I think it's really interesting that something like 40-50% of the people who participated in this poll think Francis will start or at least be a part of the 8 man rotation, but like 90% of the people who actually posted their opinion think he's washed up. A couple people say they are rooting for him, but won't go so far as to say they expect him to succeed and I think only W22_Streak has the balls to admit he thinks he'll be a starter. I think that alone speaks volumes. Even most of those who say they expect him to be a part of the rotation aren't confident enough to proclaim it. Everybody knows, deep down, he's done. His NBA days are over.
With the roster getting packed with some nice talent i really don't see Steve get that much playing time...if any. Also if the rockets do bring in another piece with a trade i see the rockets trying to include him in it.
actually.. Noone knows if he's done. you don't know how hes doing on his rehab. neither do anyone else. no one knows if stevie is trying to rehab or hes just quitting. basically... right now, its people that have hope, or people don't have hope like you. not that theres anything wrong with that. and just because you vote on a poll and not post your thought means you don't have balls? news to me. i have hope because, he had that bothered knee since new york. and the last few games with them, he averaged 20 points. i don't know if the injury got worse, (which i think it did) but he came out of shape thinking everything will come to him. especially with the charges against rafer, and the fact that it looked like we were going away from rafer. now, he has one more chance to prove. and his loyalty to houston, to me, will make me say he will at least try.
Sorry to change the topic a bit although this relates indirectly to SF as well. I called in to the Show and asked Calvin about how far does he think the team can go based on the varying opinions of the fans. He told me the Rockets have a long way to go before they can make it to the Championships,he said first they have to get out of the 1st round. He said they could accidently make it to the Finals like the Rockets did in 81,but his emphasis was on that they have a long way to go. I didn't ask him for any suggestions but we did discuss about the lack of trading assets and the salary cap situation being part of the problems facing the team.
I voted for key reserve because that's what I'd like to see happen but am not real confident in that happening.
We all know Steve and he doesn't want to end his career like this. I see him working extra hard to be able to contribute to our title run this year.
I stand by what I said once before: If Steve shows up to training camp in shape, then ... I expect him to be in the rotation. If he shows up fat and not in shape, then I'd say ... he's got no shot to prove himself. No one knows for sure what will happen of him but most will probably say that he's "washed up and done" based on what's happened to him recently. The Stevie fan in me hopes that he reports to camp in good shape (actually i hope it's the best shape but ... ya), and really fights hard to not let his career end the way that so many think it will.
If steve can have a successful rehab I still believe he can crack into the rotation and what? he is only 31 so if he can come back strong he be a great asset to the rocket especially for the small contract he have.
He's done. We have no need for him anymore. Brent Barry's signing makes him even less relevant to the Rockets roster for the next season. And so ends the last remnants of the ISO ball/bad contracts era that Rudy and CD put us in after the Dream era. Good riddance.
I'm an SF3 fan as much as anyone but what concerns me is we don't anything about his off-season rehab and training regimen. He was clearly out of shape last preseason and that probably contributed to his injury. I agree with most here, I think SF3 is finished. He really doesn't need to play for the money he got plenty of it in his buyout. So for ya'll that think he will rise to the occasion and play for a future contract, i don't think so. I don't think he has the burning desire anymore to play with the fire he used to. Even when he was playing with the Magic right before going to the Knicks, his game was in a sharp decline. If SF3 stands in the way of a 15th spot in front of a Mike Harris, Steve Novak, even Luther Head, I'd cut him right off the bat. There are too many good players with a chance to play than merely keep SF3 around for being trade bait.
i think he was hyped coming back to houston and got injured, i think he will want to revenge next season. DONT GIVE UP!
I love Steve, but I have to tell the truth. Steve's game was always predicated on his absolutely freakish athleticism. I never really saw the mental aspect of his game develop. He was always too reliant on his quick first step, decent jump shot, and incredible leaping ability. Who knows how badly the ACL injury has destroyed what he can do athletically. That's why I do have my doubts that he can be a starter for us ever again. That said, I think even at 75% he could be a solid contributer off the bench. If he loses weight, rehabs properly, and rededicated himself to soaking up coach's system, I really do believe that he can help us next year. But this is all predicated on variables which only Steve has control over. He'll have to learn to become a harder worker. I'm betting that he's up to the task. I'm betting that way because the one thing you could never accuse Steve of is having no heart for the game. He always played like it ment the world to him. Hopefully that hasn't changed.
Demeaning a former talent is just plain mean. SF3 more than likely will take a medical retirement (my best guess) and will be justly honored for his play as a Rocket. That's the kind of guy Les Alexander is. I wish all Rockets fans could be as gracious and appreciative for SF3's contributions rather than take the classless "what have you done for me lately?" attitude like BrooksBall and v3.0.
SF3 is always my favourite athlete in the world.SF3 is houston's hero for the past ,for now ,for the future and for ever.hell the critics on him.Hell tmac ,SF3 is the real no.1 in rockets ,Trade tmac before season if possible. Trade tmac for rip,prince ,and maxiell. then rockets' lineup will be, SF3 Rip Prince Scola Yao With barry,luther,rafer,battier ,Deke,Dorsey ,Greene ,hayes,brooks ,bjax,..other great rosters on bench,rockets will be gonna break up the 1st round at least.
I haven't seen a report on his rehab all summer so until I have some info on it I will assume he is rehabing properly to get i shape for trainging camp. If he is healthy he will contribute, bu if he hasn't gotton over the thigh injury after this long then it is highly probable that he can't get back. Here is hoping that he has it taken care of.
Feigan commented on him last month when a fan asked about Stevie. Said he looked good and even surprised some people within the Rockets. I don't think hes cleared for full contact practice yet though.
