Francis didn't make up for his turnovers in this game with his "energy". He did it by making nearly 70% of his shots, getting an efficient 33 points on only 16 FGA, and dished out 11 assists. When Francis sees the floor well, gets to the foul line, and hits his outside shots, the guy is a franchise player who deserved the max we gave him. If he could've consistenly come close to his performance today, he'd be wearing a Rockets uniform right now. But unfortunately, these types of games just don't occur enough. A shame for a guy who could've been a Rocket lifer.
Looks like that Grant Hill is indeed finally back. If he could stay healthy this would be the best thing that ever happens to Steve in his career.
Shame to the guy who can't coach rite. Thanks for ruining everything for steve, bet he'll regret it one day. Even wit tmac he can't win. ATL. LOL. Plus steve's having a nice time in ORLANDO. GO STEVE PROVE IT TO EVERYONE THAT YOU R FRANCHISE.
You know, if the Rockets had a smart, athletic, unselfish guy like Grant Hill on the team, I don't think they ever would have given up on Francis. Hill is exactly the kind of teammate that will bring out the best in Steve.
I think this is a team that compliments francis and mobley almost perfectly. it has all the shooters and the perfect point foward. maybe we will see them in the finals I can see it.
I don't think Francis is playing that much better than when he was with us (last year aside).... And to think that team is still gelling - imagine how good they're going to be when they get it all together!
I wouldn't be shocked - but maybe surprised! They actually look like quite a good team on paper! Two big shot-blocking rebounders in the middle who finish hard to the hoop (Cato and Howard) - one of which has unlimited upside (not Cato). A savvy veteran leader in Hill A proven guard combination (Mobley and Francis) that can score, and both of them back their own ability in the clutch. Then the bench: Turkoglu - shown what he can do in SacTown, and is currently on pace for 6th man of the year Garrity - one of the best 3pt shooters in the league - great PF backup and can run the pick'n'pop with Francis well Battie - handy backup center Augmon and Stevenson are bit-part players but neither is incompetant at what they do! Their GM should be in line for some sort of award for turning that team around so quick (now they're almost guaranteed to crash and burn and make me look stupid)
Man. Maybe we should have taken Hill when he had very little value as well . Oh well all hindsight. Orlando has definitely gelled faster than we have. Hopefully we'll get it together soon. I think if we're hovering at .500 or below by the all-star break you're gonna see some changes in head personnel.
well he just got his second #1 play of the night on sportscenter for that dunk. i'm thinking he didn't have a #1 play all of last year. he's finishing on tough layups about 1000% better than last year and is taking it to the hoop more which is definitely helping. and grant hill is perfect for steve. a guy who is smart, can run the offense when steve isn't, and can get out and run with him. they've worked very well together and i've seen them do big chest bumps twice already so they seem to be getting along really well. i don't know if this can hold up but the fact orlando is getting their wins against real teams and not just whipping the east's losers is a positive sign. if they can get mobley back that should just help more. on paper the players all do fit so well together like DrNuegebauer described. if howard could ever figure out how to shoot even at a cato like clip they would get even that much better. seriously, i can't believe how bad he shoots. but he's definitely got the physical tools, double digit rebounds in every game so far i believe.
to think tat the thread starter started this thread to bash Francis.... and he ended up tearing Jazz apart.... seriously... I dun understand what is it about that so many ppl kept on saying give more time for our team to gell.... Look at Magic and Heat, they have changed the core of the team and looks good..... y can't we? JVG? I dunno..... anyway.... Magic losses seems to come from the weak east teams (bobcats, wizards and sixer... maybe wizards and sixers are not that weak but still.....)
I was so pissed that the rockets lost the other night,but when the magic win it makes up for it to me.I love my city and never really cheered for another team ,but if something don't change in the next 10-15 games it's gonna be hard for me to watch the rockets like i use too.
How is Jameer Nelson? I mean . .someone mentioned Steve having a PG and a Point Forward Nelson, Steve, Hill, Howard, Cato is an ULTRA Athletic bunch Mobley Turkeygloo Garrity Battie Augmon and Stevenson off the bench That is a GOOD looking team Rocket River
What impresses me about Francis this season is he is getting to the FT line. I think in the Utah game he got there 14 times! Last year in Houston Francis never seemed to be able to get to the line. Nothing helps out a players scoring average than getting to the FT line.
Jameer nelson is the best back up francis ever had, while his numbers don't show it, he brings defensive energy on the court he don't get steals in the passing lane he rips the other team point guard man to man.
The new rules help in getting perimeter players to the line.... but the way Francis been playing this season might have something to do with it as well.....
it is funny that francis can play like francis you don't hear people saying that kirk hinrich or carlos arroyo is better than him.
Francis was a verry good player when he played with us. When van gundy came he coudn't play the style of basketbal he was used to. So he played less good. But still showed us somethimes how good he can be. Now he plays in a system that is perfect for him, so ofcourse he wil play great again. i love francis and i hope he wil succeed in orlando.
Francis is having a great season and I couldn't be happier for him. At the end of last season, I was really hoping we would simply hold onto the team core and focus on bringing in a Eric Snow-esque PG that could run the offense and let Steve play more of his natural position - a scoring combo guard. He's not a pure point, something no argues. JVG's insistence on fitting a square peg into a round hole was a disaster until he finally loosened up Steve's offense towards the end. I fully agree that giving Steve guys like Hill and Nelson makes him 100x more effective. Look at Iverson, Steve's natural model. He's averaging a very scary 4.9 turnovers (Steve - 4.4) in his first 8 games. It just comes with the territory. It's my guess that the turnovers will go down to 3/game by midseason. There is the issue of settling into a new system with new faces (Cato and Mobley missing time). I'm very happy to see Steve make such a serious case for becoming an Eastern Conference All-Star starter. Evan
I think the big test for the Magic will be how well they adjust once Grant Hill goes down for the season with an injury.
