If the USA Basketball team chose players based on their stardom, how was Francis not on the team? His jersey is a top 10 seller, and the team desperately needs a Point Guard, a 3 Point Shooter, and defense. I know he turns the ball over a lot, but I'd want him on the team instead of freakin Okafor.
I agree, he should be on the team. He would fit right in with all the other players that can't shoot.
Okafor is like their only big man besides duncan. plus... how would francis help them? there's already iverson
Can't pass, dribble dribble dribble out the shot clock, can't pass, dribble dribble dribble out the shot clock, can't pass, lather, rinse, repeat....
Okafor doesn't even play... They don't have a Point Guard or anyone besides Jefferson who can shoot the three. While Francis had a sub-par year, it's basically a college three point line, and is a better choice than a Marion or a Okafor. Not that they're not good players, but that Okafor hasn't played a minute in the NBA yet and Marion's game is awful for the Olympic Team.
I am happy Steve doesn't play. He will be exposed to the international zone ala Marbury and get a lot of unwarranted critisism.
Oh well, let him play he could be no worse than Marbury on offense and will bust his butt on defense and will rebound better.
Team USA isn't winning anything with offense anymore anyway, Francis is better at the two other major aspects of basketball, defense and rebounding.
They already have 10 players with the same skillset as Francis. There is no need for an 11th. If I were picking team USA, there is only 1 player there now that would still be on the team.
Francis should feel lucky he is not on that team. BTW, he is an Olando Magican now, why do we still post about him here.
I remember i read not long time ago that Francis blames Stew Jackson for not making Team USA. Stew was grizzlies GM when he drafted steve, and steve bolted. So It's kind of personnal between them, and Stew is trying to get back at him or something.
wow, you guys are really blinded by your hatred. francis has proven he is alot more fundamentally sounds than marbury, pretty slim accomplishment, no? but it is true. also, outside of last year, francis is a better shooter than pretty much everyone on that olympic squad. its not really that francis is so great, its more that the squad is really awful. plus, the only person with more heart on that squad is duncan and AI. stevie also knows what it takes to win team ball with van gundy. he should have been on the olympic team he would have helped.... but whats done is done
Francis just came off what is likely his worst season shooting. SJ might not like him (no doubt about this) but other PG's had better seasons. SF would be the 3rd of 4th option at best. If he can pull off a few brilliant seasons with the Magic then he'll get in.
Francis can actually hit a mid range jumper. His three point shooting may leave a lot to be desired, but I think he would have knocked down some of those other shots the team was missing.
