What do you guys think Francis' potential is as he matures more. Will he stay the same as he is now or will he grow into a much better player? Thoughts...
It all depends on how much pressure the coaching staff puts on him to improve. He has a lot of pride and really wants to make the playoffs but he needs someone to show him how it is done. A vet. point to back him up would be great for that since the staff doesn't seem to be getting it done. He drives into bad spots a lot, I think he might be trying to pick up fouls but he's not going to get those calls when it looks like he's streetballing. Most of his turnovers come from these kinds of plays so that would help his numbers there too. He already puts up numbers to rival J.Kidd and could be better if he'd just take those open shots instead of driving into the paint.
InMyOpinion he will reach his prime in 2 years where he will average something like : 20ppg 8aps 5rpg 1.5spg *3to* with 48%fg 39%3pt 82%ft (if he stays a Point Guard) and 22ppg 4apg 6rpg 2spg 2to with 48% 40% 82% (If he moves to SG) so, I guess he still has just a bit of potential left. But that potential won't be shown particularly in 'stats' with the emergance of Yao.
He will never be as good as Jason Kidd right now. But I think he can be as good as Baron Davis was last season. This will occur within the next 3 seasons. He will remain as one of the top 3 point guards in the NBA until he retires. He will improve every season... He just needs to get it...needs a system...needs to change...but not too much...needs guidance...a mentor. He still has a lot of potential to become a great star.
This is his 4th yr in the league STARTING and we're talking about his potential? If he was on the bench and playing limited minutes, we could think about his potential, but what you see is what you get. The only way Francis improves is mentally.
It's not so much <B>how much he WILL improve</B> but <B>how much he SHOULD improve</B>. The reason I say this is because, great players are great because they work on their game. They work hard during the summer trying to improve on their game. Francis was given the max meaning that the Houston organization expects more out of Francis then any other player on the team. Francis can and most likely will improve but it is more about his willingness to work on his game. Jordan didn't become arguably the most dominating player of all time just because he shaved his head and signed contracts with Gatorade and Nike. Jordan worked hard during the off-season and willed himself to be the best. Players like Kobe and Tmac have incredible talent but it is their willingness to be the best by working hard on their game, which makes them succeed. If Francis works on his game during the summer not only physically but mentally I think he could become the point guard the Rockets are looking for or he could mold himself into a shooting guard. Whatever the case, its about his willingness to improve on his game this summer.
I definitely think he will improve, but how much can't be determined yet. The guy has an out of this world work ethic. He spends a lot of time working on his game. I think it depends on how the offensive system is adjusted and what position he ends up playing next year and the years after that. A lot also depends on his teammates and how much they improve, or what new ones are brought in. He will improve it's just a matter of whether it's a lot or a little.
Well yeah, he's already got the total game physically. He can jump out of the roof and blows by people like they were high school kids. Since you can't do much better physically mentally would pretty much be the only way he improves.
Is there a way to work on the non-physical part of your game? Any ideas? What exercises can one do? I know watching tapes doesn't help me learn. What advice could we give? The only thing I can say is that great players make other players better. Dominique Wilkens and Alex English were good players and stars of their team, but I wouldn't call them great players. Some players, schooled in the game, knew this as rookies (Magic and Bird), some learned over time (Hakeem, Jordan). I still have the faith that Steve will learn.
Mike was avg 28 as a rookie. 22 as an injured 2nd yr player and 30 + his 3rd yr. How can you say he wasn't really good by his 3rd yr? Add to the fact that Jordan never missed the playoffs. EVER. Francis is more fast than quick. Thats one of the reason he has problems with Tony Parker,earl Boykins and Steve Nash's of the worlds. Francis is a good player, but nothing special. Say what you want, but special players at least make the playopffs no matter wha conference their in. Dominique in his prime never missed the playoffs and neither did alex english.
Wrong! You missed the last two seasons huh? (i know you don't want to count them but they're in the books) Am I wrong in this? When did anybody other than fans ever compare SF to MJ? I also feel he has a couple years to go yet before he is in his PRIME. PG is harder than SG to learn by the way. And when no one has any idea what offense we are trying to run that just multiplies the task. The West is tougher now than it has probably ever been, so making the playoffs will be just a little bit harder than giving a good speech or saying get it done. I'm disappointed in the season too but understand that building a contender takes a little time and that Rocket's management isn't helping. In the last two years: We've added a new rookie center, and new SF who didn't play much over the OLD guy, a new rookie PF. Those are the moves that I agree with. Otherwise we've jumped head first into salary cap hell with Cato, Taylor, Norris, Rice etc. Mobley did us a favor with his deal but its too little too late. The only crappy contract that will run out before people here are boycotting games is Rice's, maybe. We can't go after top free agents and would they really want to play in this offense anyway? BTW I'm of the opinion that we were a nice tool for webber to see how much sac's management loved him. Since the Dream left town we've been a middle talent attraction. Maybe a couple older guys will come to town and show the kids and how its done but that probably be next season and they won't be wearing Rockets uni's.
I think we will see Francis' potential realized when he moves to the 2 guard position. That's where his strength's (scoring, penetrating, rebounding) will be maximized and his weaknesses (defending 'quicker' PGs, turnovers, assists) will be minimized. Francis is a decent "PG" but can be a GOOD SG in this league. Especially if the Rockets surround him with role players that augment his game.
