Skip to main content

Heat point guard Alston suspended indefinitely; retirement possible

T1_0306_alstonmedina.jpg

The Miami Heat have suspended point guard Rafer Alston indefinitely after Alston failed to show up for the team practice on Friday and missed Miami's game against Atlanta on Saturday. According to the Heat, Alston has been in contact with the team via text messages but has not otherwise been available.

An NBA source told SI.com that Alston is considering retirement.

Alston, 33, was signed on Jan. 7 after being released by New Jersey to reinforce Miami's point guard position for the playoffs. He was immediately inserted into the starting lineup and scored in double figures in three of his first five games. However Alston¹s production has steadily declined with the Heat. He was benched for the final three quarters in Miami's win over Golden State on Tuesday and was replaced in the starting lineup by Carlos Arroyo in Thursday's win over the Lakers.

A second-round pick by Milwaukee in the 1998 NBA draft, Alston has averaged 10.1 points and 4.8 assists while playing for six teams in 11 seasons.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.