^ Since last year was an injury/out of shape year, I think we should expect him to at the very least return to Knicks form - which was a bad year. Personally I expect somewhere around 11+ ppg off the bench. We need off the bench scorers and I think he will score more than Barry and Battier - though we need their punch too.
I think Steve can get back to the skill level to put up those numbers, but I doubt that he will because of all the other firepower on our team. But if and once he is able to take over the starting position, or at least the majority of the minutes at the PG position, then I think he could average 11, 5 and 6.
Wow and mutombo used to be the rebounding and blocking champion. Yet no one is predicting those things for mutombo. I really wonder when francis fans will finally wake up. When bombs again this year, are you all going to be saying wait till next year again with francis?
Francis is supposed to be at some pool party...maybe it already happened yesterday. It was on the radio, one of those little crappers where there's not even a website...you buy tickets at the place. Anyhow, he's always partying around here (DC area) cause he's from here and so every time you listen to a radio promo about a party or a club event and they run off the "confirmed guests who are going to appear", 9 times out of 10 Steven Francis is on that list. The lists usually aren't that great either.
Nope. If Francis bombs this year after getting a substantial amount of playtime (ala Bonzi) then I doubt anyone will be hoping for much out of him. However, even Bonzi got a grace period from fans, let's wait and see what Steve shows when he puts hardwork and determination into it. Remember, the main difference between him and Bonzi is that Steve has a baller's heart, Bonzi just loved the NBA lifestyle. By the way, Mutombo is 42 and Francis is 31, it's nowhere near the same situation. McDyess is a more reasonable comparison. He was another player who had huge athleticism and knee issues almost robbed him of his career. Steve is not only younger than Rafer but he could very easily make a McDyess-like come back to form. Probably not all-star form, but 70-80% of his old form would be great as a backup for Rafer right now. Any more than that and he could even replace Rafer at key moments in the game.
One thing Francis does not lack is the heart, if he is health, he will give the max efforts on the floor. Do no think he will be so great after the injure, but likely he would be a backup PG after Rafer, that is the exact need for this team.
All well and good in theory. In practice, Steve has busted wheels. And even though he can rehab and get in good shape over the offseason, he will never get back to the same level of athleticism he had when he was the 'Franchise'. His game has always been predicated on speed and agility - he has lost several steps and his knees are shot. It's not looking good.
How do you know this? You have either a) Seen him practice recently b) consulted with SF's doctor or c) you are a closet MISS CLEO. My guess is you are talking out of your butt and have no idea just like all the rest of us.
lol, an apt description. dunno what's left for SF3, but as a fan i'm hopeful. why Francis goodwill offends so many is curious ... but go Rockets, go SF3!!!!
There is a big discrepancy between comparing Mutombo and Francis. This is going to be Francis' 10th year as a pro, and Mutombo is going into his 18th or 19th. Mutumbo's 10th year he was still the top 2 in block shots per game and averaged 14.1 rebounds per game. I wouldn't predict Mutombo to average those numbers now either. Age is a big factor here and you obviously didn't take that into consideration. last year Francis made a huge mistake of not coming to training camp prepared, he was out played and the rest of the season was history. This season is a whole new story. Check out the interview that was posted on a earlier post. Francis sounds very humble and eager to contribute. I truly believe Francis has the determination and heart to contribute this year.
I am speaking obased on having watched him closely over the past few years of his career. He has been injured alot of the time, showing his durability is really wearing down. He has gone through several bouts of knee tendonitis, which happens to "leapers" as they age. And it's a fact that Stevie's game is reliant upon his hops and his first step. He hasn't achieved anything in the league (apart from one or two good games here or there) since his first year in Orlando. Why be optimistic?
"...Why be optimistic?" Because we need him for a mere 10 to 15 minutes per game backing up Rafer. I don't this is such an unbelievable, unreasonable request.
"...Why be optimistic?" Because we need him for a mere 10 to 15 minutes per game backing up Rafer. I don't THINK this is such an unbelievable, unreasonable request.
It's not unreasonable, maybe not even unbelievable. But I think it's unlikely. Unlikely he even cracks the rotation.
