francis might be traded

smazza · April 25, 2004

after season

houston won't give him max contract

teams are starting to get smart

Steve Francis has had his disagreements with Coach Jeff Van Gundy during the season, and has heard the criticism from the media and fans. There's some sentiment that for Yao Ming and the Rockets to flourish, erstwhile Stevie Franchise needs to be shipped elsewhere.

Francis played the pivotal role in Houston's first playoff victory in five years Friday, with 27 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the Rockets' 102-91 victory over the Lakers.

"I'm not really a big statistics guy with him," Van Gundy said. "I think he's done a good job involving his teammates. When Steve shoots he gets criticized, when he passes he gets criticized. People talk about his scoring numbers going down; at the same time, they talk about he should pass more. Well, if you pass more you're going to shoot less.

"You can't get caught up in how people perceive you, other than if your team wins you're going to be perceived well and if you don't win you're not going to be perceived well.

"I think Steve's done a good job all year making sure we have five guys in double figures."

Francis was animated as well, hopping around and pounding his chest.

"As far as our team in general, not Steve particularly, I think emotion and passion is good," Van Gundy said. "I think if you get emotionally drunk, it's bad. I think in general, what's more important than emotion is belief, intensity, concentration, discipline and poise."