Before I go on my short rant, let me preface by saying that Francis is one of my favorite players of all-time... Here goes nothing... Do you think that Francis really makes players around him better? I don't think he really does. When he has been absent, I didn't really notice much of a change from the 11 other guys. The reason the Rockets lost so many times is because Moochie can't rebound and score like Francis. Without a doubt, Francis is one of the most valuable players in the NBA, if you go by how much they contribute to the team. However, his value is totally different (and less valuable) than a Jason Kidd or Gary Payton, who are able to elevate the play of their teammates, as well as their ability to take over games down the stretch. I have yet to really see Francis take the bull by the horns in a close 4th quarter game. And, as I mentioned before, I don't think any of the Rockets necessarily benefit drastically, when they play with Francis. I guess my whole point might be that Francis might only be a #2 player, as opposed to a franchise type player. I know I will probably get bashed to no end.
Sadly, I agree. I've already handed the team to Griffin. Francis is very good, very likeable, but not going to take over and crush the other team single-handedly, or knife them to death with passing, or pick them apart and expose and demoralize his opponents. I'd like that. Like Hakeem did to DRob. Like Jordan with Craig Ehlo. Like Zeke with Magic . Like Kobe. Like that.
I agree he is not there yet.... He may still have potential to elevate his game- not athletically-he is the best, but mentally-the power to rise above all. It took Michael Jordan until 1988/ 1989 to develop his mental prowess- control of the court and make others better around him. Steve may get there yet. For now I sadly agree- Francis does not make the other players better.
I don't know if that's all true. I think all those alley-oops and dunks Francis keeps giving Cato have improved the big guy's confidence somewhat. And I think its a big reason Cato has been playing good recently.
Good question. First of all, Francis does not fit the "classic" definition of a PG, and certainly does not play the true PG role as well as a Nash, Kidd or Payton. It would make more sense to build the roles of the Rocket's guards around their strengths, rather than around "lock step" position definitions. WHAT FRANCIS CAN DO IS TAKE OVER A GAME!! And there aren't many players who can do that. Remember, he is still learning the game having a foreshortened college career. I really think he is trying too hard to be the unselfish star, often giving up the ball early in games to the team's detriment. I think he'll be a greater offensive force than any of the above-mentioned players but is working with a pretty young group of teammates to find his niche and how to best help the team. And having so damn many injuries sure hasn't helped. NO DOUBT IN MY MIND STEVIE WILL BE A SUPERSTAR. He has to work hard on making better on-court decisions, improve his assist/TO ratio, and really work on his defense (with his athleticism he should be awesome defensively!). And he'll soon figure out when to really assert himself and when to involve teammates more. As an example, look at what he has done to "bring out" Cato. No one else on the team can do that. So let's be patient. He is a great kid, and it's obvious he HATES TO LOSE. I think he will ultimately redefine his role as a hybrid PG/SG but who is to say that's not a better way!
Great player not the best team player.Not the smartest either.He has the desire to be great but will he sacrifice his ego for the rest of the team? For the rockets sake I hope so.
I was watching NBA.com on Cable the other day, and they had an old Clevland/Bulls matchup from 1989, and I got to see a young Michael Jordan play. He was NOT all that great at making anyone better, in fact, he was a selfish ball hog, who did not play much defense.(Sound familiar?) The only difference is that Jordan was even MORE selfish then Steve and was more aggressive on the offensive end of the floor. This was Jordan's 5th year in the league, so Steve sure has a ways to go. DaDakota
McCullough, Jefferson, Collins, Kittles, basically everyone on the Nets who are able to get wide open jumpers, or who are able to get layups on fast breaks. I take it that you have not seen the Nets play this year. Last year, they sorely lacked good shots, with Marbury around. Too many forced shots. This year, they get so many easy buckets and open shots its ridiculous.
Francis MAY have ignited Cato. However, Cato did play decently (if I recall correctly) while Francis was out with his random migraines.
I have seen the Nets. Last year what they lacked was not open shots, but healthy players. Now that they have healthy players, they are a better team. I'm not convinced Jason Kidd, unless he has a medical degree I am unaware of, is the sole reason behind this. He runs the offense well, but I do not think he makes other players better by his presence.
Kidd is the best PG at controlling the tempo since Magic Johnson. The Nets are doing well offensively, because Kidd is able to dictate the tempo that the Nets offense is best suited for. Marbury would just hold onto the ball and looked to do his thing in the half court, while the team is best suited for the transition game. You should try to pay attention to how McCulloch scores his 10-15 points a game. They are all off of Kidd drive and dishes. You should also notice that KVH gets wide open 3-pointers that were not there in years past. Kidd gives the Nets a guy who can do something with the ball in his hands. This complements the Nets very well, since they have guys who are good spot-up shooters, and good cutters away from the ball. The Nets did not get the open shots last year, because they had role players trying to pretend like they were go-to guys, such as Martin and KVH.
The Nets didn't get open shots last year because for the majority of the year they were playing Stephon Marbury and a bunch of CBA players. Then, when they finally get Martin playing like the No. 1 pick . . . he breaks his leg. Kidd runs a good transition offense, but has trouble with the half-court variety. I just don't see him as making his teammates markedly better merely by stepping on the floor.
Imagine having TJ Ford on the Rockets. He could really open things up for Francis. Francis could average 30 a game if TJ ran the point. Also, if Ford can make Deginald Erskin look good, he could probably make Mo Taylor look like Webber.
Poodleboy, you just wiped out whatever 2500 posts give you in credibility. So what's the reason for the decline of the Suns?
Ok, so at least you admit that Kidd is better than Marbury at making his teammates better. Kidd has trouble in the half court? I guess Todd McCulloch does rack up all his points on fast break dunks.
They traded one of their best players(Robinson) for scrubs. The Phoenix offense is actually markedly better than it was last year.
This is what I've been tryring to remind people when they say Carter is nowhere near the defender/winner/team player (!?) that Jordan was...he developed, like Carter will, and Stevie will.
