<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Several NBA teams have called the Orlando Magic this summer, wondering about the availability of talented but sometimes tempestuous guard Steve Francis. None have gotten very far. When Francis attended the Magic's summer-league games in Las Vegas earlier this month, he met with Magic officials to talk about several things, including the trade rumors that continue to circulate around him. What he learned from that meeting was that he wasn't going anywhere. But it wasn't just the Magic getting the calls from other teams. "I'd be misleading you if I said, 'I have not received calls from around the league,' people wondering what Steve wanted to do," said Francis' agent, Jeff Fried, who was vacationing in Florida last week. "The interest from other teams was genuine. But Steve likes Orlando. And based on our discussions with the Magic, they like him here." Brian Hill's most important task this season as coach will be convincing Francis to trust and use his teammates more effectively -- and to become a leader defensively. "You hear [trade] rumors, but I think reality is quite the contrary," Fried said. "I'm pretty sure of that. They want him in Orlando."</div> Source
Phew! I am glad this is over I didnt want Francis to go anywhere. I like the part of Nick Anderson and retiring his jersey if they do it he is a big part of the Franchise.
I'm glad he's staying too, hopefully Brian Hill will help Steve and the Magic get better defensively this coming season. I didn't follow the magic when he was around so I don't know if defense is his style but we shall see. Plus, I bought a Steve Francis jersey.. so that's good that he's not leaving.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Orlandoman:</div><div class="quote_post">Plus, I bought a Steve Francis jersey.. so that's good that he's not leaving. </div> Yeah I just bought one too. Now it will be in style for at least one more season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Swish15:</div><div class="quote_post">Yeah I just bought one too. Now it will be in style for at least one more season. </div> agreed... the tmac one is done... thanks for sharing the good news swish...
I wouldn't say that it is final. It is just to ease everyone's minds. I wouldn't be surprised if he is gone at the beginning of the season. Remember how Smith said that we wouldn't sign Dooling and sure enough we signed Dooling. I hope he stays, he's one of my fav players, but don't be shocked to still see him traded.
Good news for Magic fans, Francis is one of those players that are amazing on the court and fan favorite.
Francis also said he doesnt care what position he plays as long as they win. I hope that attitude and unselfishness rubs off on the team. <font color="Blue">05 Playoffs here we come!</font>
Glad that's all over with. Franchise is a big part of the Magic and should play a nice role in trying to get them into the playoffs this year. Francis this year is in for a career year if you ask me, and would be great to have that career year be with the Magic. It's great to see Franchise in town for good, now all you have to do is focus on getting into the playoffs.
