Do the Rockets need Steve Francis?
That is the 64-dollar question coming into today. According to the Houston Chronicle article, Steve Francis has narrowed his list of team choices to four. In no order, they are Houston, Dallas, LA Clippers, and Miami Heat. Now I pose this question: Is it more a case of him needing the Rockets more than us needing him? The reason for bringing this up comes from looking at the other teams that are finalists on his list:
Dallas: There he would play shooting guard. What with Greg Buckner and Maurice Ager at that position, again winning and playing time would not be an option. That, and Dallas is still picked to make a deep playoff run again next year.
LA Clippers: Okay, where do I start on this one? Point Guard: Sam Cassell is old and breaking down, and Shaun Livingston is coming off major knee surgery. Shooting Guard: Cuttino Mobley is Steve's buddy and best friend from his days in Houston, and Doug Christie is old and broken down. No problem getting playing time; however, the team is one that could make the playoffs or fall off the map depending upon how the team progresses through the season.
That leaves Houston: He would be sitting behind Alston and James at the point, and T-Mac and Bonzi at the Shooting Guard position. And they have Aaron Brooks also in the mix for playing time.
So again I ask the question: Why is Houston on his list? Maybe because he is looking to redeem himself in the eyes of the city where he started his NBA career? His agent says money is not an issue and I can understand that since he just got a $30-million buyout of his contract in Portland. If he does sign with the Rockets he will need to eat a really big piece of humble pie. This team belongs to Yao and T-Mac and he will be just another part of the pie, not the whipped cream.
Posted by bweldon @ 07/19/07 10:49 AM | Print | Comments (0)
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