What if Ming (in the next 3 years) averages the same number of points as Franchise meaning 21 points a game and add 8-10 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. Would you still consider Francis the Franchise or would Ming be the Franchise. I would have to say Ming because big men effect the game in so many ways that stats don't show like changed shots and fast break opportunities. I think if this were to happen we would win the championship as soon as Shaq retires. Wouldn't this be a great problem to have.
After thinking about this post I can't help but feel a little concerned. If this does pan out and Ming, as expected, puts these kinds of numbers up I hate to think that Steve might not enjoy being the second option on the team. But I am a Francis supporter through and through. I think I definately would consider Ming the franchise player though given the incredible size which is a huge advantage for the team. Hopefully if this turns into a Shaq/Kobe kind of ordeal they can learn to compliment each other like whats happened in LA. These are definately exciting times though.
If Ming can create his own shot (which I think he can) and shoots it a high clip (above 50%). You Rudy will keep dumping it down to him like he did with Dream and Barkley. Thats just how Rudy operates. Ming will get his shots as long as he doesn't get into foul trouble.
Nice problem to have Ming is THE DYNASTY Francis is THE FRANCHISE Cuttino is THE CAT Maritn is THE MOOCHIE Cato is THE CRADLE! or CRAPO or BBS Mo Tayl is MOTAY or 1ST QUARTER MO! Kenny is KT Collier is THE BWS Rice is THE OLD MAN Oscar is OT Nick names don't change ;-) Rocket River Who is the franchise player on the Lakers? Utah? Knicks?
If the Rockets are winning (winning cures all ills) then Steve won't care. BTW it is just his nickname.
Do people in LA sit around and wonder, "Shaq, Kobe, Kobe, Shaq, which one?" No, and niether should we. They are happy to have both and we should be happy to have both Francis and Ming.
Actually they do. They argue who is more important all the time. However, most agree Shaq is more important than Kobe.
If we had only Francis and Ming, than I wouldn't be worried a bit. But with Cat, Mo, EG, KT, and Glen Rice, that's a hell of a lot of scorers for one team. If we had only Francis and Ming and say Shandon Anderson instead of Cat and KT instead of Mo and EG it would be perfect for our team chemistry. 7 quality scorers on a team is way to much, we need to trade players for specialists of other types, like rebounding or passing or defense.