I never really write on the forum, but i just had to discuss this topic because i'm tired of feeling sick to my stomach when i see a game like yesterdays. I really think Steve is passed his prime. He doesn't even know what kind of player he is yet. He wants to score 30 on one night with 1 assist, and on another night, he wants to score 5 and dish out 13 assists. I dont see consistency here. He definetely needs to find his game or we're out in the first round.
if he's past his prime, then he never really had a prime...how old is the guy??? hakeem didn't hit his prime until he was well in his 30's.
No he is not past his prime. Steve has been playing to his strengths the last few years. This year he is having to learn a new type of game and most of what he is being asked to do exposes his weaknesses. Steve still has plenty of game, but I think he is in a system now that does not play to his strengths.
Steve was on top right after the dunk contest. It's been downhill after that. If he improves his jumpshot dramatically to be on par with guys like Kobe, Bibby, and Nash, he will go back to being a premiere guard in the Western Conference.
you just awnserd your own question. if he doesn't know yet what kind of player he is gonna be he can't be past his prime. francis has played a specific kind of game for the first years of his career. now somebody comes alonog and tells him he shoudn't play like that, but he should play in a other way. steie has to adjust. he is just having trouble adjusting to his new role. he will come around and play great. he is a great talent.
Out of his prime? No In a Funk? Yes Lets just hope he's able to get out of this funk for the ROX sake
Steve is not past his prime but he is sure in a slump. I don't think we can use the excuse of him not being able to adapt to a new system much longer. We have had 1/2 season already. IMO, JVG is not helping Steve much. Jeff seemed to just let Steve work it out by himself. He let Steve shoot himself back into the game. He let Steve ISO, dribble off screen and penetrate .... It has not worked. Jeff also did Steve a dis-service by playing him the long mins. Against Sac, he couldn't chase Bibby down for 44 mins and also put up 17 shots at the other end! Jeff let MJ play the 1 to take the pressure of Steve but that has not been effective if Steve has to play so much. When MJ was in the game, Steve pretty much went to the weakside and disappear. Jeff needs to play Steve less minutes but use him wisely. Set play for Steve, get Steve some easy shots. Running off some double-screen for open 15ft J. Back-door cut . Let Yao, MJ create something for Steve ... He can also let Steve dribble off-screen to shoot or drive but he needs to clear the floor for Steve. How many time does Steve get past his man only to meet 2 or 3 more at the basket?
So the question is does JVG treat SF with kid gloves, have a short leash on him, or give him the green light...well, giving him the green light isn't working...
I know it's pianful. But has SF past him prime (in athleticism)? Everyone knows that SF has in a shooting slump. I mean horrid slump. His terrible shooting is directly responsible for the recent several losses the Rockets had. However, the most painful thing I see is that SF cannot finish around the rim. Previously, he either finished, or drew the foul. Now he can do nothing. I cannot believe that Bibby lit him up from all over the court and SF finished 3-17!
no way......he's jus in a funk.....alotta players go through it....they gotta play through it and us fans gotta cross our fingers that he breaks out of it sooner rather than later.......
If you watched steve leap and spin 180 to intercept a pass while chasing his man at full speed towards the end of the miami game you would realize that the guy is far from past his prime -physically. From skills and court leadership perspective - Steve is climbing a steep learning curve set upon him by JVG this year which is in the short run hurting his numbers. Where it counts - team numbers - W/L's and Point Differential - the results are better than last year's. When Steve gets his shot back it will open up other options for him and the Rox offense. It's only a matter of time and both Steve's numbers and team numbers should improve.
for anyone who caught the kings game: were stevie's 13 assists mostly from dishes to our 3pt shooters on the perimeter or passes inside to Yao, Mo, Cato, or cutters for layups? just wondering if Mark Jackson's been teaching him about setting up passing lanes, etc. cuz if that's true, then Stevie is truly going to be a force to be reckoned with once he rediscovers his shot!
It was a good mix, some to outside shooters, some to people inside. Steve did have a good game passing the ball.
Aren't people a little too dramatic?? I remember there was a guy saying Yao has peaked after some mediocre games, and now Steve is past his prime? Steve is just learning to play the game of basketball this year. So, he is going to struggle sometimes. His "game" has always been relied on atheleticism and one on one play, now he has to play the team game and learn about the game of basketball.
Physically past his prime? No way! Past his prime as he fits into todays NBA? A very strong maybe. Wilt Chamberlain aint dunking his free throws, and Francis aint scoring effortlessly off isos.
