Magic acquire Rafer Alston

The biggest deal at the NBA's trade deadline? Orlando my have solved its point guard problem.

While Jameer Nelson underwent surgery on his shoulder by famed surgeon Dr. James Andrew of Birmingham, Ala., Orlando acquired point guard Rafer Alston from Houston in a three-team deal. The Magic gave up Brian Cook, Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks and a first round pick.

But considering where it appeared this season was going, it all seems worth it for security at the point.

It has been clear since Nelson's injury that Anthony Johnson is just not meant to be a starting point guard. He does not have the ability to knife his way through defenses like Nelson could and he has been exposed. Not that he isa bad player, but his talents better suit him for a role off the bench.

Alston has been a reliable starter for a playoff team for the past two seasons.

More importantly, I really think he fits the Magic well. He is a great 3-point shooter and can attack the basket -- something he did often in his And1 days as "Skip to My Lou". Also not a horrible defender either.

This was a necessary deal for the Magic to reach their goals in the playoffs, namely get out of the first round.

I expect Alston to integrate into the team very quickly and be a key contributor down the stretch. This is not to say that Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu are not going to have to step up their games. Alston is not going to produce at the level Nelson was. But this trade insures the Magic have a starting point guard for the rest of this season.

The big topic of discussion this trade deadline has been how teams have cut costs. This was not a cost-cutting move for sure. Alston has another year left on his deal. But he should still figure to contribute next season.

I am beginning to think that Turkoglu will not opt out of his contract in fear that he cannot get as much as he would make. But this trade hampers Orlando's efforts to re-sign him. It will be interesting to see how this plays out this summer.