I understand... but this Steve bashing has got to stop.

I orignally posted this in another thread, but I will repost it here since it seems to fit in with the topic:

First of all, if anyone is going to make any type of analysis and expect that it can be construed as a valid point, then one needs to take emotions by the wayside and dissect things as objectively as possible. First of all, Steve Francis has clearly made PR mistakes by reacting the he he does in the media. But it's not a big deal unless we make it one. Yes he is a great palyer that we shouldn't lose and yes he still has some maturity to gain. When Kobe got on his high horse few years back about Shaq and his team, the media blew it way out of proportion, but now he and Shaq are the dynamic duo with 3 championships between them. Yes, Yao Ming has not displayed his ability here in the States, but he has gone against NBA players and top international palyers many times before, and has handled himself in a most self-respecting light. That's why he is prospected today at #1. There is no argument about what Steve and Yao Ming are capable of, it's the question of how their chemistry will be. Remember the glory days of Hakeem, Barkley, and Clyde. And how about Hakeem, Barkley, and Pippen. We all remember the results of those tandems. 3 of top 50 players of all time together could not win another championship. Yet Hakeem, Cassel, Horry, Elie, Smith, Maxwell, Thorpe could? (No disrespect if I left out other contributors). I think that if fans are to help the Rockets, then we need to support the whole team, Steve, Rudy, and CD through the process of BUILDING A TEAM. And if there are any CLEAR indications otherwise, then yes, roster changes need to be made. Point is, let's give everyone a chance right now because we've only just begun.

 

BlastOff, I noticed in your profile that you're from, or at least in, Kerrville. I grew up in S.A. and spent a lot of time in the Hill Country. Pity it's been urbanized. But, please elaborate on your "truth hurts" observation.

 

You mean this is as good as Francis gets? If so, then we are in trouble.

Ok here is Francis's quote that has been pasted all over this BBS:

"I've never been able to play with a guy like that so it remains to be seen how it will help my game ."

What the hell does he mean "Never been able"?

Does that mean he doesn't like to pass to the low post?

Does that mean he won't be able to dribble for 21 seconds before he throws up an off balance 20 footer?

Can you tell me a question that he could have possibly been asked that would cause a response like that one?

"never been able"
"never been able"
"never been able"

hmmm.....

 

Granted that you have a good observation of the quote in question, realize also that the the selections of words is an art that few have mastered. Words can also easily become miscontrued in its meaning, as posters, we are well aware of that. The point is, we still don't have the full scope of the situation and therefore we still are stuck at looking at its context. If any blame is to be given, then we could blame the media for their incomplete reporting, editing, and spinning of the news. Fuzzybear's point is well taken, outside of this, what evidence do we have that Steve will not play for the Rockets or with Yao Ming? Therefore, if he plays, he will play to win because that's who he is. If he doesn't play, you shall have the honor of casting the first stone.

 

I have no interest in "casting the first stone." If Francis has nothing good to say about a #1 draft pick, then he should keep his opinions to himself and maybe a few close freinds. Exactly what is Francis trying to accomplish by stating that he doesn't like the Rockets plan of selecting Ming?

 

I agree with you 100% Bob, all I'm saying is give a kid a chance. He's a kid that started a little fire when he shouldn't be playing with matches at all. But if we give fuel to the flame, then an inferno it becomes. Small flame blows out easily, infernos are disasterous. Like I said, he made some stupid PR mistakes, accomplishes nothing, but let Francis regret his own words, not let ourselves regret ours someday.

 

bobfinn- everything other than that one soundbite has come from inside sources. so far he has done very close to whay you want and remained silent. he has not once publically bashed ming or for that matter said anything negative about him. at this point i think he's way too uninformed to be "pissed" but it's premature to bash him on whats happened so far.

and if steve is selfish for wanting to win now, he has no hope to win some "fans" over. isn't that what we want out of our star player?

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/tracker/player?playerId=18341

Not going to join the Steve Francis bashing band.

But just to ask, isn't Francis still recovering from surgery? Isn't it true, despite Francis and Mobley, the Rockets still don't make good PASSING decisions?

Well, then consider Czech national player JIRI WELSCH. Yes, check him out. Isn't he a good insurance while Steve is recovering? "Stockton on hormones," ESPN said.

I say, draft Welsch for the 15th pick.

Then draft Udonis Haslem for the 37th pick .http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/tracker/player?playerId=16915

 

I don't have anything against Francis wanting to win now. I just think Rudy knows how to win while Francis hasn't learned yet.