Well, i dont care even if steve francis is not named or even mentioned to the US basketball team. Stu jackson must really hate francis for deserting him and the grizzlies in 99. But the sad fact is that francis is not that good. The talent disparity between francis and wade is really not that far. Whats good about picking wade is that he is a rookie and is smart enough and humble enough to recognize that he may not log that many minutes because of the presence of so many great players. Steve is just a poor loser. A dumb player. Nuff said.
This thread sees an interesting shift in the thinking on Francis from wishful thinking to outright lying. The common argument on the boards had been that Francis isn't right for our team, he can't co-exist with Yao, and is not a good leader. All BS in my opinion, but defensible, after a fashion. Since we're talking about the Olympic team now instead of the Rockets the old arguments are no good anymore. So, the haters instead just say he outright sucks. I sincerely hope Francis is with the Rockets for another season just to torture the haters. What it be too optimistic to hope that his remaining would thin the ranks on the BBS?
I think Steve deserves a shot at the Olympic team. I do hope we can trade him for McGrady. 2 separate issues in my heart. I like Steve. I don't like his game as much as his potential. He is not a good point guard. Too many turnovers and poor decisions.
It is fair to assume that it is naive to think that Stu Jackson's influence is not a contributing factor to the exclusion from the 2004 Men's Olympic team. It is in the same breat naive to assume that it is solely Stu's doing or call because there the provision for checks-and-balances in the selection process. It is not a travesty that Steve may not make it
It is fair to assume that it is naive to think that Stu Jackson's influence is not a contributing factor to the exclusion from the 2004 Men's Olympic team. It is in the same breat naive to assume that it is solely Stu's doing or call because there the provision for checks-and-balances in the selection process. It is not a travesty that Steve may not make it Maybe dissenters should contact the selection commeettee members to voice their complaint
SF's "street style" of ball, high turnovers while handling the ball, inconsistent outside shooting and problems running a structured offensive scheme have all conspired to keep him off the Olympic team. No one is questioning his heart or his desire - the guy is a warrior on the court - it's just that his skillz are simply not suitable for international play. When you look at how the game is played on the international level, skills like shooting and passing are emphasized more than physical play, driving to hoop and dunking. SF would have to guard quick, great shooting PGs on the perimeter and that's just not his forte. I do not believe there is a sinister "grassy knoll" scenario at work here (Stu Jackson's revenge) just a case of the Olympic Committee being practical.
You're right, it takes a special kind of player to make the Olympic team, one who is fundamentally sound and who has shown dedication to his craft by not engaging in off the court hijinx. Perimeter "crossover" type players need not apply. This is especially important as the player will have to be able to fit into Larry Brown's structured system.
I guess that means another year of sloppy ball? All for torture. Great.... The more we win, the less ranks will be on this board. The more we lose, the more the ranks will be on this board. What would there be to talk about if we start winning at a consistent rate? Huh? Except one liners.... "Great game!" "Boki slam was awesome!" "Yao was the man!" "Did you see that shot?" ...etc, etc... So as long as Francis is here, there will be fans critical of him because he has not improved.
Sorry SamF but I LOVE the ANSWER! But it's not the same thing (your atttempt at sacasm is duly noted). AI plays at the 2, not the point where SF wants to be considered.
Mother of god... Stu needs to DIE! A bit harsh? Nah... I can be bitter if he's going to be that much of an ass. Francis should have been put in the very second Kobe dropped out instead of freaking Michael Finley, who's overrated, IMO. Hell, I even think Francis should be chosen over Iverson if it had ever come down to the two. I genuinely think Iverson is THE most overrated player in the league. But now Francis just gets slapped in the face with **** like Wade and James? Absolutely insane (not that they're not good players, but they're not Olympics worthy...). ... But also, how did Wade get picked over Baron Davis and Stephon Marbury?
Can you read??? Stu has no voting right on the committee! All the guys are on it are well known bball heavyweights. They should've made their own choices, apparently different from yours.
