Comments on: Steve Francis decides on Houston

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:36:16 +0000

John, I normally agree with you (90%+ of the time), but this time I beg to differ. Francis if healthy is still way better than any of the guards on the current roster and can easily be the starter. His style also fits well with Adelman’s offense. He does have some attitude problem at Magic, but I think he was by and large a good citizen in Houston (except the superbowl act). He is fully aware of the fact that this is an M&M team now, so it is reasonable to assume that he is ready to play a good supporting role similar to Finley when he chose to come back to Houston. In the worst case he blow both his knees in training camp and rockets waste 2.5m. Best case he can provide 15-6-5 day in day out, and play a bigger role if one of M&M got injured in regular season. I say it’s a no-brainer!

Regarding your statement that “Francis if healthy is still way better than any of the guards on the current roster,” remember that McGrady is a guard. Francis isn’t better than him, and I think Mike James is better than Francis. Rafer Alston and Francis are probably a tie. So that makes Francis tied for third. I still think it’s a risk worth taking, but Francis will have to prove he is much more mature in his game (cut down on the turnovers, better shot selection, don’t dribble so much trying to play one-on-one).

By: Soap

Soap — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:00:56 +0000

I am not excited about SF’s return as some other people. He looked like a damaged goods in Knicks’ uniform. If he is to be a factor in the team’s run to the championship, he has to be extremely motivated. He has to work hard, and be coachable and unselfish. No more I-don’t-want-to-fly-with-the-team-because I want to-watch-the-Superbowl stuff.

By: WendyPurba

WendyPurba — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 06:53:57 +0000

John,
I’m with you. I was hoping the last days, that Francis will NOT go to Houston, I just can’t see any room for him in the Rockets line up. It seemes like the erfect composition before Steve’s ego come in. But a cheap Steve Francis was perhaps too much of a temptation for Morey (thank’s to Portland who are actually paying the salary).

I’m worried now, hopefully all the good work by Morey (Scola etc.) were not ruined by this one …

Anyhow, since it has been done anyway, let’s hope the Franchise has really matured, accept his new role, and the Rockets, dare I to say it, repeat the story of the 2006 Heat: Starstudded Team that nds up with Championship

By: kai

kai — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 05:57:04 +0000

I would argue that Francis is way more talented a player than Battier and Mike James. Definitely when comparing Francis to James, Francis is bigger, more athletic, and better at creating than James. James might be considered a better shooter. But don’t forget the Rockets final series against the Lakers, I thought Francis did a tremendous job in that series. Even though we lost. I would like to see Francis start at PG and MJ coming off the bench. If Francis is willing to be the sixth man and come off the bench like Manu does in San Antonio, that would be wonderful.

By: Allen

Allen — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:10:03 +0000

I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said. This move unsettles me, whereas the others thrilled me (sans the coaching change).

Also, are you sure that James will start over Alston? I realize Alston can’t shoot, while James can, but Alston has always had a better turnover to assist ratio, and in many ways was a good point guard. His lack of penetration ability, ability to finish at the rim, and poor streaky shooting are obvious, but also overshadow his ability to pass and run an efficient offense.

I really liked when James was the sixth man. It allowed him to jack up as many shots as he wanted without penalizing the touches for Yao and Tmac (and yes, he is shot happy, that’s why his numbers in Toronto are somewhat inflated).

Thanks for always staying on top of things and keeping us informed.