Yes, JVG thinks he had a "better year (trying to play the team-game)." But, to me, "better" is equal to Francis "not hurting the team as much" due to relegating him to a LESSER ROLE! It was essentialy a demotion because of Yao. Francis having the ball in his hands less was not because get could play the "team game better." It was because he wouldn't "hurt the team more." Lessening his role. If JVG keeps Francis on this team next year, it will be more of the same sloppy ball. And JVG can release another press release with more of the same. JVG Translation: "SF had a better year becuase I put him in the corner for being bad. And because he did what I said, I applaud his efforts. Now can we trade this guy before I lose my job in three years?"
Steeeeeeerike Two!!! Fact: You posted this: Fact: Van Gundy said this Somebody is right and somebody is wrong. I wonder which?
"Many, many areas?" I bet you can't even name those "areas." Sorry. But he has not improved his game. JVG is saying that SF has changed his game to try and fit into system; as much as he could. JVG has to do his best on what he's got. That's unless Les and CD bring in better players. But JVG has little impact on that during the year. So, of couse he's going to try and make the most of it. Come on man! You know politics! He might still have to work with the SF (airing ones laundry died down at the end of the year). By the way, if he's wrong, he looses his job. But I don't think that CD will put him in that spot w/out bringing in better talent. Rudy's gone, now JVG, who's next? Francis: Coach killer.
LMAO, I knew eventually you'd fall back to your last line of defense; "Whatever Van Gundy said that is contrary to what I believe, despite the fact that he is a far better expert than me on the matter, must be a lie because it is contrary to what I believe" That's just pathetic. Better to just concede the point than to make asinine comments like that. I don't even necessarily disagree with all that you say about Francis, but it's just so very funny to watch you guys bend over backwards into contortionistic postitions, casually tossing aside logic and crediblity, to keep him from getting even the tiniest accolade or shred of validation. You guys need to chill out; you have been obsessing over this for well over a year now, it just makes you look absurd. Steeerike Threeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Concede the point? What point? That JVG is an expert (even though he trying to put a postive spin on SF game)? Ok, I concede. But experts get FIRED! What then? Sam, I don't have to do anything. All I have to do is sit and watch the team stagnate. If we don't get better talent, then we will stay the same. Maybe Yao can start averaging 20/12 next year it will be enough to carry SF along. But SF will still be part of the team. And he'll still bring his turnovers with him. You want that? Why? Tell me? So, in the end, wont matter what I think, or what JVG says in the media. SF will still hold us back compared to if we were to trade him for someone like McGrady. I don't think that's tossing aside logic.
By the way, let me ask you this.... If you were to ask JVG behind closed doors ("off the record") what he really thought of Francis. Don't you think it would be a *little* different than what he says to the press? Yes, no, maybe? Come on...
That's just that reporter's assertion that Stu Jackson is the shadowy figure behind this alleged snub of SF. It makes for good reading but little else. The fact that he's not getting picked has more to do with the type of basketball he plays (and the flaws associated with his style) than anything else. Frankly, I just don't see how his game translates to the international arena. I can understand your anger and disappointment but it's important to put this into its proper context. If SF's game as a POINT GUARD was better - were he recognized as one of the top PGs in the league, he'd be a lock for the Olympic team. No one, not even a vengeful Stu Jackson, could keep him off the team if that were the case. Fact is, he's not one of the top PGs in the league and so he's not going to make the teams as a POINT GUARD. It's more of an issue here because SF plays here and fans will often overlook the shortcomings of the hometown player but remember: Every monkey thinks that her baby is the most beautiful creature ever while to everyone else, that baby looks like a monkey.
"But I also have it on record that Francis will never play for Team USA as long as Stu Jackson is in charge of the selection committee."
Stu Jackson is an ass...plain and simple. SF, statistically is not a first choice TEAM USA er...but he is definately a second choice player. He should be the #1 guy on the backup list. Stu Jackson is just an ass and the world will finally be able to see that with clarity...GO CHINA!
You greatly underestimate the emphasis of personal grudges on selection of the Olympic hoops team. Why do you think Isiah was left off in 1992?
Sam, that guy is referring to a statement that HE made in print to the effect that SF would not be on the Olympic team as long as Stu Jackson is in charge blah blah blah. This does not make it the truth - it's just another guy's opinion.
It's common knowledge that Isiah and MJ had a running fued that began when Thomas led a freeze-out of Jordan in his first All-Star game. Jordan on the team meant Thomas wasn't.
