With all the talk about what T-Mac is going to do, how about what Steve has done? -In 2003-04, joined Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson and Grant Hill as the only players in NBA history to average 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in each of their first five seasons. There are others, what are yours?
All-Star guard Steve Francis was a good-luck charm for Houston. (Ray Amati/NBAE/Getty Images) Steve Francis gets congratulated by Jerry West after winning the draft lottery. Ray Amati/NBAE/Getty Images NBA Draft Lottery 2002 Rockets Defy Odds, Win Draft Lottery SECAUCUS, N.J., May 19 (Ticker) -- With the help of Steve Francis' lucky lavender suit, the Houston Rockets defied the odds Sunday and climbed to the top of the NBA draft lottery. The Rockets had an 8.9 percent chance of receiving the top pick in the 2002 draft and should have gotten the fifth overall pick based on their 28-54 record. But form rarely holds in the lottery, which was conducted at NBA Entertainment Studios. Francis, the All-Star guard of the Rockets, was selected to represent his team on the set built for the lottery, which was televised live by NBC at halftime of a playoff game. He wore a suit colored somewhere between heather and powder purple. "I told our GM (Carroll Dawson) about the suit I was going to wear on TV today so I could really represent our team well," said Francis, himself a former No. 2 overall pick. "I'm just excited we were able to pull off the first pick."
-His performance in his only career playoff win against the Lakers. That game encapsulated everything that Steve Francis is as a player. From his love of the game, to his heart, to his athleticism, to his short-comings. -His slam-dunk contest performances. It's a shame no one ever remembers 2nd place.
I would have to say the way Steve stepped up his game in the Playoff series against the Lakers. He kicked his play up a notch and lead the team, playing smart most of the time. But even when he wasn't playing smart he was the best player on the floor for our team. He was the one guy on the Rockets that actually brought playoff intensity to the playoffs. He passed, he scored, he rebounded, and he was leader for that series.
I don't know, there are a lot. There is one that I really love that involves Cat and Pippen. I don't remember what game it was. The Rockets were winning and with a couple of seconds left in the first half Cat threw the ball up from half court and made it. Then with few seconds left in the game Pippen walked across half court and did hook shot that went in. Then Cat jumped on his back as they were walking off the court. It was fun.
My favorite memory of Steve was during Yao-Shaq I at the Compaq Center, when Steve spun around the corner and nailed the three from the top of the key to (IIRC) give the Rockets the overtime win. That was an amazing night and I felt then that with Steve's unstoppable scoring and Yao's strong interior defense of Shaq, the Rockets would dominate for many years. I just loved that team, Steve, Eddie, Yao, Rudy...my how things change so quickly. Thanks for the many memories and particularly that one memory...that conjured images of championships. That night you were truly great! Thanks for the memory!
I'll miss the commercial with Steve and Yao in someone's house washing dishes. Steve hands Yao a plate to dry and says, "see I pass to Yao.....we're teammates." I always thought that commercial was for everyone here.
* The playoff series against the Fakers, first and foremost - he was so damn good during these last playoffs for us * The dunk contest when it was him and Carter. * Every game he's tied or won on a clutch shot - had to have happened least 15-20 times...he's the most clutch player we've had in the last 5 years * Him playing in the All-Star game - epsecially this last year when he had a double-double * Seeing him on any TV show like Cribs - He's my favorite player and is #1 in my heart
I will miss his enthusiasm and heart, he always busted his butt. There are a ton of things I won't miss, but I will respect the thread and keep it positive. DD
- A near flawless performance vs. the Lakers in the playoffs. - His 44pt 10assist game OT win over the Lakers. - Watching Francis stick up for Yao for his teamates no matter what. Ex. Pushing Amare after talking trash and sticking up for Boki after Malone tried to under cut him.
I'm not going to miss posters, albeit respected ones, taking cheap shots in a positive thread. My favorite Stevie moment is also the 44 pt, 10 asst. game against the Lakers. I think he showed the kind of scorer and leader he has/had the potential to be. I hope that he can someday play at that kind of level (and the level he played at in the playoffs) on a consistent basis...just not when he plays against the Rockets.
My favorite moment (s) by far: In our lone playoff win, with time winding down, Steve puts in 2 consecutive 3 pt plays over/around Shaq. The second one brought the crowd to its feet. Afterwards, I remember the announcer on TV saying: "Can he do it again??? YES!!!!!!!" Love ya Steve
the pass to himself off the backboard during a washington game and finishing it off with a bad arse dunk over jahadi white. either rookie or sophomore year... i forgot. amazing. complete posterization of white.
I just watched that again, Rocket2k I think still has the clip and it makes me sad I think everyone should watch that again
