I am cheering for Stevie to be a contributing member to this team this year. I don't know his exact health status, but if he's a little banged up at the beginning of the season I'd rather see him sit out for a while til he got as close to 100% as possible. I wouldn't mind him taking up a roster spot at all if that were the plan. Let's face it - if Steve's going to be a part of the rotation it is more important that we have him in May rather than in December.
I was relieved in a way that Steve had a major injury to explain the drop off in his play. I was worried that he was just washed up and lost his passion. This still might be the case and there is a concern that he might not be effective without his athleticism. Still, he would be the big point veteran point guard on the bench who can get to the basket that the Rockets need. If he only serves to motivate Brooks and Alston to be at their best then he is worth a spot on the roster even in street clothes.
He had one encouraging game last year against the Suns. I believe he had a blocked shot to seal the game for us. Other than that, it was truly disappointing.
I suspect you're right. I liked Steve the first go round with the Rockets, but I knew he was a flawed player.
He'll get a chance though. He's got a few months to prove himself out before Jan/Feb hits and he's tradebait for that contract of his. I think the Rockets will definitely give him a chance. It's a no brainer to not do that. I also think he knows this is it for him in the NBA. It's here or bust, and there's no place he would rather be. I suspect we'll see his best effort.
Agreed. I sincerely hope that his problem last year was not from a lack of skill or being out of shape so much as it was that he was trying to play on a bum knee/quad. After surgery maybe we can see a resurgence. Those that are calling him a bum have no respect for a player who gave us his all and is ready to do so again. He may not be able to come back, but he does not deserve the abuse he is receiving here.
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y2GGXXhGNkQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y2GGXXhGNkQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> If 75% of this Francis was on this team this upcoming year then we really look more than dangerous... our slogan should be "BEWARE"
I really hope we can get the old Stevie, our Roster would look so damn scary. People in Houston love him still and wanna see him do well.
If he is healthy and in shape, I can't see how Francis can be any worse than Bobby Jackson from last year. Its not like BJ actually set anyone up besides himself when he was in the game.
Damn...that video really makes you think, what if? Especially because, I firmly believe, that even in his prime, Francis is most effective as a super sub, given license to score whenever he feels like it. As a starting point guard, he doesn't distribute very well and leaves the other players hanging. But if he could come off the bench, be the leading scorer of the second unit, he could work well with hustle guys like battier and Landry who don't need to score to be effective. I also think in spot minutes he and McGrady would work well in the back court together. What if...so tantalizing. Please come back healthy francis.
Wow!!!! Good lookin'...Awesome highlight reel!!! Unless you've had tendenitis in a major joint you wouldn't understand that the only real cure for it is prolonged rest which is why they sat him down last year. The joint simply in many cases has been overused or strained but usually it occurs with prolonged strain and this has been Stevie's problem imo-he couldn't get in shape cause once you have tendenitis you can't put much pressure on the joint so how's he going to workout full speed when he's tryin' to let the thing heal? I'm pullin' for Stevie Franchise to have a full recovery now that he's hopefully given the knee enough rest and he's my favorite Rocket guard of all time along with Sam I Am. He's possibly the most athletic Rocket to ever play the PG position and most all around talented for that position considering his ups, shooting range, handle (the crossover is wicked!!), energy and his competitive fire within. I love this guy's game!!! When healthy he's SICK!!!
