Raptors Suspend Alston

Toronto point guard Rafer Alston has been handed a two-game suspension for "conduct detrimental to the team."

Toronto officials were quiet about the incident that is speculated to have occurred during a practice today.

"There's rules and certain things that we have to follow and a certain code of conduct and professionalism that we're not going to expect but demand," said head coach Sam Mitchell, who added that Alston needed better control of his temper. "It would be helpful for him as far as furthering his career and being the player he has the talent to be.

"His passion is a strength but sometimes it can be a weakness. You have to learn to control your emotions." Alston is averaging 14 points and 7.1 assists per contest for the Raptors this season.

Via The Toronto Star

Toronto Raptors

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Rose Blossoms Again in Raptors Win

Jalen Rose had another late-game explosion, scoring 14 of his 22 points in the fourth period as the Raptors beat the Charlotte Bobcats, 103-92.

Rose is crediting his outbursts to a Toronto radio personality who said Raptors general manager Rob Babcock "would be the GM of the year if he could find a way to trade Jalen Rose."

"That kind of sparked me to go out and play and play with a chip on my shoulder and have some fun regardless of what happens," said Rose.

Morris Peterson also threw in 26 points. Chris Bosh had 21 points and eight rebounds for the Raptors, who have won 10 of their last 11 games at the Air Canada Centre.

Rose has been looking like the go-to-guy Toronto thought they were getting when they traded for him. He's passing well, making shots, and inspiring the crowd.

"Jalen is going to be Jalen, he's always going to talk about starting and I understand that," said Raptors coach Sam Mitchell. "But his role with us in the last 14 or 15 games, the way he has been playing and the firepower that he gives us coming off the bench . . .

Via SLAM!

Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Bobcats

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Isiah Remains Interested In Jalen Rose

According to the New York Post, Isiah Thomas still has interest in acquiring Jalen Rose from the Toronto Raptors. Any deal would likely involve Penny Hardaway.

"Growing up from inner-city Detroit, I would just hope guys like Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird would even know my name," Rose said before his explosive performance. "These are people who've been influential in my life on and off the court. It's been a blessing."

Rose has three years left on his pact, and forward Donyell Marshall is also on the block with Thomas looking to acquire both with a package including Kurt Thomas and Penny Hardaway, the New York Daily News is reporting.

The Daily News reports that Thomas and Raptors GM Rob Babcock spoke Wednesday in an attempt to hammer out a deal.

Via NY Post

New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors

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