Queens native Rafer Alston is hoping for a homecoming this offseason.
“I’m a free agent. I’m hoping I can play here in New York…the Knicks,” Alston told Zagsblog.com
Alston started last season with the Nets before they traded him to Miami. Alston, who was receiving sporadic playing time, then left the Heat unannounced in early March and was suspended by the club. Alston played 52 games last season between the two teams averaging 8.2 points and 3.4 assists.
The Knicks only have four players under contract and with backup point guard Sergio Rodriguez headed back to Spain, it is a need position for Donnie Walsh and company.
“They do [need a point guard] and I would hope I could be it,” Alston told the website. “I’ll definitely have my agent [Dan Fegan] give them a call, see what’s going on.”
If the Knicks are able to land two max free agents this offseason, they will need to fill in the other roster spots with cheaper options.
“You need the role guys to win,” Alston said. “You get some top-level role guys along with one of those big-name guys, I think they’ll be fine.”
Alston was a playground legend who went by the nickname “Skip To My Lou” before playing 11 NBA seasons with the Bucks, Raptors, Rockets, Magic, Heat and Nets.
“I’m a hometown kid,” Alston said. “I would like to try to have a helping hand in getting them back to the playoffs. It’s something that I would enjoy doing, really getting this city alive again and feeling good about playoff basketball.”