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they traded m.james and now he's back.....so your point
who?
They trade him and now they want him back?
they traded m.james and now he's back.....so your point
they traded m.james and now he's back.....so your point
who?
Leading or losing? With Stevie Franchise, how can you tell?
They have T-Mac and Yao on their team, so naturally their two headline offseason acquisitions, Francis and Scola, have to have the ball in their hands to be effective. So does Butler, for that matter.
They have way to many point guards now, Rafer's got to go
So francis probably play the SG pos.
James,Francis,T-mac,Sola and Yao.Not too bad.
Francis to return to the Rockets
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http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4982185.html
July 19, 2007, 1:57PM
Steve Francis to return to Rockets
Three-time All-Star picks former team over Heat, Mavs and Clippers
By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
Three seasons and three teams removed from the Rockets, Steve Francis will return to the team for which three times he was an All-Star.
Once known as "Franchise" as the cornerstone of the Rockets' planned post Hakeem Olajuwon rebuilding, Francis chose to return the Rockets on Thursday, passing on more lucrative offers from the Heat, Mavericks and Clippers.
"I think he sees this as a rebirth, as a restart of his career," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said.
"Steve has a sense we're real close. We think he can be a big part of getting us there. I always thought it was a long shot. Credit to Steve, he chose what he thought was the best chance to win over options that were better financially.
"There was always a chance that Steve would choose Houston, until Steve told me today himself he was coming it felt like a long shot. Jeff Fried was doing a great job as an agent creating options. It came down to Steve focusing on what was the most important to him and that was winning."
The Rockets were limited to the portion of the mid-level exception remaining after acquiring forward Luis Scola last weeks, worth $2.4 million the first year. He will sign a two-year contract with the option to opt out after one season.
Francis played five seasons for the Rockets, averaging 19.3 points, 6.4 assists and 6.1 rebounds. He was traded in June, 2004 to the Orlando Magic along with Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato in the deal to acquire Tracy McGrady. After one strong season with the Magic, he was dealt to the Knicks the next season and generally struggled to regain the form of his first years in the league, usually coming off the bench in the Knicks' crowded backcourt and battling knee troubles last season.
Francis is scheduled for a physical this afternoon, but has reported no problems with the knee since last season.
"It's a combination of a variety of factors including the fit with the team, a comfortableness with the organization and a familiarity with the surroundings," Fried said. "He has a home in Houston. In so many ways, it has remained his home, despite some interim stops, Orlando and New York.
"For Steve, it's coming home."
Dealt the Portland Trail Blazers after the season, he accepted a buyout of the last two seasons of his contract, worth roughly $30 million.
He had considered offers to reunite with Mobley, a friend and former teammate, and Sam Cassell, a friend and business partner, with the Clippers, and to play with each of the 2006 NBA Finals teams, the Mavericks and Heat.
"It's a chance to win," Morey said. "Both Yao (Ming) and Tracy really helped with the recruiting process and are excited about our chance to win with the additions in the off-season," Morey said. "We're feeling good we've addressed a lot of our goals."
The addition of Francis will likely trigger more changes. He would give the Rockets five point guards. Morey has said he is seeking to move John Lucas III. Several teams, the New Orleans Hornets in particular, have indicated interest, but Morey said nothing is imminent. With Francis on the roster, he could also seek to deal last season's starter, Rafer Alston.
"When you have a chance to add a talent like Steve who really fits what coach (Rick Adelman) is trying to do, you do it," Morey said. "Now we have a lot of talent on the roster. Coach and I have to figure out the best way to make it work. What our plans are is still to be determined. Because this was a bit of a long shot, we haven't spent a lot of time on what was the right next step in the coming weeks."
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The 2008 Rockets?
PG-Steve Francis-Rafer Alston-Mike James
SG-Tracy McGrady-Chuck Hayes-Head
SF-Shane Battier - Bonzi Wells?
PF-Luis Scola - Juwan Howard
C-Yao Ming - Mutombo - Buttler
If Francis knows his role they could have a very interesting season. The Trade just looks better and better.
Will Howard be commuting from Minneapolis for games?
Ok, i Forget Howard is Gone
What's his role, exactly? Isn't he pretty much useless if he doesn't have the ball in his hands?
Houston are quite deep now except at the PF spot : they only have a average role player (Chuck Hayes) and two rookies (Scola and Landry). IMHO, Battier will play a lot at the PF (at least at the start of the season).
He can play more of a 2 in Houston with McGrady garnering so many touches. That's actually pretty ideal for him.
He could be pretty useful to have if they use him to lead the offense on the second unit. If he'll accept the Stackhouse role, he can definitely help them.
I think if they start him, he'll take touches away from TMac and Yao. If they can decent play at the 4 without sliding Battier over, I think starting James, T-Mac, and Battier on the perimeter will net them better team play than starting Francis.
Francis will come off the bench as a shooting guard. Not bad if he learns to play team ball.
rotation can be 9 deep in regular season
Francis or rafer
Tmac
battier
scola
yao
2nd unit:
Francis or rafer
James
bonzi
scola/battier/ even tmac
hayes
You're gonna shut down Mutombo?
let it be.
I don't see Rockets improving w/him. I see them doing worse actually
it's pretty sad actually, being traded away for big star Mcgrady, then coming back as fourth star in the team and having to fight for starting spot w/skip to my lue
thank you
This is great news for us! now i think the Rockets will not make it far again.. that guy's ego will overshadows Scola's new addition etc etc... gosh i wish they sign him now!
Dennis Lindsey will find a way to fix that.
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