In another thread on Yao, comparisons were made between Payton and Francis. I think Payton may be one of the best defensive players ever. His offensive skills are excellent, and he is a true point guard - in running an offense and getting everyone involved. That being said- I think his personality is a nightmare to a coach. Payton has shown in the past to be a divisive force on a team. He can hurt chemistry. George Karl once said he had already been in hell-with Payton as a player. I think Francis lacks the defensive mind set to compare to Gary Payton as a defender. I do think Steve Francis has the skill and raw talent to get there defensively if he chooses. I think Steve Francis is a more talented athlete than Payton. Steve's potential is amazing. So far - Steve Francis has not shown he can run an offense as completely as Payton by getting everyone involved. I do think Steve Francis will continue to improve his game and grow as a point guard. Even if Steve is never as great as Payton as a defender-who cares? -we are very lucky to have him. I am very proud Steve Francis is a Houston Rocket. GO STEVE-REPRESENT THE ROCKETS
Payton is a cancer to a team. However, he is a far better player then Francis at this point. Payton always had the committment to defense, and Steve has yet to show that he can or will play D. Francis has time, but NOW is the time. DD
When Payton came in the league he was a defensive player that really had to worked on his offensive game. He didn't start scoring till his forth season and his assist numbers weren't anything like they are today. That and the fact he wasn't known for leading his team till his 6th or 7th year in the league can make us feel alittle bit better about Steve's progress. I think defense if something you really have to work on. Steve has the ability to be a great defender but that's going to be up to him. you just have to want it more. I am very happy to have Steve on our team and I hope the Rockets and sign him to a very long contract. I think with his abilities he can be one of the best players in the league for years to come.
dreday, Payton scored over 50 pts in a game in college, he could play offense just fine. It takes awhile for the PG to adjust to the speed of the NBA game, and that more then anything was the reason that Payton did not excel right away on offense. DD
Francis has to start to trust his teammates. This team has a ton of talent now, players who can create, hit the open shot and slash to the basket. During the Hakeem years, this team went no where until Dream started to involve the other players. Being a PG, Francis has to take it a step further. Once he does that he'll be in Payton's class without the defense.
Hakeem was one of the more difficult players to talk into passing the ball. He felt that nobody could stop him so why didn't they just throw him the ball every time. I remember the Rocket PGs in the late 80s panicked because Hakeem demanded the ball so much. It took him years to learn to trust his teammates. Rudy was the one who finally convinced him that passing the ball will make him even more unstoppable. The result was 2 champ rings. I think Rudy will be able to convince Francis (and Mobley, for that matter) the same.
