http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b.../2007-03-16_isiah_get_the_ball_to_eddy-1.html "But then, Francis is somewhat unique. Thomas and Garden chairman James Dolan have maintained since last June that acquiring Francis was the idea of former coach Larry Brown. Two weeks ago, the Knicks were on the verge of buying out Francis' contract, but those plans changed when Crawford suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Francis told several NBA players of the buyout talks and that he was hoping to sign with Houston, where he lives during the offseason. Considering Francis' criticism of Jeff Van Gundy after being traded from Houston to Orlando three years ago, it is unlikely that the Rockets would have signed him."
I don't know what would be his role? he did turn down with dribbling, but what position would he play?
Forgive me, I quoted the wrong source. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b.../2007-03-16_isiah_get_the_ball_to_eddy-1.html
No question Francis is going to come up this offseason. The Knicks will TRY to trade him but NO ONE will take his contract. He will end up being bought out. I think Houston would have an interest in Francis. BUT, Francis will be looking for a FULL MLE deal. The question then becomes, is Francis the best option with the MLE? He is an option to consider in my opinion considering our "continual" need for a 3rd scorer and help at the PG spot. But I am campaigning that the Rockets first look at Grant Hill with our MLE money. Much better fit and can play in swingman rotation with Tmac and Battier. Additionally bringing in Hill who could come off the bench in reduced minutes, would be someone that could handle the basketball and play some Point Forward in helping set up players in the second unit. Having Hill on the floor helps a guard like Luther playing backup PG. Just something to think about.
Well...hell...isn't he better than Rifa? I would say he is...even though he was very turnover prone when he was here. He does go to the basket hard, rebounds well, lots of energy... Oh well. Too late now.
He would play point......he did average 6 assist while he was here. I'm sure he has matured and the turnovers are down. I still miss his rebounding at that position. He would have been a KILLER third option.
I hope he gets bought out in the summer so he can come back home. CD said he wouldn't mind taking Francis back, its just his contract was too big to deal with in a trade.Hopefully, we see Stevie Franchise back with the Rockets after we win the title this year.
I know Stevie left in bad terms, but I would never object for him coming back to the Rockets. I'm a huge Steve Francis fan, even after what I had to see from him for five years, I still love the guy.
Hold on, we've got two super stars in the team. Do we have enough money to pay Francis? Also, who will be the first option for the offense? who should take the most shooting chances?
I read somewhere that if the Knicks can't trade him, he'll be bought out during the offseason. Most likely he'll still end up here. Initially he's not what I would make a priority, much less care to get. But to get a player who could create his own shot coming off the bench could prove to be very valuable. Francis back on the Rockets means the idolized Vspan and the enigmatic JL3 would be able to keep the same shoes fresh throughout an entire season.
he is talented enough. to give it a shot, with a MLE contract he would be easier to trade if it didn't work out
I disagree. If Steve is bought out, he still gets money from his MAX contract. So I doubt money is an issue. He's been wanting to come back to Houston since he was traded. I feel that he would sign for cheap (vets min. or LLE) to be back home.
He is smart enough to know his role won't be to score alot, since he's in his later years anyways he should be all about setting up the offense and getting assists. I am all for getting Stevie back
People, worrying about money is moot. If Stevie comes here, its on the vets minimum, guaranteed. I just hope the Knicks do buy him out.
I don't know, this sounds like the same old Francis to me who struggled getting the inbound pass to Yao, dribbled the shotclock out and passed the ball to the wrong team. Here is an interesting stat from the last 3 games. He has 17 turnovers and 5 assists. Not saying he isn't a better backup option than what we have but he still has the same warts that got him dealt in the first place.
