I'd have loved him to come here if he could have gotten the buyout. He would definitely have helped us toward the playoffsm especially since Wells hasn't turned out. I heard only good stuff from JVG, Dawson and Lindsey regarding that possibility, so I'm sure they see him as an assett. At the time we traded him, this was Steve's team. I made a number of posts about this point at the time. Steve is all heart, a gym rat, so athletic, and a highlight player. He was a believer in Houston. I really liked the guy. The problem came when we drafted Yao. Yao had a very high BB IQ, and they didn't fit. The Rockets now needed a team who could match Yao with their ability to play smart. Steve probably could have, but he never got the training he needed to be a great PG, since he was with so many different teams before Houston. As a result, he didn't really learn what I had hoped he could learn from someone like Lucas or the Big O. He relied on his incredible talent and athleticism. As he gets older, he won't be like a Stockton or Kidd, who can extend their career's due to their BB IQ's. So, I worry about Steve at this stage, now that he is 30. I'm not sure Steve could play under the discipline of JVG. I think he wants to, and would certainly try. He was an all-star in Houston. I'm sure he longs to return to his former glory, and the additional international popularity of being on the same team as Yao. I'm also sure he'd love to go to the championship with us, as he had originally dreamed. But, could he learn and adapt his game? Maybe he's been humbled, so he could. It could be too late, though, especially if his knees are shot. This summer, I think it'll be a more confusing choice. If Steve is bought out, and offers to play for the minimum, just so he can play here, and he has an attitude of doing anything to see the team win, then he'd be a great asset, although I think it would be more in a backup 1/2 spot, which we'd hoped James or Wells could do. Could he live with not being the star, and see himself as the 3rd option? As much as Alston clearly falls short in the shooting department, he does advance the ball quickly upcourt, has low turnovers, is a great passer, and can nail the outside 3. With TMac functioning as a point forward, that's really all JVG wants, except being a better defender. None of those are Stevie's strengths, so I'm sure he'd either start at the 2, leaving us very short in the backcourt, or come in from the bench at both positions. I don't see Steve replacing Alston. Now, do we need to replace Alston? That's a whole different subject ... but, I don't see Stevie as the answer to that question.
If NY buyout his contract, there is no doubt we are going to sign him. He has energy and is tough on the court, this is the type of players we need on the court. Right now. we are kind of soft, could not beat the top teams. Both Yao and T-Mac are not tough guys. Rafer is small as PG.
I love SF3's passion. It's not his old team any more, but he can still help the Rockets. Meanwhile, that would be the end of Span's journey with the Rockets.
although i started going bald prematurely while being a rockets fan through the whole francis era, i would love to see him back. he would always make the impossible.. right before dribbling off his foot at the buzzer... those were the days.
francis has no health issues. brown wanted him, zeke likes crawford and starbury. he was on the injured list because he was in active negotiations for a buyout with dolan. he was just about bought out....and then crawford went out. as far as his current woes, he wants out of nyc bad, and is playing poorly to get out. i would love him as a 6th man candidate. maybe he can show tmac how to drive into the lane and finish...
I love Francis and would be happy to see him in red again. But, Francis needs to know you can't go home again. If he came back, it wouldn't be like the old days. He needs to find another team whose style of play now fits with his skill-set. I don't thnik the Rockets are it.
I'd like him back, but it just makes me twitch every time i think about that laker series and how he jacked up that 40 foot 3pter with like 17 left on the shot clock.
^^^ I don't think Francis minds that. He hasn't complained about his minutes or his role in New York, and now that he's nearly 30, I don't think that's going to change. I think he just wants to win. He always has, but especially now. Besides, no Rocket fan should be opposing his return, IMO. Not only because he played with his heart on his sleeve for us, but becasue Rafer is arguably THE WORST player in the league who plays at least 30 minutes per game.
I would love to see him back at near the Vet minimum. He can contribute. No way it ever happens though IMHO. If we pass-you can bet Dallas and SA take a close look at him..... Dude plays with heart every nite and can create his own shot and finish!!!!! Go Rockets!!!
For ll the Steve Haters-you got to admit he played without ego his last season under Van Gundy. Steve changed his game to suit Van Gundy....
Can you imagine him getting bullet passes from McGrady, slashing to the basket? Getting open looks from the three point line? He's shooting .407 from Downtown this season. Over 85% from the FT line. Always was a good rebounder. I think he could fit here if he knows his role... swinging between the 1 and the 2, with reduced minutes from what he had here before. He absolutely loved playing with Yao. Couldn't be worse than Head and Rafer playing defense, could he? Just might work, if he was available and cheap. God knows, we haven't anyone besides Rafer right now at the point.
I'm not a SF "hater". He did not check his ego until the playoffs, where he played his best ball of the season. The guy who really impressed me that year was Cat. He not only checked his ego, he brought his game up another level on the defensive end. JVG made Cat a better player. Steve refused to budge (until the playoffs, but it was too late).
I agree, vet min is a no brainer. MLE would depend on who else was available as well as what we do in the draft.
how did he not check his ego until the playoffs? just because he played well in the playoffs? checking your ego and having a good season are two different things.
He can be a PG (but lots of u are right, there seems to be no place for him, Rafer is already in our system and if he comes, sallary will be a problem) I like him since he is the first teamate of YAO
Plus a legit 3rd scoring option is always good. We know Francis can put up 30 any given night. When Tmacs shot might not be clickin or Yao is tired.
