Alston stays away from Heat; team moving forward

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -Suspended Miami Heat point guard Rafer Alston still hasn't contacted the team.

Coach Erik Spoelstra said before Tuesday's game against Charlotte that Alston's lone communication since Friday was through text messaging. Spoelstra wouldn't say if Alston will be released, but said they're “moving forward with the guys we have in this locker room.”

Alston was benched for Thursday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers in favor of Carlos Arroyo. He then failed to show for Saturday's win over Atlanta, and was suspended indefinitely without pay.

Mario Chalmers is the only other true point guard on Miami's roster.

Spoelstra said Jermaine O'Neal should play against the Bobcats after missing the second half of Saturday's game with a sore hip and knee.