Exactly!!! This bashing of Steve is just ridiculous. Yes, he showed up out of shape -- that is his fault. But I don't understand this constant obsession with finding anything, factual or not (see the numerous threads about Steve not wearing his jersey), to criticize him about. The guy loves Houston, hated being traded away and was thrilled to come back (for less than he would've made elsewhere). Steve's attitude on the court is exactly what this team needs. His last year here, we lost to the Lakers 4-1 in the first round. Three of those losses were close if I remember correctly and Steve willed us to be competitive in those games (This was Yao four years ago, remember). Attitudes can be be contagious. KG's attitude on the court has rubbed off on his teammates in Boston. As maligned as Steve's attitude off the court has been this year, few will deny that he wants to win. Given the chance to play, could that desire and intensity rub off on his teammates?
Crap, this messes up his fantasy value 1 inactive list 9 DNP's 2 DNPU's (Did Not Put on Uniforms) 3 H5WT's (High 5's With Teammates)
sportsline is custom to making mistakes like this. I was watching last game's PBP and at one point they had "Tracey McGrady in for Steve Novak". Turned out that Steve Novak was Luis Scola. And they also always gets your records of win:loss wrong.
SF3 is questionable for tonight's game....but not for injuries, but whether Rick Adelman comes to his senses by giving SF3 a chance to prove he could still do it again for the Rockets now that TMAC is injured The point guards regarding Alston and James are horrible The team lacks veteran leadership The team lacks penetration upfront Alston is 31 years old and Francis is 30 years old and they are both in NBA for 9 seasons. But if you compare their career stats so far, other than Alston is 1% higher than SF3 in 3-pointer % and lower in TO per game, SF3 tops Alston in almost every other categories in point scored, rebounds, assists, steals, FG%, FT%. It's time Rick Adelman should release SF3 from the doghouse and let him play, not necessarily the starting point guard, but at least some worthy minutes as backup to Alston.
You guy's are going to be talking about steve francis and begging and complaining that he plays until adleman put's him in the game. People will be at the next home game chanting his name in the 4th quarter in crunch time with the game on the line. The coaching staff feels he isn't ready to contribute so why can't everybody trust the professional opinion. Rick needs to to either give steve a shot or they should trade him before he becomes a problem.How long do you guy's think steve can sit on the bench and watch, new york last season he was on the in-active list for wierd reasons and he is doing it again this season.
Because, the only way a player that USED TO be an all-star and can dunk and make finishing plays around the basket stays out of the lineup is the coach is keeping him down. Francis has nothing to do with his not being in the lineup. Adelman needs to wave his hand across the camera next time and say "This isn't the Francis you're looking for."
Stevie could actually see some playing time tonight, i wouldnt be suprised if tonight is his 07-08 debut.
Stevie's best shot will be tomorrow night. Tail end of a back-to-back (fourth game in five nights). Steve will be the only fresh player available. Rockets playing a perennial powerhouse. Without Tracy McGrady. Steve Nash will be making Rafer Alston look like Rain Man. Another home game where the fans will be demanding for him to be allowed to play. The stars will all be aligned. You really couldn't ask for a better situation to get a chance to shine. Don't let us down, Rick.
Stevie IS becoming a distraction...I haven't been able to rail on Rafer for a while now because of it. BAN STEVIE LOVERS!
