Francis shot down any notion of playing for Washington. (Washington Post)

I just read <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48212-2002Feb8.html">an article in the Washington Post</a> about Francis...

All-Star Preview

<b>Francis Is the Franchise</b>

<i>Rockets Do Well With All-Star in Lineup, Suffer Without Him </i>

By Steve Wyche
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 9, 2002; Page D03


PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 8 -- Houston Rockets guard Steve Francis, voted to start in his first NBA all-star game Sunday at First Union Center, hates being reminded how well his team has done with him in the lineup. He hates it even more when he's told how poorly the team did without him.

In the 16 games he missed because of ruptured tissue in his foot and the four games he missed because of migraine headaches, the 16-33 Rockets won once. That alone proves his value as does the fact that he leads Houston in scoring (22.6-point average), rebounding (7.7 average) and assists (6.6 average).

Francis happened to be out of the lineup when the Washington Wizards defeated Houston 85-82 on Dec. 6. It was the first victory on Washington's nine-game winning streak that turned around the Wizards' season. The Rockets' loss was one of the 13 in a row that helped sink their season.

"People try to get me to say they lost this many games without you," said Francis, who grew up in Takoma Park. "I don't think that's good manners to your teammates. They're out there practicing every day, working hard to win games. For me to say that's the reason we lost those games, that would be conceited, and that's not Steve Francis."

The fact that he has played in just 29 games and was elected by the public to start in the All-Star Game shows how far he has come since starring at Maryland and then forcing a trade to Houston after being drafted second overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1999.

As far as the Rockets, though, notoriety remains a question.

After about three minutes into a mass interview during media day today, Francis was asked, "How about the second half of the year? Michael Olowokandi has been having a couple good games and he's playing very well of late. Do you think that's going to carry you or what?"

Francis, bewildered, look at the inquisitor, then popped up from his seat, jokingly got up like he was about to walk out of the interview, then sat back down, still in disbelief.

Olowokandi is the starting center for the Los Angeles Clippers.

"Did y'all hear what he asked me?" Francis asked the reporters. "He said Michael Olowokandi is having a good season. Oh my goodness. Oh my God. Oh my God. Unbelievable. Aww man."

That's how it is, though, for a man nicknamed Stevie Franchise. As much of a team player as he is, to most, he is the team.

There is some concern within the Rockets' organization that Francis could bolt when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in two seasons. More than anything, Francis says he wants to play for a winner.

He sat courtside at MCI Center Thursday as the surging Washington Wizards defeated the Sacramento Kings and soaked in an electric atmosphere. He witnessed strong performances by Michael Jordan, Popeye Jones and point guards Chris Whitney and Tyronn Lue, whose contracts happen to expire in two seasons.

<b>Francis shot down any notion of playing for Washington.</b>

"I like coming home <b>once a year</b> and <b>playing, once a year,</b>" Francis said. "I know it's going to sell out when we come -- they're selling out every game. I like Washington <b>once a year</b>, whenever we come to town to play."

The 6-foot-3 Francis is one of the most electrifying players in the league and will showcase his skills in Saturday night's slam-dunk competition. Should he win, it could elevate his growing status.

While some people, like Toronto's Vince Carter, were concerned that he would get labeled as a dunker if he defended the title he won in 2000, Francis said he has already established himself as a diverse player.

"I'm a throwback. It's a throwback type thing," Francis said. "Whether it's rebounding, scoring, passing the ball, all those things play a factor. I'd rather do it all, as long as we can win. When you factor all three of those things in along with some of the other guys, we tend to win. It starts with heart and dedication and I think I bring a lot to my team."

Earlier this season, Wizards Coach Doug Collins told shooting guard Richard Hamilton that he needed to be more of a complete player, and he used Francis as the example. Hamilton responded by playing better defense and increasing his rebounding effort.

"Somebody told me that [Thursday] when I was at the game and I couldn't believe it," Francis said. "That is a testament to people noticing what you do. I never played against Coach Collins before, but he's seen me in the gym in summertime, because I play at the MCI Center. I appreciate him making those comments."

Francis's foot has healed but he still suffers from migraines, an incurable neurological disorder that spawns painful headaches. He never had any symptoms until this season. He has tried a variety of medications that have eased his discomfort. The chance that he will have to miss games because of the headaches will always be there.

Francis also might have a legal issue to work through. While he was out with his foot injury, he was arrested on DUI charges. He has insisted that he was not intoxicated and that he will be cleared.

For now though, Francis plans to showcase himself at the all-star weekend and then get back to his Houston team that, no matter what he says, needs him badly.

"That means good fans know good basketball," Francis said of getting elected a starter despite the games missed because of injury and lack of television exposure. "Last year I had a real good season and they probably noticed it from last year and that I played good this season. I play hard. They noticed I'm an all-out, all guts guy. Rebounding, anything. I'm going to do it."


© 2002 The Washington Post Company

 

I think the key here, is that the Washington Post journalist clearly thought that Francis shot down the question of ANY notion of playing for Washington. Steve Wyche was there, hearing tone of voice, insinuation, emphasis on words, knowing exactly how the question was worded.

We can sit here and analyze the actual words Wyche quoted, trying to figure out if it is what the journalist said it was, but the important point, is that a Washington area journalist, looking for hope that Francis might eventually come to his hometown area, came away with a conclusion, from his discussion with him, that Francis shot down ANY notion of playing for Washington in the future.

Steve Francis has made it clear many times when talking to the press that he wants to stay a Rocket, loves Houston, loves his teammates, looks forward to bringing another championship to Houston, is very involved in building this team, and feels responsible for leading this team to the playoffs and beyond. Outside of one time in which his agent said they wouldn't sign an extension, Francis has dozens of times reitterated his intent to stay.

The only questions of his moving somewhere else have been other players or members of the press throwing out possible scenarios and their opinion of what Steve should, ought, or might do. We ought to appreciate his loyalty, rather than question it so much.

Having said that, when it comes time for his contract to be negotiated, I'm sure he'll move into negotiation mode, and his agent will check out all his options, and be sure the Rockets give him what he deserves, which should be a max contract. Good grief, he just started the All Star game in his third season. We better reward him for his all-out effort and excellence, night in night out...