Sportsradio 610's David Dalatai had some comments from Steve Francis after an "end of season players' meeting" today. Mentioned were two very interesting things: (1) Francis feels "heart" is the most important thing for both himself and his teammates to work on over the off-season. (2) He WILL sign if an agreeable contract is offered from the Rockets this summer.
Then he'll be here, new uniforms, new arena, and all. He's right about the heart. That's why this off-season is so important.
Francis still has another year on his contract. So, even if the Rockets don't make him an agreeable offer THIS summer, doesn't mean he won't sign an extension. It just means we won't sign him this summer. I think everyone agrees that he wants the max, even the Rockets, and they're willing to do whatever it takes. We all know the Rockets should be willing to dish out that kind of cash to him. I think the good news to focus on, is that he said he'll stay...if the money offer is agreeable. This means he must like the team, city, coach, progress, future, and his teammates, mainly his best friends Mobley, and Mo-T.
Who does Francis think he is, holding the organization by the gonads just to get an agreeable contract?
Interesting that Francis himself admits he and his teammates need to work on heart...seems there's been more than a few of us posting that all season long. Lack of defense...particularly the way the Rockets played defense this last season...is pretty indicative of a team not playing with heart.
Yes! Steve's going to stay in Houston! I knew it! Unless Rudy T. and the Rockets are dumb enough not to give him an agreeable offer.
I don't know...themoandfroshow I don't think the team's second leading scorer should get the max when the leading scorer is making only $4m.
Exactly how do you work on "heart"? What about freakin fundamentals? Ever here of them Francis? Its faster to pass the ball than it is to dribble it. Its not wise to dribble to the sideline or baseline where you can be trapped. Defense wins games. Try talking on defense/offense (ie. running the team) instead of talking trash to an opponent. Francis is a super talent, no doubt about that. If he doesn't learn basketball basics, he will never win a championship (see Dominique Wilkins) Also, he needs to forget everything he learned from Barkley and dedicate himself to being the best NBA player he can be. Less partying and "making the scene" will make him a better player as well.