(1) It's hot in Nevada (2) He hasn't had a chance, but CD will play CRAPS this weekend... (on negotations with Steve Francis) (3) "It went great. Not a whole lot of problems on either side. Everything will be worked out...things like the Mayo Clinic Date" (4) "I don't think it (the Mayo Clinic Visit) is anything critical...you always have a physical before you sign a contract...we just want to make sure everything is right. He hasn't had any headaches since (he began treatment), but we want to get as professional an opinion as possible, see if there's anything else that may help him" (5) "I think we'll get it (the contract) done. This hasn't been a very hectic relationship...very comfortable...everything on the 'up and up,' a good relationship. His agent has always told us to deal with the immediate things first. We're not setting any sort of time-table, but the media is." (on Lewis ) (6) "I always thought he was going to resign...when he (Lewis) said he might not, I immediately called his agent and said 'Let's get together and talk.' I don't think the mid-level will get this done, so we'd need a sign-and-trade. We're fortunate to see this young man develop at Westside every day." (on others) (7) Oscar had a good summer...our coaches were very happy with him. (8) Tito Maddox was also a big surprise.
Basically said the Francis deal was VERY cordial and there is NO rush to finish unlike typical free agent negotiations. They just had to set up the time for Steve to go to the Mayo Clinic and get his records faxed. He said he fully expects to get it done with over the summer and that everything went great. He said that Rashard Lewis very likely will NOT sign for the MCE. He said it would be a shock and that it will likely take help from Seattle but that they are not in the position to deal yet. He said he and Lewis' agent will be meeting next week to talk options. He finally said that Eddie had a phenominal summer league and that Torres and Maddux also were impressive. He didn't mention anyone else but the question was really just to ask about the re-signing of Torres. That's it.
Anybody else find it strange that Kenny Thomas's name has not come up in the media. You would think that his agent, or somebody would be talking by now. I know that everybody is mute, until Francis is signed, but it is still strange.
This is definitely the most revealing quote since the draft. I don't care what Rashard said about Dallas... I know for a fact that there's no other team in the league that could keep him out of Houston, if money is equal. Not even Mark Cuban. His heart is here. Not necessarily with our organization, but with the city. Unless the Sonics dramatically increase their offer, I think he'll be here. It may take a while, as his agent will want him to explore every possibility, but make no mistake... his heart is here, not Dallas. A visit from 150 fans at the airport isn't enough to change that. The only question I had is if the Rockets would have the same interest, considering the Nachbar pick, but it appears they do.
How much of this is just posturing? I mean, now the Rockets can say: "we wanted Rashard but he didn't want to come here...". I think the Rockets probably know that Rashard won't sign here and a trade can't be worked out for a sign and trade. os
One thing he brought up about Steve that I still don't understand about Steve: As miserable as he was last season with those migraines,whether he's an athlete or not,why does he continue to put off/avoid going to the Mayo Clinic? It's supposed to be one of the leading places to seek answers and treatment for migraines and yet he seems so opposed to going there or to trying any way possible to get rid of or under control,if possible,the migraines. Putting aside this seemingly irresponsible attitude toward the team to do everything possible to be ready for next season,why on a personal level would a person put off going? Especially with the surgery eliminating his offseason physical work to improve,you'd think he'd devote this down time to the migraines as well as the rehab. Has Steve ever said why he hesitates going to the Mayo?
I mentioned this in another thread, but I don't mind inflating my post count; in five or ten years I might catch up with jeff or heypartner: I would think Steve would have gone to the Mayo Clinic by now. Seems like we know he'll re-sign anyway; CD says Steve's had no migraines for awhile (hope he's telling the truth, but we'll still sign Steve). Possibly we want to orchestrate Yao's and Steve's signings in August. I wish we could add Rashard to that mix; we do have some possible negotiations there. Don't be surprised if Steve and Yao ink at the same time.
I get the feeling that Mo-T is probably going to be involved in a potential trade with Seattle. I would like to see him get another chance despite his shortcomings.
I am constantly in touch with a person that is close to Rashard (One of his pee-wee football coaches). Their families have remained close over the years, and they say that he will not come to Houston because he is still bitter about us wasting three first round picks and not picking him. Which I agree with. They say that in all likelihood he will re-sign with Seattle and become the main man in a few years...Although I am trying to talk them into telling him to sign here, but I don't think it will work.
Oh yeah, well a friend of his ex-girlfriend from high-school posted two days ago that most likely he would sign with Houston. Tell him to get over what happened four years ago, because he will not become the main man with the Sonics because their GM & Owner don't even believe that. Why on earth do you think they are low-balling Lewis with such a pathetic offer. They labeled him the franchise a few years back & promised to reward him with "Franchise type numbers", but clearly management changed their minds. If he wants to play for a team & management that makes empty promises, then so be it. Will you tell him that for me?
Why the HELL hasn't Francis gone to the frickin Mayo Clinic yet??????? I've seen him in LA and Harlem in the past 2wks and this fool can't make a stop b/t all these trips back and forth??? We're never gonna win jacksh!t till his 8yr old ass grows up.
