<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> <h3>Francis Fine With Role</h3> </p> <div class="txt-even"> Steve Francis | <font color="#000000">Rockets</font> | What: Player Rotation</p> </p> </div> Until he does play again, the "We want Steve" chant in Toyota Center is likely to come again, and he said he has appreciated the support. But like everything else, Steve Francis said he has learned to put that in perspective.</p> </p> "It was great, man," he said. "They've been sticking behind me no matter what. Hopefully, this is the start of me continuing to get playing time and trying to help this team win.</p> </p> "It was good, but of course you have people who didn't care, people who definitely took the opportunity to bash me as much as they could. The sanity for me came from my wife (Shelby) and my kids (Shailyn and Steven). I really didn't feel like I had to fire back at anybody for anything that was said. I've done a lot in this league to earn the respect of a lot of people, and I'm going to continue to do that. If it's in a different capacity, which it is here, that's what I have to do." -- <font color="#000000">Houston Chronicle</font></p> </div></p>
This article is a load of crap. There is no way Steve Francis is happy with 0 minutes. The game vs. Phoenix was the first time he has seen the court all year. As the former leader of this team a few years ago, I know he has that burning desire to prove himself to the Rockets faithful.</p> I am writing this off as nothing more then a media ploy for him to appear to support the team when in reality, he is bitter.</p>
Well of course he'd be pissed off that it took 6 or 7 bad games by Alston and James and an injury to TMac to finally get him off the bench. I like how he's handling the situation though by not going through the media. He's been handling this with absolute professionalism so far and he deserved the shot against Phoenix. Given the way he played, I don't see why he doesn't deserve a regular spot in the rotation. He can't be worse than Alston has been...</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Locke)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Given the way he played, I don't see why he doesn't deserve a regular spot in the rotation. He can't be worse than Alston has been...</p> </div></p> </p> Oh, I think he could be. Alston has played alright outside of the piss-poor shooting. Steve, in theory, could be better in pick and roll and better finishing at the basket. His outside shooting is streaky, like Alston, but I'd be surprised if he struggled as badly.</p> But my big concerns with Steve is making quick decisions with the ball, getting the Rockets into their offense quickly, and playing good team defense. If he struggles a lot in those areas, then I'd rather stick with Alston. I can't believe he'll shoot 20% from 3 and 30% overall the entire season.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (durvasa)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Locke)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Given the way he played, I don't see why he doesn't deserve a regular spot in the rotation. He can't be worse than Alston has been...</p> </div></p> </p> Oh, I think he could be. Alston has played alright outside of the piss-poor shooting. Steve, in theory, could be better in pick and roll and better finishing at the basket. His outside shooting is streaky, like Alston, but I'd be surprised if he struggled as badly.</p> But my big concerns with Steve is making quick decisions with the ball, getting the Rockets into their offense quickly, and playing good team defense. If he struggles a lot in those areas, then I'd rather stick with Alston. I can't believe he'll shoot 20% from 3 and 30% overall the entire season.</p> </div></p> I do see your point about his decision making and defense, but he was a pretty good defender under Van Gundy. It wasn't there in preseason but I think with some workouts and in better shape Steve should fare alright. The problem with Rafer's 'slump', if you can call it that, right now is that he's not even anywhere close with his misses.Some have completely missed the rim. Steve, though he isn't as good a three-point shooter, doesn't do that at least.</p> The Rockets have been losing the past week and I think Rafer deserves a share of the blame. There's no harm in starting Francis over him.</p> </p>
The biggest concern about Francis getting increased playing time are ball movement and turnovers. He needs to adapt to the new offense and move the ball quicker instead of dribbling out the clock. He's also very turnover prone, as any longtime Rocket fan knows.</p>
