Your thoughts / comments / suggestions at the 20-game mark?

MManal,

I personally believe that Marbury is a better player than Steve, especially in terms of carrying his team and in terms of toning down his game for the sake of the team. When I say toning down his game, I don't mean he'll play worse, but more controlled and mroe willing to pass to the open guy.

Right now, we're paying Steve Francis the MAX. To me, that means we should expect great offense and great defense, no doubt about it. It also means being a team leader, working hardest, and improving constantly, which I think he has covered.

I've always been supportive of a Marbury for Francis trade, but here are some things that would worry me:

- Marbury didn't really take off until he began playing with Penny. I don't know how to get the numbers right now, but I remember seeing his numbers with Penny vs. his numbers with Penny injured, and it was absolutely astonishing, especially in the win/loss column.

- Marbury vs. Francis and Yao vs. Amare I'm pretty sure has produced some bitter feelings amongst the other players on each teams. I'm pretty sure Mobley hates Marbury, pretty sure Steve has dissed Amare, and and very sure Marbury has dissed Yao Ming. Should I take that into consideration in this hypothetical?


Basically, I'm all for it. The only thing that would bother me is a "What if we got someone like Penny for Steve, would it propel him to have an improved outlook?"

However, I'm doubtful as to whether Steve can average 8 assists and 3 TO's, especially with another PG in the backcourt with him.

I think Steve will always be a notch under Marbury, however, Marbury's reputation will keep them neck in neck for as long as they play.

So after analyzing all that, and neglecting my second excuse, I'd say yes, let's go for it. Marbury is WAY more likely to get us into the second round than Steve Francis, and he's WAY more likely to up his game when it matters, and he's WAY more capable of playing calm and collected, collecting 8+ assists regularly.