Raptors waive two

TORONTO, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Center Greg Foster and guard Jermaine Jackson Tuesday were roster casualties in Toronto.

The Toronto Raptors waived the pair, and will sign guard Rafer Alston and forward Art Long to 10-day contracts on Wednesday.

Foster and Jackson were signed to replace injured players after the Raptors were granted roster exemptions by the NBA under the special hardship rule. On numerous occasions this season, Toronto has dressed as few as eight players because of injuries.

Foster was signed on Nov. 6 and played in 28 games, starting nine. The 12-year veteran averaged 4.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 19 minutes per contest.

Jackson was signed on Nov. 20 and saw action in 24 games, averaging 2.8 points and 1.6 assists in just under 12 minutes per game. He attended the Raptors' training camp, but was released on Oct. 25.

The 6-2 Alston had been playing in the NBA Developmental League with the Mobile Revelers, where he averaged 15.8 points and 9.7 assists in six games. He also played in six exhibition games with the Golden State Warriors before being released.

Alston, a second-round draft choice by Milwaukee in 1998, averaged 2.8 points and 2.5 assists in 114 career games with the Bucks.

Long began the season with Philadelphia and was traded to the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 18, but was waived two days later. He averaged 2.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 19 games for the 76ers.

The 6-9 Long has averaged 3.6 points and 3.1 rebounds in 91 career games with the Sacramento Kings, Seattle Sonics and 76ers.