IMHO, it all boils down to this... "Is Steve truly willing to play second fiddle in an offense featuring Yao?" The honest answer to this question should determine whether or not Steve should be in a Rockets uniform next season. If he is, then I believe all (or at least most) of his mistakes this season should be forgiven, and we should realize that Steve is putting forth the effort and that it takes time to adjust to a new system. This is the argument supported by the faction of this board that believes you just don't trade away premium talent because it doesn't fit a certain style or has an off year. However, if Steve still has reservations about who should be the offensive focus of this team, then there should be no question... it'd be time to put an end to the SF chapter. Personally, I'm of the opinion that Steve is somewhere in the middle, vaccilating between doing what VG wants and doing what comes natural to him (albeit at the expense of the team and Yao's progress). No question, Steve's cut down on the dribbling and is looking to do more passing this season, but he is also one of the main reasons why Yao at times does not get the amount of touches necessary for this team to be consistent. You can talk about positioning and Yao's difficulties sealing off defenders, but even when he is open there is such hesitation from our primary ball handler on whether or not to shoot, pass, or pass to someone else that Yao probably loses out on 5-10 low post touches per game. Against Sac, even Musburger pointed out that Yao was wide open, has his man sealed, calling for the ball and Francis (barely guarded) looked right at him and decided to go the other way...unfortunately, that was not an aberration, as I see it several times a game. Another dubious move Steve makes all too frequently is this...Steve has the ball and Yao is crossing the lane to his side - what does Steve almost always do? He swings the ball the other way before Yao can even post...then our wing on the other side takes a low percentage 1 on 1 shot that plays right into the hands of what the Defense is trying to do. Does anyone think the problem is just in Steve needing more time to learn and adjust to this system, or are we talking about a more deeply rooted problem?
I don't think the problem is will Steve adjust to Yao being the man --- but can Steve adjust. His game is wide open -- isolation scoring. That doesn't work with Yao as the big guy. As I was watching Sacramento pass and move the ball I couldn't help but wonder how many ppg Yao would have on that team? We need some people who can move the ball!!!!
Yes. He's WILLING to play 2nd fiddle. But because he's a one-dimensional player, he doesn't know how. He's a drive to the basket type player. His strength is NOT passing or getting others involved. He doesn't have court vision so he's not able to see opportunities to make the pass in the first place. Also, he's not a very good outside shooter. He's better off the dribble going to the basket. That's one-dimensional. So, it's not like he's not trying. He wants to fit in. But can't. He just doesn't know how. That being said, the NBA is a business. We want winners. We want championships. And if he can't do the job effectively (fit in as a TEAM). Then, it's time for him to move on.
Bingo. This is not a question of will. It's a question of ability. Francis has never played this style before and he doesn't have the basketball smarts or fundamentals to change rapidly. I don't think Francis is a selfish player and believe he will go on to be a star in this league...it just won't be with the Rockets. Some posters here have questioned JVG for his inability to devise a system that takes advantage of both Yao's and Francis' strengths, but the truth is you cannot win a championship with a ballhandler that makes poor decisions, is a poor passer, can't run the break, and wilts under pressure. Francis can improve in all of those areas but not in just one or two seasons. He's better off in the east where he can highlight his positives while improving his game.
I don't understand why you guys say it's a question of ability not willingness? beyao pretty much sums it up, many times Francis chose to go to the opposite side simply because Yao is working hard at getting position on one side. Many of my friends said it looks like Francis is trying to avoid getting Yao the ball. Not just Francis, sometimes Mobley too. Although Francis does have short coming in terms of court vision and the PG instinct. Even when there's easy entry pass to be made to Yao, they ignored him time and again. It happens most often just before we got the recent 5 game winning streak. If Francis can't make those passes, I don't think he deserve to play in the NBA at all, much less a guard. This team is so hard to figure out, because one day they played great efficient game winning teamball by passing and getting quality wins against best teams. Next day they played dribble, selfish ISO go into the crowd or brick the shot ball and then lose to the worst teams.
It is my prevailing hope that one day SOON the Houston Rockets will put an end to the "Franchise" era, which has been like a really really looooooong BAD dream, and MOVE ON! End the Pain, begin the Gain!!! Personally, I saw all I really EVER wanted to see of Steve Francis after his first season. I knew then what many know now. He is a mirage, he will tease you, but he will never please you. Incredible athlete, but he is missing some crucial ingredients for team play in the NBA. The first year scouting reports have proven prophetic. (Where is Charvo?)
