What do ya know...we agree. It takes 2 parties to have a contract. It will happen and I'm sure the Rockets wanted to make sure he'd be healthy before committing those kinds of dollars to him.
It also seems to me that there's no real rush to get this done. They've pretty much got everything worked out in principle, then when everyone happens to be in the same city, closer to the beginning of the season, they'll get it done. No need to get it done RIGHT THIS MINUTE. We have time to spare! I also think the aforementioned idea of re-signing at a similar time as Ming's arrival is a good idea -- puts a lot of buzz on the Rockets closer to the season.
1st. Show me the link or the quote where Steve said "Draft Ming and I'm gone." Don't say it's common knowledge either, just because TB said it does not make it fact. 2nd. What backup are the Rockets trying to sign? Steve's contract in no way effects the Rockets ability to sign a free agent. They are already over the cap and can either spend the mid level exception or do a sign and trade. 3rd. Steve does not have to sign right now since he is still under contract thru the end of the season. 4th. When has Steve ever pitched to get himself traded? Never. I agree with Stylez, until you provide proof of your accusations then this is a dumb thread. Besides it is my understanding that Steve and the Rockets are currently in negotiations right now for a new contract negotiations so whats the problem?
Stevie is a joker... remember he pulled that crap against vancouver???? he'll do it again to the rockets..
oh man, comparing the guy to pippen? His best friend is on the team and I don't think he's the sort of guy that would leave his friends. He's got too many on this team. Management treats him well, fans treat him well....his only problems are the negative posters. That and some injuries that kept him out of the playoffs.
Now you're being a troll, not a devil's advocate. Even if Steve wanted to bolt, he won't further tarnish his image with NBA fans, such as yourself, who can't seem to let go of the fact that Steve, like almost every other NBA player, didn't want to play in NBA's Siberia.
Unfortunately, I think you have a flawed conception of what has actually happened this offseason. Even so, you may be right about waiting for the Championships. First it was: I m signing without agent Actually, he said something more like, 'I don't even need an agent.' He didn't say he wouldn't use one. Then its: draft ming,Im leaving The only source of this information is TroyBarros. Certainly, Clutch didn't say it. He did say Francis was pissed, which isn't remotely the same thing. This is also an event from the first days after the lottery and doesn't necessarily his feelings now. Then its:lets wait till salary cap is announced When did he say that? The salary cap figure that affects Francis' contract will be declared in mid-July 2003. They don't need it anyway. They write the contract to say he gets 25% of whatever that number is. then its: lets meet in Las vegas and "talk" Were they going to sign an extension without even talking? This isn't any sort of stall. Plus, I get the distinct impression that the Rockets had just as much to talk about as Steve, especially regarding his trip to the Mayo clinic, etc. and now its : ? why hasnt he signed? By selfish steve not signing yet,he is making the rockets worse because we cant make any other moves(ie trades for a backup sg) until steve is signed. The Rockets can make all the moves they want. They are over the cap, Francis' salary this year won't change anyway, and they know what they will have to pay beyond this year. Just because they choose to stand pat doesn't mean Francis is holding them up. My only thought,is that steve is making up excuses (see above) until he actually sees yao play in the world champoinships: It could be the case, I suppose. I personally think they are taking their time because there is no particular hurry.
