Yes, I know he wants to play for a championship contender, but if that's not possible and he is given a choice whether to play for playoff-bound Houston (having a big man like Yao NEVER hurts) or continue losing in Seattle, I believe he will choose Houston. ARTEST IS NO CUTTINO MOBLEY!!! Too bad, jeff. I did not realize that Houston is over the cap and has no chance of pursuing Jason Kidd. But you know what, I believe Payton still has 2 years left in him. And this team will surprise (or even upset some topseeds) if it manages to enter the playoffs. Maybe this team is not yet championship caliber, but next year -- with luck, good health, and a more experience Yao -- this team can be one of the elites in the NBA.
Yes Payton still had 2-3 years left. But only if you can guarantee that we win the championship in these 2-3 years, this Francis for Payton move would be competely meaningless. Otherwise when Yao reaches his prime (5-6 years later), then he would then have no PG to play with him. Then even Yao becomes as good as KG or Duncan, he would be one man show every year. And one man show would probably mean playoffs every year but no real championship. I would rather have a young team to grow together into a championship team.
