ducks
11-09-2005, 09:57 AM
Magic guard Steve Francis says he has found a new shoe deal, signing a multiyear contract with Nike. His deal with Reebok expired last season and left him a sneaker/apparel free agent. . . . Former Magic forward Juwan Howard, traded to the Houston Rockets in the Tracy McGrady deal, missed the last quarter of the season after being afflicted with viral myocarditis, an inflammation of the muscles in the walls of the heart. It gave him a new perspective on life and basketball. "When I went through my situation with my heart and couldn't play. . . . I appreciate the game more every day. That I can come back and be effective is a blessing," Howard said. . . . Charlie Ward, former NBA guard and former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida State, is a Rockets assistant coach.