How does Steve Francis usually turn the ball over? What are the most common ways he commits turnovers? He was #2 in the league in turnovers per game and #1 in the league in total turnovers. He's also an amazing player averaging 20-6-6 per game. All Star for sure. But is there any way he can reduce the number of turnovers he commits? And what is he doing right now?
Drvies into the middle too much when there isn't much spacing is one of my main propoents in why he has a lot of turnovers.
He has a scorers mentality, with a tendency to pass out of necessity (bail out) rather than to actually setup the shot/pass option. Forcing shots, when they are not there, is what causes these "bail out passes." Unforced turnovers that come from dribbling too much and going nowhere. Sometimes he fakes his opponent, and then fakes right back into coverage. Reliance on his athletic ability, rather than reliance on the mental/and physical aspect of the game in order to setup the score/pass option. Prefers the dunk, rather than a layup off glass, even though a layup (over outstretched defender hands) would have converted a score. Inability to run the fast break, thus holds the ball too long and ends up forcing a bad pass or forcing a shot.
I think this is another example of lies, damned lies and statistics. I see Steve as having many more turnovers than show in the stat collum. He drives into double coverage and throws up a junk shot. Amazingly about 20% go in. Unfortunately the other 80% effectivly become turnovers. Waiting till the clock is running down and passing off to a person taking a low percentage shot is virtually a turnover also. Steve is a huge talent. Once he understands the game, he will be truley one of the greats.
Steve's turnovers and game will improve a lot this year with a full season of Yao and Posey, healthy MT and Rice, a defined role for Cato, and Eddie having another year of maturity. Grungy's O will be more disciplined too...
He's lucky they don't call him for traveling, cuz he would surely lead the league in both turnover categories if that was the case... It amazes me sometimes how good and bad he can be in a stretch of two minutes.
That's a good point because officials do not call traveling or carrying like they used to. Anyone who loves the way players like Iverson and Francis break down their defenders with crossover dribbles need to realize that these players are breaking the rules as they're written every time. It may be pretty which is why the league turns a blind eye to it, but it is also a violation according to current NBA rules.
An astute analysis! Now, do you believe he can be coached out of these tendancies, or, in your opinion, do you think these are like instincts, too engrained?
He needs a guard trainer to work with him on his technique. Last year after he talked to Jordan and Robertson, he started shooting with his left hand in practice. He did shoot free-throws once with his left in a game. Working on the ambidextrous part of his game will help him in direction change and ball distribution. As in fast-breaks and pick and rolls.
I must say that this is one of the best post about Francis and his to's that I've seen. I would have said the same thing, but you beat me to it. Its really that simple. What also pisses me off is when he drives into the lane, picks up his dribble and either gets tied up for a jump ball or calls a timeout. If they considered those lost jump balls to's, he would have an extra 1 a game. Many people think that players all of a sudden understand. I believe that some players can play dumb for their entire careers like JR Rider who never "got it" despite his immense talent. Look at how thw the 80's Blazers played "dumb" as well as the current version, but never get it. Sometimes, players just don't have a certain feel for the game and never get it. Its just a reality that most people need to realize is that Francis may play like this until he retires.
Yes. But he has to be shown/taught the proper technique and then use it in a game. Teaching through examples and repetition. Once he see some aspects of improvements in games, he'll think, "I get it!" Little by little, he'll start to buy into it. Once he realizes that the game is 90% mental, then his athletic ability becomes an advantage over other players that are also fundamentally sound, but don't have his natural athletic ability. He'll have an big edge. He'll also find the game slower and easier. He'll have both: the fundaments, and his own natural athletic ability. The later part gives him the edge over most opponents, the former gives him the efficiency to perform consistently. The two combined make him dominant.
Forcing a shot, getting stuck in mid-air and then passing out (bail out) causes turnovers. Trying to dunk, but geting the ball stripped, causes turnovers.
If you are right, and for the sake of the team and fans I hope you are, the Rockets would vastly improve. Francis is the most frustrating Rocket player ever; so much talent, so little discipline. I agree, if he can change his thinking, his body can do the rest.
