Yes, I'd take Stevie over AI. Say what you want about heart, but a lot of his plays are just flat out stupid. You think we critize Mobley and Stevie for taking a lot of shots, imagine how angry these forums would be if AI was our PG/SG? -AI is quicker -Stevie has the better shot(consistent) -Stevie has just as good handles and dribbles -Stevie is much stronger -Stevie is the better passer -Stevie can get into the lane just as good, if not better. I have no reason to believe that Stevie wouldn't do as well if he was in AI's place.
Francis is unreal. If it was 1997 he would be the best player in the NBA, better than Jordan (although maybe not better than Jordan in '93). The thing, though is that the league got more talented now. You have 4-5 guys that are at the same level: TMac, Kobe, Pierce, Francis, Carter...
Between Francis and A.I., I would say that Francis, right now, is slightly better than Iverson. Although Francis' offense is better than Iverson's, you must keep in mind that defense is part of the game too. Iverson is a bad ass defender. Overall, the edge goes to Stevie.
Francis has two advantages over Iverson... Francis Defending Iverson: Steve can guard Iverson reasonably because he's quick enough to keep up with him. Not always, but Steve is faster than most. Kobe can't stop Iverson because he's not quick enough. But Steve is. Steve's Offense on Iverson: Iverson can't guard Steve because, although he's quick enough to keep up with Francis, all Steve has to do is stop on a dime and shoot over him. Iverson is too short to put a hand in Steve's face, and he surely doesn't have the vertical leap that Steve has.
In response to your post David; I've seen Kobe stop Iverson plenty of times as a matter of fact Kobe has shut down AI for some of his worst games. Which is one of the reasons why Kobe is more highly regarded than AI.
Let me add to that. By shut down, he means LITERALLY held him to NO field goals. Zero. None. Iverson was a bad ass defender when he had Mutombo and Ratliff. But you'll see how far he'll sleip with Macculough as his C. I sure think that if you replace Iverson with Francis, that Francis could at least emulate what Ivy is doing, plus rebounds. But as everyone said, until you get to the playoffs, you're a nobody. Who's the BEST player never to have made the playoffs? Can't come up with too many can you? We'll make the playoffs this year, and I personally believe this will be what Francis averages (even though we lose): 30 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 TO's Unfortunately, I don't think anyone else on this team is ready to make a similar contribution in the playoffs. At the end of this season, Francis will rise to elite status much like Paul Pierce did.
iverson doesn't practise. he just wants to shoot alot and score in bunches. seriously do you want allen iverson and all his embarassing past over steve francis who's a workhorse on and off the courts?
Now THAT was one ugly first post! I give you an <b>F</b> for both content and style. Here's a link that may be of help: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...6502434/sr=2-3/ref=sr_2_3/103-8590416-8408640
If you're going to compare Iverson and Francis, you might as well compare Francis to Kobe. Two completely different styles of players. Iverson actually was an MVP and the sixer's are absolutely helpless without him. Of course the Rocket's were also helpless without Francis last year. But even with Francis, the rockets couldn't make it to the playoffs let alone the NBA finals. I do acknowledge the eastern conference might as well be an entirely different league than the wild wild west, but I do not think that Iverson is overrated. It has been only 3 games and Francis has indeed put up MVP numbers. If he can keep this up for a whole season, than John Lucas was totally right in that Stevie really could be M-V-P. But if you think that Francis's stats so far are sick, check out this line through 4 games: 29.5 points, 12.2 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. I'll let you all figure out who this person is. But i'll say this much: No FREAKING way he keeps this up a whole season.
Thos are Kobe's numbers. Just when you think Kobe can't get any better, he makes just as big a leap as the previous year. Back to back triple doubles? Wow. Not just ANY triple doubles. We're talking 14+ rebounds and 12+ assists and 29+ points. He is THE best player in the league, right next to Shaq.
The style of plays of these two player are almost similar but very different. Iverson changes speeds and can beat the defender better than Steve. Also the quickness and the steals Iverson wins in those categories. Other than that, Steve wins in everything else. Overall, IMO, Francis is a butt load better than Iverson, just without all the thug in him.
It is easy to make the playoffs in the East. If Philly was in the West they would fail to make the playoffs every year.
With the right support staff, Francis could certainly succeed in an AI roll, and I think it would open things up and the team would begin winning much more!
ROCKETS Were undefeated against the central division, dont tell me they cant keep up with any east playoff contenders16
u mean a 40% shooter is better than a 49% shooter???? hell no!!! Steve is a much better rebounder Steve is much stronger Steve is a much better shooter steve is younger Steve is much more explosive Iverson cannot guard Steve one-on-one
HAHAHAHAHAHAH that is the truth..... that boy from MEMPHIS got told. btw dont bryce drew have more playoff experiance than steve?
I hope and pray Francis won't become like Iverson. Not just the off-court (or should I say "in-court"? Funny how criminals and basketball players share the same word as to where they go regularly. ) stuff, but also the playing style. Iverson carried his team to playoffs? Yes, of course. That's b/c he likes to carry teams. He likes to takeover teams. We don't want Francis to takeover the team. We want him to make the team better. But that's the topic for another (many other) threads. I'd take Francis over Iverson any day. Now, if you ask about Mobley and Iverson, that's debatable. Well, what do I know? I'm just a blind homer.
