Face it: Francis doesn't give a damn what happens the other 80 games as long as he can do the on-court equivalent of waving his genitals at Houston in the form of a 25-point, 8-assist performance twice a year. He lives for those two nights since he's been gone. I was a fan when he was at SJC and Maryland and never questioned his ability or hustle, but now he only looks out for Stevie. And now, after doing his semi-annual number on us last night, look for a three week sleep walk period as he blames his supporting cast or the popcorn salesman for their lack of wins. Screw him.
Jeff Van Gundy on Steve Francis: "Steve wants to be viewed as this rebel by the media," Van Gundy said. " 'No one tells Steve Francis what to do. I'm going to do my own thing.' The year I had with him, he did everything I asked. He may not have liked it. He probably complained at home to his family. But he did it. He did commit. Maybe he thought I had a gun to his head. But he was not difficult. "I'm telling you, I liked coaching Steve. I didn't like some of the decision-making parts of his game. Steve was fun. He was fun to be around. He was very competitive in games. He competed hard."
HAHA! Yesterday I was writing a responce to some other Francis' thread saying that exact same thing to someone who said that Francis didn't listen to JVG's instructions. Doesn't really matter what he SAYS when his PLAY on the court reflected what JVG wanted him to do, but I guess all the haters know the real truth even though his coach doesn't?
Francis being booed is just another piece of evidence of the classless character of many of the Rocket fans, not only those at Toyota Center, but, as indicated by the clueless content of some of the resposes here, in this Clutch Fans Forum, as well. Here is a guy that has great talent, loved being a part of this team and this city, and played his heart out for us. Like many of you, I got frustrated by his over dribbling and bone-headed plays at the end of games. I would still take McGrady over Francis, but, Steve Francis deserves our appreciation and respect, and our heartiest applause and best wishes.
I didn't go to the game. But if I were there, I'da given him a cheer during the intros, but I wouldn't cheer the way he dismantled us. He played a good game. I miss Stevie. I liked him when he laid it all out on the court for us. I wish him all the success in the world. Except when it's against the Rockets. We'll get you next time, Stevie!
I don't understand why anyone would boo such a classy guy who is no longer with Houston because we traded him. It's not like he left us. He was forced out. Great game Stevie. Wish we could have won though.
It really is amazing that it could be argued that Steve is to the Rockets what George W. is to the country. I cannot think of a single player in any Houston sport that polarizes so much. It is hard to understand how Steve gets hated on more than Maxwell (who quit on the team during the second run), more than Pippen, more than Beltran, hell people seemed to have a higher opinion of Bud Adams than Steve Francis. I dont understand. I'm glad that Steve had a good game, it sux that we had to lose but I'll always have love for Steve for what he tried to do here.
I went to the game, I clapped for him when he was introduced but I don't owe him anything once the game starts. There is nothing classless about booing him during the game ... He is a member of the opposing team afterall.
I was at the game and no doubt Stevie brought some of this on with his showboating. Like when he blew on his fingernails after hitting a shot towards the end of the 2nd quarter. But I also think it's just fine to boo a player at the FT line which is most of what I heard.
awesome post... steve was the reason we all had our heads high during that dunk contest, during that allstar game(our lone representative), during the rookie game... he was the reason alll htown basketball fans were praying for his mengineienianaaeinaz disease, he was the reason houston was given any media attention after the downfall of the dream era. heck IMO, steves the reason we have a new home in the TC... so all you haters, keep hating, but the truth remains, steve francis has done more good for this city than most of you ever will...
Haters are gonna hate no matter what because that's all they know how to do. They are negative individuals who usually hate on everything. Steve can win 10 championships and he will still be hated by them. That's just how they are. Steve had the 2 assists to J. Nelson for those two 3's that sealed the game and the front page of this site gives ALL the credit to Nelson. Steve was the only one who showed up to play last night on both teams, and can't get credit. It's all good. We got T-Mac and we have a great team but QUIT hating on a guy who loved playing and representing H-town.
As competitors, these guys love to hear boos. You think the mean fans hurt his poor little feelings? please...
Steve's a good guy. Sure he was selfish saying he built the Toyota Center. ex Rockets should get warm receptions in Houston except for:
I wasn't at the game, but from what I've read here it wasn't so bad, so I've got to disagree with the Beltran comment. I was at one of those games against the Mets (the one where Lidge struck out Beltran to win the game) and I've never been in an evironment where I saw so much hatred towards one player. The signs, the boos, were ferocious and all directed at Beltran like he was the anti-Christ. It was actually quite funny. For being a relatively laid back city, I didn't think Houston fans would hate as much as they did. I almost felt sorry for the guy...until I remembered how he screwed our team.
i'm upset that people booed him. he should have treated better than that. he wasn't the greatest player in houston history but he played hard everynight and cared about winning.
If Francis wins 10 championships with Orlando or any team besides the Rox the hate for him will be off the scale. You will see posts that go like this: 'EFFIN STEVE FRANC-ASSS WHY THE HELL COULDN'T HE DO THAT FOR US?!! '
Yeah, I don't understand the Francis booing either. He didn't force a trade by badmouthing teammates, nor did he string the organization along in contract talks only to leave them high and dry. People booing Francis are haters, pure and simple. On that note, maybe I wasn't paying too much attention during the game (I did have The Mouse and the Mask playing for the first few minutes), but I didn't hear that many boos.
