Great point, Clutch. The Bulls and the Wizards, imo, are two teams who would love to have Francis, now a three time All Star, to bring excitement and put people in the seats. We'll be glad we have the exception this summer, as well. I'll be surprised if there isn't a major roster shake-up. What do you think of Mobley now, Clutch, after seeing him in JVG's system for the majority of the season? I've been very impressed with Cat lately. More so than Francis by far. He still makes the occasional bone-head play, but he's been passing well, playing good D and finally going to the hoop again, which he does so well. I would rather keep him and move Francis for the right deal, myself. He has a sweet contract and I think he'd come off the bench as 6th man in the right situation to provide some instant offense and a different look.
rocketfan83, I make no distinction between the two reasons you gave: (1. He's having a awful season. 2. He dosen't fit the system. ) They are both tied. Plus, there are a lot of other reasons. Also, I'd have to digress in your use of the term, "awful" season. Because that's what some people (that want him gone also) might be focusing on. But to me, this year is his "best" season in terms of *teamwork.* The strange thing about Francis this year, is that "teamwork" doesn't necessarily mean "passing better or less turnovers." It means SHOOTING LESS. Funny isn't it? Francis has become a "better" team-player, not because he passes efficiently, but rather because he shoots less. That sounds like a remedy a coach would impose on a shot-happy shooting guard, not a point guard, doesn't it? And we've already heard some people say that they don't want him to become our SG because Mobley can do that job better than Francis could. They might have a point. So, although his effort his there and the willingness to please the coach exists. It still doesn't address the main issue. He's NOT an efficent PG, nor an efficent SG. I'd say that "efficent" would be an appropriate expectation for a max-contract player, wouldn't you? As far as expecting Francis to get back to his old self... I believe that "returns to his old form" means that he'll go back to 21/6/6, right? But does that also come with the baggage of 3.7 turnovers per game? The only way that he'll get back to 21ppg, would be if he passed less (or looked for his shot more). And we can't have that. Not with Yao on our team. The only way that I would welcome Francis taking more shots would be if somehow, SOMEHOW, he could pick and choose his shots more intelligently, and shoot around 47% per game. Then, coach and teammates would encourage him to take more shots because they would trust him to know when the best time for those shots were to be taken. If there's any optimism in me, that would be it. But I just don't see it realistically happening.
Steve has made an effort to change but not nearly enough. Look like last night he played well but avoided involving Yao Ming. Francis will never play in the Rockets and give his A Game with Yao Ming as the Franchise. Steve is a Star Player and needs to be on a Team where he is the Star!
If he not coming back .. why not just sign him and also Killing for Ray Allen is more of an indictment on Cuttino and JJ than Steve since we will still be without a PG Bunch of IFs in this hoping to trade steve I perfer probables Steve will PROBABLY be better next year i bet it more than IF Tyson works hard etc Rocket River
I think the trading of Steve will depend on his performance for the rest of the season until the end of the playoffs (seems that we're on our way there). If he's still lost in the system, expect him to be traded... Who knows, JVG might transform Tyson to a Marcus Camby type of player. I love Kirk's game..!
Open your damn eyes. Yao was not even in the game because he was in foul trouble most of the game. Most of the other YOF can see that, why can't you?
Tyson has a lot of potential, but word is that he's immature and has a terrible work ethic. He wouldn't be available otherwise. If JVG can motivate him that's fine, but I wouldn't take it for granted that a change of scene and/or a strict coach will necessarily get Chandler to start fulfilling his potential. I would pull the trigger on the Hinrich + Chandler trade though with reasonable assurances that the coaches have thought through how to deal with Chandler.
...as compared to the boat load of play-off trips Steve Francis has led the Rockets to right? At least Stockton made it to a couple of Championship series winning the WCF twice.
I think Hinrich is looking more and more like a perfect point guard for a system where the point guard is not the main scoring option. Perfect for JVG's system. Even if Chandler did not work we would clear a ton of salery space for the 2005 off-season with out hurting our current front court. If Chandler works then we are set at 3 positions for the next 10 years.
I don't get the people that have given up on Francis. I mean the Rockets are well on their way to making the playoffs for the first time in what seems like a lifetime. And the biggest reason for this happening? You guess it. Stevie Franchise. Ever since Steve was traded to Houston in 1999, The Rockets have counted on him whole-heartedly to run this franchise, and I for one, think he has taken that responsability and ran with it, except for maybe one occasion. During his years here, Steve has adapted not only to new players, but a new system and coach as well. The whole time showing true dedication to this organization and the city of Houston. Say what you want about Steve Francis, but there is no denying this kid's talent, or questioning his heart. I already know he has the ability to run the Houston Rockets.
You think the starter with the worst FG% who is the second leading scorer, who also happens to be the worst defender on the team outside of his own backup (and has a MAX contract) is the biggest reason for the success of the team? I'd say it is more like he is the biggest reason the team is not a top 4 seed.
David Carr didn't have a break-out season last year either, but I do remember the Texans having lots of success.
Hinrich is not Stockton he has a better shot, is taller and far more athletic. But if we got him and he turn out to be half as good as Stockton I think that would be ok. The thing is, we don't need an all-star point guard to win a championship but I think we will need a top 10 player at the 2 guard or Small Forward position. IMHO
we could bring steve back next year with an upgrade on our 3 and 4 spots. we would have to hope that he worked on his jumper all summer, and his defence, and his passing ability, and his understanding of the game. if he did (and improved noticeably) we will get to the next level as a team. i'm not ruleing that out as a posibility. my point is, why hope that all of that happens when we can trade him to aquire some one that we KNOW can do what we need?
With Steve on court Rockets +4.4 ppg with Steve off court Rockets -3.3 ppg The differential is +7.7 - which, incidentally, is that largest on the Rockets squad. Are we a better team with him? If what happens on the court is any indication I think we can answer YES.
