Dr, Hacj Ransay on Tmac to Houston Vik (houston): Hey Dr. Jack - I read somewhere that the rockets are shopping francis for tmac? Any truth to that rumor? And would tmac be a good fit for the team van gundy is trying to build? Thanks for your time Dr. Jack Ramsay: I like the development of Francis as the season progressed. I thought he matured greatly. If he can continue that progress, he should stay right where he is. Tracy McGrady would fit nicely with Yao Ming, giving the Rockets a very good inside/outside game. It's an intriguing trade possibility. So he thinks that we should keep him, sadly this isn't the same concensus from this board as well. Steve spent the year adjusting to Van Gundy, Yao, a new defense, and a new offense. We keep giving Yao second chances, saying that he still needs to adjust... maybe we should do the same for Steve. Then again, I would love to have McGrady and Yao playing together in the near future.
Dr. Hacj Ransay discusses the "enlighting" aspects of the Zone Defense and its applications to Camel Polo
If anyone needs to be traded it's Cuttino. Perhaps in a deal involving multi players for Mcgrady and other considerations. If not, we should be looking at other players like a steve jackson or even james posey if possible. The playoffs proved Steve can play in JVG system. Francis has exerted an incredible amount of effort in becoming a better point guard and most of all, a better player. If you criticize Francis you have to understand that until the second half of this season, he never had any veteran guidance at the position. Also, under Tomjanovich (who is a good coach) Francis was not trained properly for the position for 4 years. Well some may say look at Duwayne Wade. Well Wade has Rafer Alston and also Bimbo Coles. I think Francis will better understand his role next season and develop into a solid point guard. Of course, he will never be Isiah Thomas or Stockton, but I believe he has the potential to thrive. Also, I really don't understand the fans patience with Yao. I don't understand why he is not as agressive as he should be as displayed in the playoffs against the lakers. In my opinion, it seems as if he doesn't play to his capabilities. He is agile for his size, but yet he doesn't take advantage of it. If this is the case, he has a lot to learn about the NBA.
sf has progressed...But this is TMAC we are talking about. TMac and yao would definetly be a better fit.
If it took Steve to get T-mac...I'm all for it. If we can keep Steve to get T-mac... then heck I wouldn't mind a team of Steve, T-mac and Yao....
Read carefully, there is a big "if". Dr. Ramsay was not very high on Francis's play last season. On multiple occasions he said the Rox guards were not passing the ball to Yao when they should be. But he was very clear that he thinks Yao and TMac would be a nice couple.
no he doesn't, basically he's dodges the question of whether he knows any rumors, then he gives an either/or answer to whether TMac would be better for Rockets. he said NOTHING. Other than TMac would fit nicely with Yao Ming. C'Mon... TMac would fit nicely with any good center.
Dr. Ramsay said "if" Francis continues the progression, he should stay. Here is what he wrote about Yao and his teammates, http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=ramsay_drjack&id=1732688
He said if Steve continues to progress, he should stay right where he is. That means SF WILL NOT progress, SF just stays right where he is. Very disrespectful. Why people look down steve so much?
i agree... but that was earlier in the season. i think he ended up averaging something like 12 shots a game.
I'm definitely NOT the only one on the board who thinks we should keep Steve. I think JJ needs to move to the 2 and we need to upgrade our forward positions. It's the smart fix.
Just for the record, JJ will get burned by 2s in this league. I love JJ, but he is 34, and not quite that fast anymore. Can you imagine him guarding Iverson, R.Hamilton, Kobe etc? Cat did fabulously on these players. The only way I move JJ to the 2 is if we get TMac, or a really big PG.
Well who DOESN'T get burned by Iverson & Rip Hamilton? Those guys weave through screens all day long (ala Reggie of old). They always get open eventually. Kobe's open even when he's not. JJ's defense is just fine. Especially when we have a nice big center (or two) guarding the basket. Just stay in front of your guy.
Everybody gets burned by Kobe, Iverson and Rip...they blow by everybody. defense is all about tenacity and hustle, which JJ exhibits every night. Add in JJ's ability to knock the 3, roll off the picks, run the fast break and ability to crash the boards, JJ is a proven keeper.
