Magic general manager Otis Smith believes that the team can advance all the way to the NBA Finals with Rafer Alston as their point guard.

"I think so," Smith said when asked if Alston could carry his team all the way to the plateau, "because what he does is battle every night. He doesn't allow guys to take a step back. He's 32 years old and his goal is to win a title, too. And we feel like we just gave him a chance to do that."

Smith traded for Alston just minutes before the league's deadline on Feb. 19 after losing All-Star Jameer Nelson to a shoulder injury.