<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> In case you haven't heard, the Rockets have taken to the change about as well as any rational person takes to a plate of beets. The Rockets have endured a six-game losing streak on the way to an 8-7 start.</p> Worse, Adelman has committed what many people in these parts consider one of the deadliest of sins. Adelman has buried The Artist Formerly Known As Stevie Franchise on the bench, under a heap of Rafer Alston airballs and Mike James bricks and Luther Head turnovers.</p> The guy in the nosebleed seats at Toyota Center can see that what the Rockets need is more, more, more of Steve Francis. The guy in the nosebleed seats chants "We Want Steve!" and calls into the talk shows and posts pro-Francis screeds on the message boards. He can see things the coach and experienced NBA talent evaluators cannot. He knows how to solve what's wrong with the Rockets.</p> He'd just have to put down his beer first.</p> <h3>Has worn a whistle before</h3> Adelman is 61. Before becoming a head coach, he played in the NBA for seven seasons and cut his teeth as an assistant under Hall of Famer Jack Ramsay. Adelman goes to the practices, stays awake for the games. How could he possibly possess the keen insights of remote control-wielding couch potatoes?</p> In Adelman's professional opinion, Francis has earned 51 minutes of playing time this season. Adelman has called on Francis to play in only three games, including eight minutes of Monday's 88-71 victory against the Clippers. The natives are restless and wondering if Adelman has been getting enough oxygen.</p> On the message boards at your friendly neighborhood newspaper, Francis advocates refer to the Rockets coach as "Alderman," "Coach Concrete-head," and "Coach Rockhead." They accuse the coach of having some sort of vendetta against Francis, some sort of ego issue that prevents him from putting more trust in a three-time All-Star.</p> Ever hear of the Stockholm Syndrome? It's a psychological response in which abducted hostages feel some sort of affinity and fondness for their abductor. In these parts, there is an outbreak of Stevie syndrome. The afflicted suffer such unconditional loyalty to Francis, they see him as they want him to be instead of as he is.</p> When Francis runs down the court without tripping, they beam. When Francis dishes out an assist or makes a shot, they proclaim, "Steve is back."</p> Francis played hard, meant well, played well during his first go-round with the Rockets. The Rockets went 195-215 in those five seasons, winning one playoff game.</p> So even if Francis were what he used to be, his return to Houston doesn't constitute The Second Coming.</p> Remember, Francis spent a good part of the final season of his first go-round in Houston with a field-goal percentage on the south side of 40.</p> When Francis crept above the NBA's equivalent of the Mario Mendoza Line, he triumphantly told those who had been harping on his shooting to "kiss my (butt).</p> Francis might be wiser, but the tradeoff is that he is older. His body isn't nearly as cooperative at age 30 as it once was. Francis went from the Rockets to the Magic to the Knicks, accumulating the sort of mileage that wears the tread off the tires. Saddled with tendinitis in his right knee, Francis averaged a career-low 11.3 points — eight below what he did as a Rocket — in 44 games last season.</p> By Adelman's admission, he went into training camp expecting Francis to win the starting point guard job. Francis wasn't in good enough shape to keep up with the (flawed) competition, which means: A) Flush with the $30 million the Trail Blazers paid him to clear up room in the salary cap, he didn't have the drive to get himself in the best shape possible; He assumed becoming a starter was a formality; or C) He was as driven and determined as ever, but all the past wear and tear wouldn't allow him to push himself into elite NBA condition.</p> Does Adelman's past make him immune to scrutiny? Of course not. It's possible he's wrong, that there's more left in Francis than meets the coach's eye. If so, then Adelman has plenty of company around the NBA.</div></p> Source: Houston Chronicle</p> </p>
Great article.</p> I think we should give Adelman the benefit of the doubt. He's started to play Stevie and he STILL hasn't proved he can play well with our current team and system.</p> I like stevie, obviously for sentimental reasons like most of us Rockets fans, but I won't be quick to jump on the "we want stevie" bandwagon until he prooves he deserves the playing time.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dakeem1)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Great article.</p> I think we should give Adelman the benefit of the doubt. He's started to play Stevie and he STILL hasn't proved he can play well with our current team and system.</p> I like stevie, obviously for sentimental reasons like most of us Rockets fans, but I won't be quick to jump on the "we want stevie" bandwagon until he prooves he deserves the playing time.</p> </div></p> Like Today? You can't argue with results. Although I agree with most of the article Steve has played well, his turnovers are down and has been dishing out assists at a good rate. And the funny thing is that once again when the game was on the line Tracy was doing his usual and shooting jumpers. Steve on the other hand drove the lane and finished in traffic. One thing is for sure Rafer must be feeling the pressure because he's stepped up his game.</p>
It's jus one game Blurr.</p> I'm happy for Francis and I hope he keeps doing it. I also posted that post before the suns game.</p>
