I keep hearing a lot about this 6'8" PG from Europe named Jaric, NBA execs are saying he is the best player in Europe. Why not get Odom and him for Francis? He is a pass 1st type of player who RUNS THE BREAK well. This is the link 1. Marko Jaric, G Age: 24 | Country: Croatia Ht., Wt.: 6-7, 220 Drafted: No. 30 by Clippers (2000) Stats: 15.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.3 spg Skinny: A big point guard who reminds some scouts of Jason Kidd. He's not the quickest or most athletic player but he's relentless. He really competes, is a tenacious defender, a good rebounder and a great floor leader. He compensates well for whatever lack of quickness he has. I am not oppossed to breaking up the little ball hogging fraternity that we have going on....and as far as I am concerned. NO PLAYER IS SAFE !!!! All that matters is winning...not stats..... DaDakota
After just three years in the league, he's an all-star, great rebounder, and scorer, but still isn't a floor general. I don't think that's a good reason to give up on him, and trade him. He's still growing into his potential.
Lets trade for European PG Tony Parker.. he is smooth, savvy, and only 19! Why not get Bowen and him for Francis and Mobley? He is a pass first type player that RUNS THE BREAK well. Parker won't score as much as Francis..and certainly won't be as entertaining to watch. For that matter, Bowen won't score much either, but will provide good defense and some three point shooting. But who needs scoring? Without Francis and Mobley playing around and jacking up 87.2 shots per game just so they can get their stats, we will be winning games with our solid BASKETBALL SMART players.
Steve's #'s are better across the board than Marko's; Steve also plays in a better league. May be the Pau Gasol-effect here though.
Heheh, I can just feel the oozing sarcasm. I am happy to keep Mobes and Francis and draft Ming, but don't mind thinking about other scenarios. I am not satisfied with a 28-54 record, and a group of selfish, ball hogging players. Look at Sacremento & New Jersey, they are winning because they play TEAM ball. Our 2 best players play One on One Junior College ball. Mobley has been in the league for 4 years and Francis 3, and they still play the same selfish style of ball. The main question is .....Would the Rockets be better off with Odom instead of Francis? I think they just might.... DaDakota
Come on now Chiles....let's look at some facts here. Francis had his worst year statistically as far as shooting, assists and turnovers. He has a condition that may be career threatening, and he is coming off shoulder surgery. All that being said, he is a Star player and may one day develop into a SUPER star player. We have heard rumours that Rudy T is worried that he may not be able to take it to the next level, and that is worrisome to most fans. Francis is not the sharpest tool in the shed, and having him at the PG position and responsible for running the team is a bit unnerving. I think, after a 28-54 record that you have to look at all options, even the possibility of trading your best player if it makes the Rockets better. DaDakota
I would much prefer having Andre Miller over Steve Francis on my team ... I do however belive that trading Stevie now would be bad for Huston due to his injuries/headaches/immaturity. I doubt you wouldnt get as much for him now as you would if he was healthy ... not to mention if he grows up ...
You don't trade your best player just because he had a shoulder surgery. His worst statistical year is still pretty damn excellent. The migraines are a cause for concern, but I hope they can be contained. Haven't heard that one. But if we draft Ming and get a decent SF (Odom or Lewis would of course be my dream scenario), then Francis won't have to do it alone. So you are basically saying he is kind of stupid? I haven't seen/heard to many interviews with him, so it is a bit hard for me to judge, but let me ask this question...is a Jason Kidd or a Kobe Bryant or a Kevin Garnett much smarter? I really don't know, I am just asking. Francis was injured part of the past season and so were some other key players. Panicking after a bad season is exactly what doomed many franchises in the past.
I think Miller is by far the smarter player, but Steve is by far the better athlete. I would not be in favor of trading them as it seems to be a lateral move. I would want a taller skilled player...rather then another smallish player. If we did trade Francis for Miller, I would not lose any sleep over it. DaDakota
No kidding. Maybe if the guy grows up he may actually do something positive in the future, like make the All-Star team.. oh wait..he STARTED for the Western All-Stars with the likes of Kobe and Duncan last season DESPITE injuries, migranes, and of course that immaturity of his. If we trade him now, we certainly won't be able to get anything of value. Especially since he's getting closer to getting rid of his migranes and will be completely healed by the start of the 02-03 season. Sounds like one of those bitter Grizzlies fans to me...
Yes, Kidd is MUCH smarter, so is Kobe....there was a great article on ESPN about players who process information faster then others, or THINK faster, and make quicker decisions. Kobe and Kidd are that type of player....don't know about KG, but Francis does NOT seem to be that type of player. In fact, only one current Rocket player has this observable trait, and that is KT. I have said it before and I will say it again....athleticism depletes faster then smarts, that is how Stockton can still be thriving at the age of 40. DaDakota
for the 100th time, why can't miller even lead his team to a decent record in a conference designed for him to dominate? why would i trade my best player, whose done far more, for that?
