<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>SI.com - The Knicks and Magic are close to a deal that would send three-time All-Star guard <u>Steve Francis</u> to New York for a package of players, according to two league sources. Details of the trade were still being worked out, according to one of the sources, who emphasized that it had yet to be completed. The Magic apparently have decided to wait until the last minute before Thursday's trade deadline to see if any better offers come up. If the trade goes through, it would represent yet another high-profile acquisition for Knicks president Isiah Thomas, who already has added Larry Brown, <u>Quentin Richardson</u>, <u>Eddy Curry</u> and <u>Jalen Rose</u> this season alone. The 6-foot-3 Francis has averaged 19.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists over his seven-year NBA career. He would join <u>Stephon Marbury</u> to form a backcourt with a combined five All-Star appearances. The Knicks apparently are ready to send three players, including two regular members of the rotation, to Orlando in the deal. Neither team's officials will comment on any ongoing trade talks, but it is likely <u>Jamal Crawford</u> and <u>Maurice Taylor</u> would be included. The Magic are in a rebuilding mode, and the 6-5 Crawford is considered an intriguing young talent who would be able to step in and help fill the team's hole at shooting guard. Taylor would likely be included to help make the salaries match Francis' $13.7 million a year.</div>Crazy deal, don't the Magic got a full man roster as of right now? A 3 for 1 puts that way over the max amount. Still like the deal for them, as they get a nice young guard in Jamal to go with Darko, Howard, Jameer, Diener, Stevenson. For Knicks, I spell disater.
The Knicks are screwedFrancis is by far the dumbest human being to ever touch a basketball (and he has been blessed with sooooo much talent. What a waste).I love what the Magic are doing (by letting go of Francis and ultimately building this team around a great youngstar in Dwight)- their new GM is doing a good job at cleaning up Weisbroad's mess.
If the Knicks did this, They would pretty much be the most selfish team in the History of the league. That would be: Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, Quentin Richardson, Jalen Rose, Eddy Curry, and Nate Robinson. Who's going to have the ball now?? All these players have to have the ball in their hands to be effective, as none play defense or try very hard (Nate might be the exception). NY would become more of a threat, but a MUCH worse team.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ilovebball @ Feb 21 2006, 06:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Francis is by far the dumbest human being to ever touch a basketball (and he has been blessed with sooooo much talent. What a waste).</div>um, thats pushing it a little too much. How can he be the dumbest human being to ever touch a bball??Houston he was a great pg. He is just a good slashing shooting guard. A great slasher at that.He is pretty smart with the bball, and isn't leading the league with turnovers.But none the less, Orlando gets the better of the deal
Something needs to happen. The NBA trading scene is so boring this season.Why would the Knicks do this? Adding Francis is adding another cancer. also, There trying to get Marbury to play the 2 spot. There trying to get Francis to play the 2 spot conflict there.
this trade is awful for us. crawford is a good talent and he's not developed yet. why trade him to a team in the east? also francis and marbs will not coexist. i would hate this trade. and if isiah trades either one of their rooks he will officially be worse than scott layden.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Zards @ Feb 21 2006, 05:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>OMG, a backcourt of Starbury and Franchise...the Knicks would average around 50 TOs per game :no1:</div>Rofl...That is so true.
i really think Steve and Marbury wont work. I dont see them playing that well with eachother... And this trade wont turn there season around. There season is over. All they can do is win games to show they are ready for next season. Cause it will take like 10+ games to get it going again.
Forget the offense for a second. Francis or Marbury at the 2 is a mismatch. New York's defense has just gotten worse. I think defensively New York could be the worst in the league if this trade goes through. Also Francis is another bad contract.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SunnyD @ Feb 21 2006, 04:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>um, thats pushing it a little too much. How can he be the dumbest human being to ever touch a bball??Houston he was a great pg. He is just a good slashing shooting guard. A great slasher at that.He is pretty smart with the bball, and isn't leading the league with turnovers.But none the less, Orlando gets the better of the deal</div>Trust me, he was nowhere near a great PG in Houston! He's "pretty smart with the bball" because he "isn't leading the league with turnovers."? Being smart with the bball is more than just turnovers (which, while Francis is not leading in turnovers- has been, throught his career- amongst the top in that catagory), it includes shot selection, choosing who to pass to, when to pass- and Francis was horrible in ALL of those catagories.He's an idiot- and if you get the chance to see him for an entire season, I'm willing to bet that you would agree with me.
Also he got owned by smaller quicker guards. It will be interesting seeing Francis and Marbury play at the same time. The only way I see it helps is it takes less pressure off of Francis that Marbury can handle the ball and vice versa. There are a lot more disadvantages though to having play together. They don't compliment each other scoring wise, they both play poor defense, and they are both turnover prone.
Another typical Isiah Thomas deal. Marbury and Francis in the back court...A $30 million dollar back court, and two guys who have never won anything in their career and need the ball in their hands to contribute. This move is only going to continue to hurt the Knicks...cant wait till the Nets play them this week...
