Steve Francis doesn't quite have Westbrook's 'God' like physique. He was athletic, sure, but wasn't any near what Westbrook is and will be for the Rockets.
He looks good. He looks healthy and energetic. Good to see. I had a parent who ultimately died of alcoholism after years of struggle, so I know what it can do to a person. I hope he's able to stay sober, but it will be a lifelong challenge. Based on my observation, the disease can rear its ugly head due simply to boredom or lack of direction, so I am not surprised his unhappiness with the Magic and Knicks started him down the path of addiction. I hope he has positive things in his life that will keep him focused and able to channel his energy into constructive and healthy pursuits.
Steve was selfish and dumb as a box of rocks. Guys like him are all about the highlights and not making the correct plays. You can never win with a guy like Steve Francis. So much talent with a 10 cent brain.
The game favored ball-handling and slashing over shooting at that point. See: Jason Williams, Michael Redd, Corey Maggette, Baron Davis, Stephon Marbury, Andre Miller.
Wow, he looks soooo much better than those partying pics, he finally looks like his former self again.
By the time Francis was in NY his knee was shredded and his athleticism gone. After that he was pretty much toast.
Francis dropped out of high school after his mom died from breast cancer. He lived off food stamps in a small apartment with 15 people. His dad went to federal prison after robbing a bank. Has had a really tough life. Glad he's still fighting. The song for this mix really fits.
By the way, is anyone else surprised by how terrible the footage of Francis playing looks? It's amazing to me how low definition and pixelated it was. It doesn't seem like that long ago.
A Francis led fast break was a disaster waiting to happen. If he didn't score the ball he would probably throw it into the 3rd row.
Glad he’s doing better. One of the most exciting rockets ever. Him crossing iverson in philly and dunking on sabonis were my fav moments of him.
Boy, not me. I loved the JVG era. In a low scoring game, every possession is important and execution and attention to details becomes critical. I have this belief that one can not witness truly great offense unless truly great defense is played first. Back then I had season tickets. I was pretty high up, but with binoculars I could see JVG's pad as he drew up plays in the huddle. Not well enough to see the play, but I could see what side of the court and that sort of stuff. I would tell my friend where the ball was going to go, but it never went there. Never! Finally I figured JVG was drawing up defensive sets, even in our possession time outs! I still have a man crush on that dude.
Steve had heart but he didn't have brain. Crazy watchable athleticism. Fans today would savage him over dribble dribble iso ball. He wasn't the same without cat or a big to bail him out with five seconds left on the clock.
