[ClutchFans] Morey: Francis-to-Rockets a "longshot" ([Fox] Rox have shot at Francis)

I'd put Francis in the first unit if he learns how to pass after 4-5 seconds instead of trying to fake out his defender for 15 seconds. A lineup of James/Francis/McGrady/Scola/Yao would be an insanely offensive unit if Francis and James kept up the ball movement. If not, you could bench one of them and have McGrady bring up the ball. The lineup would be Francis (or James)/McGrady/Battier/Scola/Yao. Still better than having Hayes and Alston in there like we had last year.

 

"Longshot" is a nice way of saying zero chance.

 

c'mon anyone looking at this situation with all the suitors for Francis would have to say that the Clippers are in the lead with their MLE on the table. For Stevie it's a sellers market. He can pick and choose where he goes. Of course it's a long shot for Houston. I still think he should take the pay cut and come play for the Rockets since he really doesn't need the money anymore.

 

Oh yeah, one thing to note, his portland buyout has a 50% compensation clause. So if he signs for the MLE, he really only gets half since Portland's buyout decreases by 50% of whatever new salary Francis gets. So even if he takes the MLE, that's really not as much as you would think it is.

 

On a good note, Morey had nothing but positive comments on Francis. He said we're interested in him but made it seem as if its Steve's decision because he has lots of teams calling his number. There is still a chance! The 'Return of the Franchise' campaign will continue until he officially signs with another team.

 

I think all this confirms is that there's no objection from Adelman on getting Francis. I doubt Morey would've objected with his moneyball analyses, but Adelman was a worry for me. Now, it's all up to Francis . . . the ball's in his court.

 

I didn't know that, I wonder why Francis agreed to that since he'll never see that kind of money ever again.



I think this whole deal is a PR move like with R.Lewis. Send the guy a jersey, tell him you'll give him the whole MLE then when he signs with Orlando no one competent really says anything. Same thing with Francis, say you'd sign him if you could, offer the LLE, when he signs with the Clippers or the Heat, no one can really blame anyone besides Francis for not taking one for the team.

 

In other words, money is no object and he's going to the place where he feels would be best for him and his goals.

 

A longshot?



So you're saying there is a chance?!

 

I think its more like he feel like he can still get paid pretty well for his services, or his agent does.

 

If he loses more money from his buyout vs what he signs for...then what difference does it make for him who he plays for with regard to money. The more he signs for, the more he loses from his buyout.

 

So Morey made it sound like the ball is in Steve's court -- if he likes Houston enough, he may choose to return home even the offer is lower than some other teams might offer.

 

(Fox News) Rockets Have Shot at Francis

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/p...n=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.1.1

Rockets Have Shot at Francis

NBA sources tell FOX 26 Sports the Houston Rockets are one of three teams in the hunt to land free agent guard Steve Francis and the sources tell FOX the Rockets are the leaders in the clubhouse but that a decision still has to be made. Francis is also considering the L.A. Clippers and Miami Heat.

Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey declined comment Tuesday when asked about the team's interest and Francis' agents have not been available for comment.

Portland obtained Francis in a trade with the Knicks on June 28 and last week bought out the remainder of his contract which was worth $34 million. He has since cleared waivers and become a free agent.

Francis played for the Rockets from 1999-2004 and was an NBA All-Star three times.

Because of salary cap restrictions the Rockets are limited in what they can pay Francis but he still makes his offseason home here and may decide to return to Houston and take less money than play in Los Angeles and Miami.

 

Of course, Morey just called it a long shot. I'll believe it when I see it

 

Same old news. Still Miami, Houston, and LA, with LA being the favorite. Nothing left to do except wait and watch.

 

I know, right? One thread calls it a longshot, one thread suggests the signing is likely to happen.

I know he makes his home in Houston but i'm amazed to hear that the Francis camp is really that interested considering the 200 guards we have on our roster.

 

Doesn't this contradict what Morrey said in the press conference. This confusion is making me feel

 

"the Rockets are the leaders in the clubhouse but that a decision still has to be made."

very interesting stuff I'd take Morey's word over the media's however

 

What's this? Morey actually declined to comment?! Amazing!