I have always loved Cat. (true statement) I have NEVER liked steve. he was a physically talented player who had a big heart, but no concept of how to play the game. a pg who can't run a fast break, didn't make his teammates better, didn't commit to defense, couldn't shoot without dribbling for an offensively (double entendre) paralyzing amt of time, was a petulant, pouting, spoiled punk (leading the L in techs year after year, pouting @ draft, skipping out to go to the Superbowl, etc.), and didn't - until jvg got here - even show a willingness to TRY to change. with all that talent, he could iso a with Cat and destroy other teams (bad teams). that was about it. as far as I'm concerned, the steve francis era was what I called it then - a waste. all anyone could ever spout then was "oooh...but 20-5-5." who cares...i called him terrible then and predicted he'd be ABSOLUTELY worthless with any decline physically. Lo and behold, one bad knee...one career over. let him be an example to younguns coming into the league: all talent + no brain + unearned coddling (rudy) = loser
If you're saying Rudy could not coach against a zone or could only coach one way, you would be wrong. Health problems did him in, not rule changes.
Francis never averaged 8 rebounds or 8 assists. His best assist year was 2004-2005 with Orlando (7.0) and his best rebound year was 2001-2002 (7.0). The closest he came to averaging a triple-double (which in actuality isn't close at all) was 2001-2002 with 21.6, 7.0 and 6.4.
In fairness to Francis, I think T-Mac said it best. He's lost a step. That is true except at the time nobody knew his patellar tendon was 70 percent torn. Here's hoping he gains that step back when he recovers.
I'm guessing you weren't in the stands rooting for stevie at the home opener eh? popsrock is right. a recovered knee/tendon should give him that extra step back. here's to hoping he comes back and plays a strong role/mentor for ab.
one of the reasons I liked steve and cuttino so much is because as much as I appreciate the championship years, dumping the ball down low to olajuwon/barkley in their old age. did steve progress? no but they brought some excitement to the game, it just wasn't appreciated after winning championships, and then of course the lock out.
Just could not get enough of that exciting Gundy Ball Plus we know the Steve Francis years had NOTHING BUT AN ABUNDANCE OF TALENT AROUND HIM Cato, Walt Williams, Carlos Rodgers . . I mean . .you talking about FUTURE HALL OF FAMERS!! Rocket River I won't mention how well Orlando was doing until their GM gave away the Starting Shooting Guard . . .. FOR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING Christie didn't even play 5 games with them . . . . but hey! ., . . Be a Hater. . . according to some hating on a player makes you a Bandwagon Fan
Hey Cuttino, Don't be mad that Stevie chose Houston over you. C'mon Cat, for once stop thinking about yourself. You are so selfish. He just wanted to finish his career where he started it. I'm sure it's nothing against you. But I'm still shocked by those comments you made. I thought you were a bigger man than that, I guess not. Cat, it's nothing personal. Steve just did what he thought was best for him. Take care Cuttino! Maybe you can come and join Steve and Yao in Houston whenever you are a free agent.
