I think it has to be his crossover. Yes, he has a reputation for having a good crossover. Yes, it gets him on sportscenter. But on the other hand, it's often one of the things people list when they talk about Steve being all flash and no substance. I'll buy into some of it - but the crossover is pure quality. What I like best about his crossover is how well he uses it to create space. It works almost every time - even if the defender isn't fooled by it, he has to respect Steve's explosiveness enough to back off a bit. Steve's not always just looking to go to the hoop - he uses it to get enough space to get a good shot. Now, the shots haven't been going in often enough lately... but that's still a magnificent weapon. In fact, I wish he'd use it even more than he does - and just cut down on the dribbling around the perimeter. Just take it down the court, if you want to go 1-on-1, try the crossover... and then either shoot, drive, or pass. So, it may be flashy... but his crossover is one part of his game I'd like to see even more of, not less. What else?
I guess his rebounding. He's excellent for his size. I would say his penetrating and scoring ability are overrated.
Win games. Look, who can single-handedly led a west team to win 45 games and 43 games in his first four seasons? I mean, T-Mac could not do jack by himself right now, neither can AI. In 2001, we were 1-22 or something like that when Francis did not play. When Francis was suspended after SB, we were blown away by the Freaking Suns led by Barbosa and Voskuhl.
Or his patented double cross over. how many player in this league can embarass then save his defender's face on that move?
(Must resist urge to bash Steve) I would say his hustle. I often see Steve getting on the floor for loose balls and even diving into the stands on occassion. I will never question this man's effort. (Must resist urge to bash Steve)
ummmm... i guess people forgot about Cat and EGriffin. well thats beside the point.. I think his quickness is underrated.. though he does look a lil slower this year. He seems to be having a harder time beating his defender off the ball. J
I don't want to start an argument here... but if you'll read the title of the thread, it was meant to avoid responses like this. I don't want to have an argument about whether Steve is a good player or a bad player... or if we're all just bashing him unnecessarily. Rather, I'm trying to get at what particular things people like about his game that have gotten lost in all the negativity. Even if you think Steve is a really fantastic player... surely you can think of one particular thing he does well that is especially underrated?
i have to disagree with the crossover..here is my analytical argument... it may be very quick, but half the time he loses it....in fact, i think steve has dribbling problems...he fumbles the ball a lot...so his inconsistency at the crossover makes his dribbling lame
Unless of course you name is Marcus Banks, in which case you have no respect for Steve's crossover and you can completly take away Steve's advantage and frustrate him to the point of near insanity.
His trade value on this board? Com'on, the rockets will still make the playoff this year if Yao will not melt down after the allstar weekend.
Most underrated attribute is his effort changing his game to what JVG wants. I predict that when we are in the playoffs Steve will be doing a good job at point and have regained his shot and aggressive moves to the basket.
Come on Man! There arent that many good responses here. 1) Underrated is his scoring abilities, he still has the ability to score 20+ per game if he really wanted but has toned down his fga per game. 2) His shot is also underrated.. once he feels comfortable he will regain his shooting touch. 3) His dedication to this team.. (other than the superbowl fiasco) he has been a consumate team player. 4) His explosiveness off the ball (with or without it) how many other PG's do you see getting alleys? 5) Strength, no one really talks about it but SF is really strong (notice the way he pulls in those rebounds) SF3 is a talented player but having a rough year you cant negate all his previous season's based on this 1 year. He has his weaknesses but so does every player in this league.. JVG has to find some way to minimize the impact of SF3 weaknesses and maximize his strengths. Well a combo of SF3 and JVG need to do that. J
I agree with this post. Get that man to the playoffs and watch him shine. His rebounding is underrated big time. And his passing is too. Yeah thats right his passing. The dude has to take all the blame when his assists are low and we all know damn well we have a poor shooting team.
Roc Paint: Come on man! You're saying the same thing. Surely you think there's one aspect of his game that is particularly underrated? No way. I don't thnk he turns it over all that much on the crossover. Now on the drive set-up by the crossover, I completely agree - he knocks it off his knee, throws it up blindly, or passes to the other team way too much. But the crossover itself is beauty and he almost always gains space without turning it over. I can love the crossover without liking what comes after it .
Very true. It's unfair to expect Francis to play his best all the time when JVG plays him so damned much... especially when Francis is almost always involved in whatever play's being run. I do appreciate that Francis handles the minutes well... but we're going to have two stars with fatigue problems if he plays this much all season .
