The Iverson comparison is a good one, although I think Francis looks to drive and dish instead of score more than AI. It's not a terrible offense, it just depends on the decision making ability of the guy with the ball. Not really that different than the surround-Hakeem-with-4-shooters offense that Houston used in 94. Hakeem was just better at executing - putting the ball in the hole or finding the open shooter. Ive shoots too low a percentage to make that game successful.
I heard Rich Lord say something I agreed with the other day....SHOCKER!!!!! He said he felt that Steve Francis was at his peak. This was as good as it would ever get. That he never seems to learn from his own mistakes. And that his game is largely based out of his athleticism...and that as he got older, his game would fade really quickly. they also mentioned that Grant Hill had said some negative things about francis?? did i hear that right??? so much for the whole "the Houston Boys" are making us tough and all that crap we heard at the beginning of the season when the Magic were playing well.
Did you see that dunk the other night..... Harlem Globetrotters baby, sky and fly (I think Vancover is the coolest answer)
I am still rooting for Stevie...Just like last season everyone piled on him when things go bad. Just don't jump back on his bandwagon when things are going great. It's all good, I wish steve the best.
steve is best when guarding the one but playing off the ball. a point foward is best for that (grant hill, odom, etc.). he needs the 4 and 5 to be able to hit at least the mid range jumper to open up the paint for him. also the other guard should be a good shooter/defender. steves perfect team: lafrentz walker hill cat steve cat fits the description at the 2 and also makes steve play better. this team would make steve look like an allstar while finding a way to win.
Da Magic is where Steve needs to stay. Give Howard about two more years while looking for a 2 and 3 to replace the aging Hill and Christy. Francis and the Magic will work if done right. Cat for Christy was a bad start though.
If Magic had drafted Okafor, they would have less problems with Steve. I was shocked at that draft move. Steve is not too bright with the basketball. He needs really solid guys around him to make up for his shortcomings. Guys like Okafor. He would have anchored the middle. Hill is a nice plus, as is Turkoglu, but still too much error and no defense on that team. They needed an anchor, and without it they are a boat adrift. I can't think of a super-solid team that would take him on, now. Maybe Detroit with LB - they could handle him. Indy possibly. I wonder if they'd do Artest + Pollard or Croshere (bad contract) for Steve? Steve's really a problem with his contract, and him not being a franchise player.
Hill, Hedo, Doug.... they are all high TO players as well for the amount of ball they handle.... which is definitely not a superb pairing with Francis.....
That was one of the rumored issues between him and Drexler and why Drexler retired early. Barkley was pretty casual with his practices and that irked Clyde, especially when Chuck mentioned to the media that everyone wasn't pulling their weight.
That team is severely defficient defensively at at least 3 positions. Also, 4 of those players need the ball alot.
I like the Clippers suggestion. Steve needs to go to a team that will appreciate his flash for ticket sales, but have no illusions about making the playoffs, ever. That's the Clippers baby.
When's the last time you saw an obscenely talented PF who was 6'4 1/2? Charles was far from the most talented. Guys like Shaq, Lebron, Wilt and MJ all had an advantage that they were physically bigger and stronger than their counterparts. Put it this way what makes up talent (NBA) in your book? Here is my quick list (I my be forgetting things): Size: Charles didn't have it for a 6'4 1/2 PF. Leaping Ability: He had it but again when you give up 3-5 inches to your opponent you need it. Great Shooter: Nope Timing: He did have this. He knew where the rebound would b and used his timing, leverage (aka big butt) and leaping ability to rebound with the best of them. Again CB4 (IMO) was not greatly blessed for a NBA PF. He played hard (especially on the offensive end and rebounding), had great timing, used his leaping ability to help off-set his height, and became a good post passer. I know he didn't practice hard. Did that cost him a ring? I doubt it, but you could be right. When CB4 was in Philly he had very little talent (except yer 1 with an old Dr J and Moses who both left), no way could they beat Boston or Detroit or the emerging Bulls. He did have talent in Phoenix but he had noone to stop Dream or any other decent C. Too many good, smll players. Even if he would have MJ would not be denied. Maybe in Houston? That was his best shot, but by the time he got here Dream was pretty well shot, Clyde was jealous he was losing touches, and Pippen well he just didn't fit.
Steve's a great player. I believe he can improve if he truly wants to. Rocket fans should just leave him alone, it's counterproductive. He's not on Houston any longer "hurting" the team, why all the pointless swipes?
Charles Barkley was a freakish athlete blessed with a lot of talent. Beyond his height, he had no physical weaknesses. Strong as an ox, a very explosive leaper, and great touch around the basket as well as passing. Yes he was undersized but he had a lot of natural talent.
