Francis said he feels like he can be a leader and relax on the floor and he won't focus on rebounding as much, but rather on scoring with the additions over the summer. He feels the team is much better. Hakeem is a good business man and made a good business decision going to Toronto. Off the court, Anderson seemed comfortable but not on the court. He doesn't believe he was left out. Whether he capitalized on the opportunities given him was on him, not the team. Cato is "very important" and "without him, we are nowhere." Getting Norris back is as important has Francis, himself, being there according to Stevie. He can't see anyone else coming in and doing the job. Just adding now that the thread is up... Francis said he believed that the team will be much better with the additions made over the summer and that it will make his job much easier. He said that they need a big man to block shots and rebound and basically back up the guards which is why Cato is so important. He made a strong point that Moochie was essential to the team because he made Francis' job easier. He said that bringing Norris back was, "as important as me coming back to the team." That's pretty significant.
Cato is "very important" and "without him, we are nowhere." I hope this was more encouragment than what he actually thinks.
Dr of Dunk - That was actually Francis who said that about Cato. It was during a videotape that francis was recording the team in the locker room and off the bus. He went to cato and said " here is our $42 million bust". Then the team started to laugh. Its good to see Francis taking positive and happy about the coming season.
Whether he capitalized on the opportunities given him was on him, not the team. By the way, this is a quote that you guys should really pay attention to. When Shandon was most effective and playing well, he was aggressive in slashing to the basket and got out in transition. When he struggled (80% of the time), he just seemed content to slide around the three point line. That is not Rudy's fault, despite the accusations of some on this board. Shandon's aggressiveness is dependent on him alone; Rudy is not telling him to selectively step it up on certain nights. If Shandon wants to be aggressive, go to the basket, get out in transition, etc., he can definitely be a quality player. But that is dependent on the mentality he brings to the floor, not the coaches or the system. Shandon can point fingers all he wants, but no matter what system he is in, he will never fulfill the promise he once seemed to have until his attitude changes.
What about Collier??? Quit the Collier bashing Steve!!!! Smeg PS Actually with or without Cato and the new Arena deal, i would doubt they would be nowhere, I would think they would be in Houston or if they are playing away then that particular city, Someone get the boy an Atlas.....
This is sort of a bad question, because if Steve had said anything about it, I'm sure you would have posted it, but did Steve say anything about what he's been doing over the summer in terms of working on his game or lifting or anything? And if not, has anyone actually heard anything about him or any of the other players? (aside from Collier)
This is pretty much the whole parable of Mobley and Anderson. One guy stood and watched and decided he didn't fit into the action. The other guy created the action and let things fit in around him.
He didn't say but I remember reading something about a month ago saying Francis had been training like crazy to get ready for the season. I've heard that besides being a total gym rat (he's usally there before most people and after everyone else has left), trainers usually have to tell him to STOP working out because he works out so hard. Man, I love this kid!!!
I think we should support stem cell research so we can clone Stevie's heart and inform Cato that if he doesn't step up, he'll have to have an organ transplant at Hermann Hospital... Seriously, hearing about Steve's work ethic does so much to boost one's optimism for the upcoming season. We're just a productive Glen Rice and significant presence in the middle away from giving the other Western Conference teams serious qualms...
He didn't say but I remember reading something about a month ago saying Francis had been training like crazy to get ready for the season. I've heard that besides being a total gym rat (he's usally there before most people and after everyone else has left), trainers usually have to tell him to STOP working out because he works out so hard. Man, I love this kid!!! I love the sound of that. The Steve bashers out there who think that Francis has no heart for the game, has a bad work ethic, cares only about himself on the court, cares more about stats than winning, and that he is a terrible person just because of forcing the trade outta Vancouver should read this to see what a great, hard working team player Francis is. And I bet most of the Steve bashers out there have never even seen Steve play a game.
Will...how many games from Mobley did you see last year??? I don't care what The Cat said....there is no parable about Anderson and Mobley. Mobley is the Rocket's best goto player and highest scoring 4th Q playmaker, and Shandon's defense was never enough for a proven defensive-minded coach like Rudy to even use him in the 4th Q. Why?? Because Shandon can't shoot! Damn! The guy can't shoot in his FIFTH YEAR in the NBA, and we are going to defend him because he is POLLLLLLIIIIIITTE. I can look charming and polite on the court. Shandon is a dime a dozen. Mobley ROCKS!!!!! I am sorry you missed it last year. But, he is going to rock again.....and this time on TV for you to finally see!!! so sorry you out of towners haven't seen the growth of Mobley, Francis's "Goto man." Now you can!!
I don't know if this has any truth to it, but I was also wondering if, from time to time, Cato was shunted aside, not because the coaching staff doesn't trust him to play well, but rather due to a certain former-Rocket icon center who is no longer on the team... Sometimes, right when I thought Cato was set to return, I thought another Cato "injury" was invented, or perhaps dragged out, so that the team could learn to deal with Hakeem "hey-what-about-me?" Olajuwon. Not that Cato didn't have a high ankle sprain, but I recall he would have returned at about the time Hakeem's wish to get out of Dodge was apparent ("Riley knows how to [utilize] centers.") That sort of thing. Here's hoping we see the Cato of the next-to-last game of the 2000-01 season (Vancouver, I believe?).
Uh . . . crispdude . . . that's the point of the parable . . . playmaking . . . Gotta stop posting at 3:30 in the morning and hit the hay, partner . . .
