Does Francis Deserve To Be An All-Star?

Does not matter what they want its the fans who vote. regardless he could be the sorriest point guard but very popular among the fans. All star game like they said last night has lost its attention players really do not like to attend they would rather be somewhere else.

 

For this year because of injuries he doesn't deserve to be an all-star, but it makes up for him not being on the team last year.

Grant Hill doesn't deserve it this year or last year either, but he always gets voted on the team regardless.

So I won't complain because Francis gets on the team in a year when he's been injured so much.

 

Ditto to Blade’s comments about allstar selection, etc ….





IMHO - Franchise as PG

Actually, I have been meaning to post something that addresses Steve Francis and his role on this team for a long time. If ever there was a team that needed a veteran-tough, “old style”, stay at home-type point guard …. it is this team.

Steve does not fill that role.

Yes, he is very talented, but Steve really truly needs a mentor. Someone who can help him adjust his game more fluidly. Someone who can help him manage his options and prioritize his objectives. On every possession.

Case in point:

Scenario
He has the ball. He carries it well. He breaks the half court and spots at the perimeter side. Teammates shift to weak and he is isolated.

From that moment on, his point guard duties seem to take a gray area complexion. He is indecisive.

He quickly reviews his options. He settles on a quick solution. He moves with the ball. He attempts his chosen option. If it is cut off or covered, he goes into high gear and attempts to score single-handedly.

That is the essence of his decision-making process.

That is not the definition of a true point guard.

I am getting more worried every game.

There are games when I would rather have Eldridge Recasner or Emmanuel Davis carrying that ball than Steve Francis.

Mmmmmmmmmm. Maybe I’m getting old.

 

Personally, I don't think this is the year Francis should be awarded an All-Star birth. Injuries and lack of team success/improvement being the reasons why. If he was not voted onto the team by the fans, I don't think he would have a shot. With the imergence(sp) of Wally, the continued improvement of Nash and the (egads) steady play of Payton..this shouldn't be his year.

My Western Conf. AllStar Team

Starters:
C-Shaq
F-Duncan
F-Nowitzki
G-Kobe
G-Payton

Bench:

C-Divac
F-Stojakovic
F-Garnett
F-Webber
G-Wally S.
G-Nash
C-tough one..no one seems to be deserving of the 3rd Center spot in the west.

 

I think I am seeing what you are seeing, but I dont see it as much of a problem as you do. To me, it seems like he either acts as the consummate point guard (case in point, most of the Boston game) or, as you described, he will get confused, and attempt to scroe on his own too quickly.

Why I dont see it as a problem: First, more and more as he's been driving the lane, he's kicked off to Cato, who generally screws up. Sometimes Francis' pass is off to, but it is a new wrinkle that he wasnt doing as much before. Second, when Francis puts it all together, as he did in Boston, he is simply amazing. Third, I dont think this team is talented enough. That is just my opinion. Griffin is still too young, KT is good, but still a 6th man in my opinion, Taylor is injured, and Cato, for all his hard work, just doesnt have the necessary skill.

Spending some time with an experienced PG wouldnt hurt any young player, much less Steve, who has all the tools and just needs to learn how to play. Let's not forget how long it took Hakeem to do that.

Anyway, I think skill wise, when Francis is on the court, he deserves to go. Unfrotunately, he hasnt been healthy much and that should keep him off. But thats not how it works and he was screwed last year. But he is definitely one of the top all around PG's in the league in my opinion.

 

OP-

In terms of 'mentor', I know the Knicks are looking to dump one of Eisley, Ward,and Jackson....and I know one of those who might be an excellent PG mentor...

 

Agreed.

 

The all-star game rewards past success more than anything else... Francis deserved it last year. He's getting it this year. That doesn't really bother me.

 

I would take Mark Jackson in a heart beat. Unfortuantely he is firmly entrenched in the East. Wants a coaching job real bad (probably with the Knicks or Nets or Toronto after this season). And, is probably in his last year as a player. But yeah, you got the idea. He would have been very valuable to Steve Francis this year.

 

Cal Ripken was an allstar starter in baseball for what 15-16 straight years and i am sure that half of them were given to him just because of his popularity eventhough there were better 3B in American league. So i say Francis deserves it because Allstar is for the fans.

 

Steve does not need a mentor. What he needs is a low post scorer. A center threat that demands a double team. That will open up the court and allow Francis to do what he does best.(drive to the basket or take the open shot).
As far as him being the starting guard for the western conference. GET USE TO IT!! It's the first of many. GO FRANCIS!!

 

His #'s really aren't that bad this year.

 

Oeil,

As usual, you and I agree.

And I do think Francis is an all star this year.

DD

 

I'd rather try to get Blaylock to mentor S. Fancy.

At least he knows how to play D.

 

Gimp, you stealing my fancy lines?



DaDakota

 

Steal is such a harsh term. I got it on layaway borrow for now. Ima save up fo dat Cutturnover one dese days too