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The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday they have acquired guard Mike James from the Houston Rockets in exchange for guard Rafer Alston.

James, 6-foot-2, 188 pounds, owns NBA career averages of 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 23.8 minutes in 248 games, splitting time with Miami, Boston, Detroit, Milwaukee and Houston. During the 2004-05 campaign, he averaged 11.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 25.1 minutes in 74 contests with Milwaukee and Houston. He appeared in seven playoff games with the Rockets, averaging 11.6 points, 2.3 assists and 24.4 minutes.

James was acquired by Houston on February 24, 2005 with forward/centre Zendon Hamilton for guard Reece Gaines and two second-round draft picks. While with Houston, he netted career bests of 28 points, including eight triples, February 8 versus Boston. With the Bucks, James registered a career-high 11 assists November 23, 2004 at the Los Angeles Lakers.

Not drafted by an NBA franchise, James spent one season in Austria (1998-99) and two seasons in France (1999-2001) before playing for the Rockford Lightning (CBA) during the 2001-02 campaign. He was signed by Miami on December 18, 2001 and played 92 games for the Heat over the course of the next two seasons, averaging 7.0 points and 2.8 assists. He split time with Boston and Detroit during the 2003-04 campaign.

James, a native of Amityville, New York, attended Duquesne University (Pittsburgh) where he played 111 games for the Dukes, averaging 12.7 points and 2.8 assists.

Alston played 80 games for Toronto during the 2004-05 season, averaging 14.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.48 steals. He signed as a free agent July 14, 2004. Alston also played for the Raptors in 2002-03, averaging 7.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 20.9 minutes in 47 games.

InsideHoops.com Editor's View: Mike James becomes the starting point guard of the Raptors, and Rafer Alston becomes the same for the Rockets. Houston's Bobby Sura just had knee surgery and faces an uphill battle to win the job back from Alston. This is a great chance for Alston to prove himself to doubters, as he'll get to dish the rock to Tracy McGrady, Stromile Swift and Yao Ming. Meanwhile, Mike James gets a clear chance to shine in Toronto. This move is decent for both sides, though Toronto wins if you factor in the contracts of the players. Mike James has a short, low-money deal, while Alston is well-paid for years to come. Getting rid of Alston helps Toronto's cap situation. The ages of the two players is close, as James is just one year younger than Alston.

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