The final say about Steve Francis staying or going will come from Sam Cassell. If (in a playoff series where adjustments are being made by both sides), you can't consistently get the ball to a 7'6"player being guarded by Micheal Olowokandi, Mark Madsen, Oliver Miller or Ervin Johnson...please explain why we are paying you twice Cassell's salary...
My sentiments exactly, I think Ming really likes Francis, but personal relationships don't usually stop a move that would be best for the team. If that were the case, Moochie would still be here.
The Rox would be foolish not to shop Francis in the summer. If they can't improve then so be it. If SF gets wind of it then maybe he will wise up if he ends up staying put or maybe he tries to settle down and play up to his contract making him worthy of some respect or something good in return. Anyway it goes he should be shopped.
Has been discussed ad nauseum, the problem is that Francis is hardly a great shooter, not even a really good shooter, probably a below average shooter for a NBA guard. He used to be deadly under the basket, now I am thrilled when he makes one out five lay ups. Won't work.
Actually if you are talking bottom line as in fiscally, Francis leaving would seriously hurt the team. No matter what Francis has a huge following, and people come to see him play. Not even Ray Allen could produce more attraction than Francis.
In that respect, there is no quesiton and in reality whoever we would trade Francis for more than likely wont have the same "flash" appeal that Francis would have. The only way to 'counter' that is to have a good trade fit that would result in more team wins and ultimately result in more fan attendance.
