http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...kn/4982185.html <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> July 19, 2007, 1:09PM Steve Francis returning to Rockets By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle Former Rockets guard Steve Francis is about to be future Rockets guard Steve Francis. Francis chose the Rockets over the Heat, Mavericks and Clippers, his agent Jeff Fried said on Thursday. "I just hung up with Daryl (Morey, the Rockets general manager)," Fried said. "He is dealing with facilitating the contract. "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. 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." </div> Does this mean Rafer is gone? Edit: new article http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...kn/4982185.html <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> 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."</div>
I'm surprised Francis chose the Rockets over his boy friend, Cuttino Mobley. The Rockets are stacked next year with "name" players. If Francis can get back to his previous form, the Rockets will be a very interesting team. I just don't if there are enough shots to go around for Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Steve Francis, and Mike James. Chemistry might be an issue, but the Rockets will be a very interesting team next season.
I love this move, the Rockets have added a huge amount of talent this off season. If these players can gel and Adelman can some how work out a good rotation, we have an incredibly deep team. C: Yao/Deke/Butler PF: Scola/Hayes/Landry?/Harris? SF: Battier/Bonzi/T-Mac SG: T-Mac/Bonzi/Francis/James PG: Alston?/James?/Francis? The rotation is almost up in the air, it'll be VERY interesting to see what happens. DARYL MOREY STRIKES AGAIN. And as stolen from CF, I shall call him D$, the Wizard. . Daryl-Money. EDIT: Isn't it funny we basically traded Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato for Tracy McGrady, Mike James (TWICE), and Jon Barry? We get Stevie back, James for Gaines and then again for Howard, Barry for Lue. This has made my week! I am sure Locke is gonna look forward to replying to this thread!
The Rockets have made all the right moves this offseason. Signed Adelman Traded for Scola Traded for Mike James Added Francis Retained Bonzi Wells The Rockets now have an amazing balance to run halfcourt and fast break style offenses. The only type of player they need to add is a lanky PF with a lot of athleticism. The key for the Rockets now is staying HEALTHY. They need to secure a top 4 seed and homecourt advantage for a playoff push this season.
It's been nice knowing you, Rafer. Luther may want to start packing as well. Not sure how to react to this one. It's certainly a talent upgrade.
DAMN I completely forgot about mike james and with Bonzi returning there will always be a good player on the floor. I don't see any reason why the team can't work together Yao and Francis had a few years together so maybe that is a plus as well. I know this sounds sad but I'm going to have to make this team on NBA 2k7 when I get some time. Go Rockets I can't wait for next season
The Rockets are going to be an interesting team next year. After this move, they'll be loaded with talent. My only question is whether or not all that talent can coexist with eachother. I definitely think there could be a lot of chemistry issues next year with this team. However, if they can put egos aside next year, this team could be very good. With depth at almost every position, they definitely look like they could be set to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Like everyone has stated, Chemistry issues are a big thing to look at, but honestly i think Francis and James both know this is Yao and Tracy's team. I see a package of Alston and Sura (combined 8 million dollars) for a tall (6-8 to 6-10) athletic guy that can shoot the ball, Lucas is traded for second rounders. Reed is waived. and Harris and Landry are not signed. Chuck and Deke both come back. Leaves our roster at C: Yao Ming/ Jackie Butler/ Deke PF: Scola/Hayes/(trade PF) SF: Battier/Wells/Novak SG:Tmac/Luther/Snyder PG:James/Francis/Brooks (highlights are the rotational players) I see a 10 man rotation <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Francis returns to Houston in a much different role. The top option during his five-year stint with the club, he will be no more than the third option behind McGrady and Yao Ming. Francis spoke with both players as well as new Rockets coach Rick Adelman before deciding to accept Houston's offer. </div> Part of the article from ESPN. Makes me kind of more optimistic about chemistry.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm surprised Francis chose the Rockets over his boy friend, Cuttino Mobley. The Rockets are stacked next year with "name" players. If Francis can get back to his previous form, the Rockets will be a very interesting team. I just don't if there are enough shots to go around for Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Steve Francis, and Mike James. Chemistry might be an issue, but the Rockets will be a very interesting team next season.</div> They don't want/need him to return to his old self, they need him to just be able to put the ball in the basket and run the primary ball handling duties. Rockets seem to be on a crazy rack up as many guards as possible thing right now. The good thing about Francis is that he can effectively backup the SG spot for them, but with Bonzi back, they don't need that so much. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The key for the Rockets now is staying HEALTHY. They need to secure a top 4 seed and homecourt advantage for a playoff push this season.</div> That's why they got so many guys because someone has to stay healthy Anyways, yea, looking at their roster, they definately need to make a trade. It was odd enough with Alston and James, but now they have 3 starting caliber PG's on the team. There are a decent amount of teams looking for PG's though. I'm assuming Rafer will be gone, so their rotation should go something like this: PG: Francis / James SG: McGrady / Wells / Francis SF: Battier / Wells PF: Scola / Hayes / Battier C: Yao / Mutombo? / Butler They can throuw out a full second unit of: PG: Mike James SG: Kirk Snyder SF: Bonzi Wells PF: Chuck Hayes C: Mutombo or Butler bur more realistically, they'd probably have bench lineups of: James-McGrady-Bonzi-Hayes-Mutombo Francis-Bonzi-Snyder-Scola-Yao James-McGrady-Battier-Hayes-Mutombo etc....those kind of mixtures, so they've really got some nice depth There's only 144 minutes a game at the 1-3 though, and they have Alston, Francis, James, McGrady, Wells, Battier all needing minutes. We know McGrady is taking about 34-36 MPG, and Battier about 34-35 MPG, so there's about 76 mins left for the other 4 guys. They aren't all going to be playing 19 MPG, so obviously someone needs to leave, that being Alston since the two other guys (Mike and Steve) just got brough in, and Bonzi is a SF/SG. If Alston doesn't get traded, he has no advantage in terms of getting the starting spot because he wouldn't know the system better than the other guys as it's a whole new system. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">C: Yao Ming/ Jackie Butler/ Deke PF: Scola/Hayes/(trade PF) SF: Battier/Wells/Novak SG:Tmac/Luther/Snyder PG:James/Francis/Brooks (highlights are the rotational players) I see a 10 man rotation</div> I don't think Wells would be happy with his minutes if all of them were coming behind Battier. Battier was getting 36-37 MPG last season, he'll go down, but I'll assume they'd want him out there for at least 33 MPG, that would leave only 15 MPG at SF. So I'm going to assume Wells also takes a lot of the backup SG minutes.
Holy. We are LOADED people. I doubt that Morey would get rid of Mike James just after he got back here. Luther Head is more of a natural SG and is young. So the odd man out here is Rafer. Man, I feel for him.
To clear any air, McGrady seems happy Francis is coming back. Credit to Hilltopper on CF for this. The comments he made about Francis himself and not so much the signing were great. Channel 2 VIDEO
wow... the Rockets are looking more and more like the Trailblazers from about 6-7 years ago. Remember when they had Sabonis, Rasheed, Pippen, Stoudemire, Schrempf, Wells, JONeal, Steve Smith, Brian Grant.. hopefully with fewer offcourt problems tho :S
The Rockets with Steve Francis have one the most talented rosters in the NBA. I think this can all work out in regards of chemistry issues, if you guys can rely on James and Francis to work with the team and take on a lesser role rather than being the primary scorer. I think another option could be making a trade for a proven power forward. I like Luis Scola's talent and potential, but it'd be sad to a flaw in that position if he doesn't turn out the way he should. You guys have had one hell of an off-season though. The addition of Rick Adelman should work out for the better now that you guys will become of the deadliest scoring offenses in the NBA and that you guys have brought in guys that would be starters elsewhere.
Francis' deal with Rockets worth $6 million <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Steve Francis is going home. After three years of struggles in Orlando and New York, the former All-Star guard will return to the place of his greatest glory, the Houston Rockets. Francis was in Houston on Thursday to sign a two-year contract worth roughly $6 million with the Rockets. The club will announce the signing at a newsconference on Friday. "It's great opportunity, I'm definitely excited," Francis told Houston's Fox 26 Sports. "This is a pretty astonishing moment right now. I am still caught up in the hype." </div> Source: ESPN It's official.
<div class="quote_poster">dallasdude Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Damn. There's no way T-Mac is going to lose in the first round with this roster.</div> That's what I thought this year...
S&T Posey for Skip That would all but complete a very good 12 man active roster M.James/S.Francis TMac/Bonzi/L.Head Shane/Posey Scola/Hayes Yao/Deke/Butler
<div class="quote_poster">johnny33 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">wow... the Rockets are looking more and more like the Trailblazers from about 6-7 years ago. Remember when they had Sabonis, Rasheed, Pippen, Stoudemire, Schrempf, Wells, JONeal, Steve Smith, Brian Grant.. hopefully with fewer offcourt problems tho :S</div> Pleeeeaaase don't say that. The Blazers you refer to were severe under-performers. As for the posey proposal? I like that. It could definitely work. And it gives us the other athletic wing we're looking for. Not to mention another former Rocket.
Steve Francis was always liek a big brother to Yao when they were together in Houston. It's great for Houston but I'm just real suprised Francis didnt choos big city L.A to play with his friend Cuttino Mobley and his business partner Sam Cassell. Plus, he appaarently passed up on a bigger contract to the Heat. Houston's lineup would probably be solidified if they traded Rafer or James for a solid PF.
