Ming and Francis, as Francis is the more explosive player compared to Nash. Not as experienced, but all-around a better player. If you are looking for "slow and steady" to win the race, Nash is probably the steadier player for now. As for the future and an explosive duo, Francis and Ming has it won, hands down, assuming they learn to play well together.
I saw Nash played before... he's pretty clutch guy~~ and he'll always find the open men....... he's an ideal team-mate for anyone.. especially big-men...... francis is more of a shoot 1st, pass second type of guard... he's one of the players i hate the most in the league..
Hey guest..........erh Troll If you new anything about Francis you would know that Rudy often had to beg Francis to shoot more, during his first two years. If you hate Francis so bad then why are you visiting a Rox board.
Why do you say Steve is a shoot first, pass second type of player? Don't just make a statement like that and then not back it up with fact! I watch almost every Rockets game and I tell you that you don't know what you are talking about. BTW, I am not knocking your selection of Nash as the better point guard with Ming (I don't agree with it but I do understand why some people would pick Nash) since I happen to think that Nash is an awesome point guard. But to say that Steve is a shoot first point guard implies that you do not watch the Rockets play.
Nash was a below average to average player for his 1st 5yrs. in the league. What great big man has Nash played with? Wang, Bradley, or LaFrenz . Nash is a worst defender than Francis and only chews out scruby teammates like Bradley when his boy Nowitski gets burnt on D just as often if not more than anyother player on the team w/ the exceptiom of Nash himself. The only thing Nash can do better than Steve is shoot. Steve's younger, more explosive, and a better scorer.
Besides, Yao likes the concept of playing with Steve (Francis) because Steve's actually famous and Steve (Nash) is unheard of in China. How many commercials with Nash in them do you think Yao has learned all the words to? He has with Francis, if for no other reasons than respect and admiration.
Nash is a complete basketball player. When he first came into the league he wasn't like that. He wanted to be the "perfect point guard, like John Stockton and pass the ball ALL the time" (his words, not mine, to Don Nelson). But Don asked Nash to "look for his shot" more. After that, his career took off. His 2nd season WITH THE Mavericks was the year for him. Francis, is a gifted athlete. He has an unstoppable jumpshot, good freethrow shooting (could be better), can rebound, and passes well. Not a bad dunker either. Francis is NOT a complete basketball player like Nash, yet. Francis hasn't learned the power of the cross-over yet. He rather dribble between his legs and look "cool" than use the simple, less flashy single-crossover. He hasn't learned to use his left hand for ball handling or layups, either. Francis has a way to go. Nash has pretty much gotten all he can out of his physical abilities. Francis on the other hand can improve greatly. Remember, Nash is going on his 7th year in the league. Francis is going on his 4th year. When Nash came in the league he made no impact on the league. Francis made co-rookie of the year. So, Francis's upside is sooo much greater. I'm just waiting for him to "learn the game." "Learning the game" doesn't mean trying to dunk every time down court, either. So, I'd rather have Francis and Ming. His upside is greater.
Steve is NOT a shoot first guard. It has been a complaint of mine since he's come into the league. He has passed up too many shots looking for the assist. Guest, who have you been watching? Nash is a nice player but nowhere near the skills of Francis. We've yet to see the best from the Franchise. The biggest question mark on this team will be to see how Francis and Mobley accept Yao Ming. If they are willing to share the spotlight (because it will be shining brightly on our new star), this team can be a championship contender.
I would take Francis over Nash any day. The only reason that Nash averages more assists then the Franchise is because Nash has Dirk, Finley, and Lafrentz to dish off to every game. The Rockets mostly run isos, so that hurts Francis's assists total. Francis is a much better scorer and rebounder.
