<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Knicks acquire three-time All-Star Steve Francis Feb 22, 2006 By MSGNetwork.com Courtesy of New York Knicks New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas announced Wednesday that three-time NBA All-Star guard Steve Francis has been acquired from the Orlando Magic in exchange for guard/forward Anfernee Hardaway and forward Trevor Ariza. Francis, 6-foot-3, 195-pounds, averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 46 games, including 45 starts, for Orlando this season. The 29-year-old guard recorded 20-plus points 14 times and 30-plus twice, including a season-high 36 on Jan. 27 at New York. On Jan. 26 at Philadelphia, Francis had a career-high 15 assists and three days later versus the 76ers, recorded his seventh career triple-double. "This is a trade that we all feel makes us a better basketball team for both now and in the future," Thomas said. "In Steve, we add an all-star caliber player to our team without giving up core assets that are key to our future." The six-year NBA veteran held career averages of 19.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 452 career games for the Rockets and Magic entering the 2005-06 season. The Silver Spring, MD-native was the 2000 NBA Co-Rookie of the Year and was selected to start three consecutive NBA All-Star teams for the Western Conference from 2002-2004. "Acquiring a player of Steve's level and talent is very exciting for this team," Head Coach Larry Brown said. "In him, we have added a veteran that could help us in many areas, and assist with our young players' development." Ariza, 6-foot-8, 200-pounds, was originally selected in the second round (43rd pick overall) of the 2004 NBA Draft by New York and was averaging 4.6 points and 19.7 minutes in 36 games this season. Hardaway, 6-foot-7, 220-pounds, was originally acquired from Phoenix on Jan. 5, 2004 and was averaging 2.5 points and 17.9 minutes in just four games </div> MSG
Deep inside I know what Brown is thinking..."Great I have to coach another no defense ball hog". Don't deny it.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NbaBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">Deep inside I know what Brown is thinking..."Great I have to coach another no defense ball hog". Don't deny it.</div> 1. Francis plays defense. 2. Larry pushed for the trade.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">1. Francis plays defense. 2. Larry pushed for the trade.</div> 1. That's news to me 2. Where does it say that?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NbaBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">1. That's news to me 2. Where does it say that?</div> 1. http://www.82games.com/rosenbaum3.htm 2. Steven A. Smith talked to him and he said so.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">2. Steven A. Smith talked to him and he said so.</div> Was this interview before or after the trade was made?
Obviously, at this point Larry will be saying all the right things, and with his track history he would have to approve of any trade that Isiah makes. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if Larry has a change of heart in a few weeks, because this experiment will be very interesting to watch. By the way, when do the Knicks play next?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NbaBaller:</div><div class="quote_post">Was this interview before or after the trade was made?</div> Before. He said Larry was pushing Isiah to make the trade and get some new players here. I hear he wants Kenyon, too.
Well, Francis is going to be wearing Sprewell's old #8. He wanted to wear #3, but that's obviously taken, as was his second choice, #23.
But did the name Francis come out of his mouth or was it simply, "I want new players"? Im not giving up my case yet. =)
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">Nope, he said I want Francis.</div> Ok you win......for now
Francis doesn't play defense. Statistics are all BS. I watch the damn games. Anyone who thinks Francis is a good defender... well, they're obviously a Knick fan in denial.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">1. Francis plays defense. 2. Larry pushed for the trade.</div> lol chill...I've seen Orlando this season, Francis isn't a bad help defender, but he doesn't really show interest in defense. But honestly, not many point guards do in today's NBA game.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">1. Francis plays defense. 2. Larry pushed for the trade.</div> #2 may be accurate, bu #1 is far from the truth...Francis gambles a lot and takes a half-hearted approach to defense...he is a reincarnation of Marbury, no doubt...
