With SF the Rox win a bucket load more than when SF is out. That says a bucketful to me. Rudy's 'system' does not demand or command a traditional point guard, in any regard.
We all know Steve is still the best player on Rockets right now and we'll lose a lot games without him. The point is if he plays like Zeke, Stockton, Kidd, Kevin Johnson etc, we could win a lot more.
Rudy's system is throw it 75% throw it to Cat or SF and ISO, and get a circus shot or bad pass out of it most of the time. SF is a premiere one on one player so of course we're better with SF in there. Too bad that can't beat good teams consistently, esp with legal zones. Francis has to be the WORST pg in the league on the fast break *if* he is not the finisher. If he passes, he looks worse than junior high kids, cause at least some of the junior high kids have fundamental passing skills.
Stevie is more of a shooting guard than a point guard. I think he compares a little more favourably to Joe Dumars. He rebounds well and has the ability to light it up when taking good shots. Still, his defence and self control still can't compare to anyone on those championship teams yet.
Allthough completely true, your annalysis is very lop-sided... There are many ways that Francis is better as well... That's like saying stockton is better because he passes better, has better court awairness, hits his freethrows, and knows how to direct his team. While true, you are only looking at his strengths and only at Francis' weeknesses... I'm not wearing rose colored glass, but I'm not wearing Stevie Wonder's either...
Ooops, I thought the thread was titled "Francis for Isiah" but then I couldn't find Zeke listed in RealGM.
I was comparing Steve and Isiah from a POINT GUARD standpoint. I understand Steve has a lot strengths, MAYBE better than Isiah IF they both play shooting guards, although I doubt it because of his defense. But what he lacks is what a true point guard really needs. How many strengths can you think of Steve as a POINT GUARD compare to Isiah?
