston was born July 24, 1976 in Jamaica, Queens, New York City, New York. Rafer Alston is an American professional basketball player.
Rafer Alston grew up in Jamaica Queens, New York and was called one of the best streetball basketball players of all time. He is referred to by his streetball nickname "Skip to My Lou."
Rafer Alston played basketball under coach Gregory Adams at St. Jerome School in Bronx, New York.
Rafer Alston played college basketball for 3 seasons: for Ventura College (1994/95, 1 season), then for Fresno City College (1996/97, 1 season; in the 1995/96 season he was redshirted at FCC) — both community colleges in California, and finishing at Fresno State (1997/98, 1 season).
Rafer Alston struggled early in his NBA career, but successfully transitioned from streetball to the professional game. After sitting on the bench for most of the time he was with the Milwaukee Bucks, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors. Following a tumultuous tenure with the Raptors, he emerged as a starter for the Miami Heat in 2004. He did not disappoint, averaging 12 points and 4 assists on a young Miami team, led by rookie guard Dwyane Wade, that made it to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the NBA Playoffs. During that season, in a March 26 game against the Dallas Mavericks, he hit a game-winning shot in overtime with 0.5 seconds left over the outstretched arms of Shawn Bradley to catapult Miami to a 119-118 victory. He would again sign with the Toronto Raptors during the summer of 2004, yet his career did not blossom in Toronto the way he hoped.
Rafer Alston was traded to the Houston Rockets for guard Mike James on October 4, 2005. Although Alston frequently was criticized for his attitude while in Toronto, it is believed that Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy conferred with his brother, Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy, who coached Alston during the 2003–04 NBA season, about Alston's work ethic and attitude. Jeff Van Gundy's reputation for toughness and his ability to get the most out of players previously considered "trouble-makers" or "temperamental" (e.g., Latrell Sprewell) led to optimism on the part of the Rockets' staff. In the 2006–07 season, as the Rockets starting point guard, Alston averaged 13.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He finished the season ninth in steals among all NBA players, fourth in three pointers made, and 23rd in assists. On November 12, 2008, Alston was suspended for two games without pay for his role in a fight after a non-call foul with Matt Barnes and Steve Nash.
Rafer Alston was traded to the Orlando Magic in a three-way deal on February 19, 2009, and replaced the injured Jameer Nelson in the team's starting lineup. On April 30, 2009, Alston helped the Orlando Magic defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 4-2 in a best of 7 series in the NBA Playoffs first round. Alston had 21 points to go along with 10 assists. The Magic then defeated the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
On June 25, 2009, he was traded to the New Jersey Nets along with Tony Battie and Courtney Lee in exchange for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson. He had his first triple double as a member of the New Jersey Nets in 2009-2010. On January 5, 2010 he was released by the Nets in hopes of letting him play for a contender.
On January 7, 2010, Rafer Alston cleared waivers and signed with the Miami Heat for the second time. After starting 25 games for Miami, he was suspended indefinitely on March 6, 2010, for missing a practice and a game.
On March 13, 2010, the Miami Heat upgraded his suspension for the remainder of the season.. Rafer Alston is considering retirement.
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