I can name some people who do deserve max salaries. KG, TD, Shaq, Kobe, Gary P., Tracy McRady, V.C. Steve is good but does he has the game to prove to be with the elite?
I think he is a max player, but he is the ONLY one on the Rocks who qualifies. Yao may one day, and Griffin has a chance, but for now...only Francis deserves it. DD
Stevie Franchise is one of only 3 players in the history of the NBA to average 15 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds in his first 3 seasons in the league. The other two are Oscar Robertson & another Hall of Fame player that I can't remember. Yes, he is worth the MAX for all that he does for this team. PS: There is new video footage of the press conference from yesterday's signing of Francis on http://www.nba.com/rockets/# VIDEO: Francis talks about playing in Houston's new arena - 56k | 300k VIDEO: Francis on his new contract extension - 56k | 300k VIDEO: Francis on becoming a leader - 56k | 300k
Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson are proven retired HOFers, so of course it's hard to compare Stevie with them. Franchise has one of those unique packages that comes very rarely. The Rockets are taking a chance when they signed him to the max. The only way we'll ever know if he's worth it is for him to play out this contract. Let's hope everything turns out ok.
Francis is definitely worth the max, however I must say that I would like to see his rebound totals go down so that he may apply himself more towards defense. I also don't want to see his body break down because of the physical rigors of the NBA.
Yes, now it is all coming back to me. I saw the list last week and Grant Hill was also on it. Lamar was not in the select few and it was only 4 players to do that accomplishment in the first 3 years of their NBA careers. (Grant, Oscar, Magic & Stevie Franchise!)
Odom isn't on the list. He's almost there but not quite (4.2a as a rook, 13.1pts 01/02, but over the line for all other categories) Only 4 players. Nice little group to be keeping company with. 2 Hall-of Famers and a player who was "it" before becoming injured (he may get back up there too, though i doubt it). I wonder if Yao will be the fifth player.
You can't say anything on this board about Frances without being accused of "hating Steve." BUT, here goes, I would have preferred Frances to have a "complete" year before signing him longterm. The Rockets have a history of paying too much for too little (Cato, Norris, Rice, and maybe Taylor). I hope the contract has some "health clauses," so the Rockets are not tied up for years if Frances' health problems resurface. Remember, the feet, the shoulder, and the migraines. These are all serious and possible career ending conditions. Otherwise, I am hopeful that Frances will stay healthy, and realize his potential. I certainly hope we have not seen the "best" of Steve Frances.
I agree the Rockets sometimes over pay, but in this day & age in the NBA what team isn't guilty of that? Rice shouldn't count considering the didn't broker that deal, but just took on the contract.
If we didn't give him the max, every other team in the league with the cap room would have. Of course Steve deserves the max, he puts up great #'s in damn near every category.
The max is something that should be given to true superstars - the elite of the league. However, in the economy of today's NBA, to keep a very good franchise player who is young and still has loads of potential, you have to pay him the max. Thankfully, unlike baseball, you aren't killing your team by signing him to just a little more than he may be worth. Considering what Francis brings to the table in terms of skills, athleticism, leadership, and potential, plus the going rate for a top flight PG on te open market, he's well worth the max in a contract and will be a sound investment for the Rockets for years to come.
He definitely deserves the max, but the real question is: With the changing face of this team, will he continue to deserve the max?
