Post by danhiggins on May 27, 2008 21:43:05 GMT -5
AP-
The New York Knicks just finished (pending league approval) a trade that sent this year's 2nd round draft pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for point guard Steve "Franchise" Francis.
Francis in his new digs
When asked about the deal Knicks GM danhiggins29 said, "We fully expect Steve to come in a start right away for us. Tim Hardaway retired and that leaves a big hole in the line-up for us. We expect Steve to start."
Francis still has all the skill handling the ball, but his lack of first-team playing time for the Lakers has raised eyebrows among Knicks fans. Is Francis the best option? His contract isn't exactly cheap. With two years left on his deal, Francis is set to make almost 30 million dollars. He's also 27 years old, and in the LBA players begin going downhill at age 20 (according to most teams).
Mine!
Just two seasons ago Francis was a near 20 point, 10 assist player in this league. Today he's coming off a season in which he averaged less than 15 minutes per game. He was parked firmly behind Laker playmaker Tony Parker.
The Knicks have a history of "reviving" bench players into solid starters. Last year they did exactly that with Bobby Jackson. Well, at least for the first half before the Knicks dealt him back to Philly. Between those two teams, Jackson parlayed his revival into a 2nd Team All-LBA honor. Jackson is another shooting point guard that isn't afraid to take it to the hoop. The Knicks hope lightning strikes twice.
The biggest question surrounding Francis is his attitude. He was clearly upset about playing a back-up role last year. How can he argue the results though? The Lakers managed to win another championship and he played an integral role off the bench. Francis doesn't seem to think the results justify the action.
An "Enthusiastic" Francis on the bench
Said Francis, "They're [the Lakers] are a joke. I'm glad I'm leaving. I mean, how can they bench me? It just wasn't right. I'm glad I'm leaving."
When asked about the Francis trade Lakers GM jamesdeane1977 said, "I[...] need to cut some dead weight."
In response danhiggins29 said, "Look, the Lakers run things the way they run them. They do it very well too. Look at the rings. I just took Francis because it only cost a 2nd round pick and we still have cash for free agency. We fill out the starting five and replace Hardaway. You can't ask for more."
Well, you can bet the Knicks fans will ask for more.
The New York Knicks just finished (pending league approval) a trade that sent this year's 2nd round draft pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for point guard Steve "Franchise" Francis.
Francis in his new digs
When asked about the deal Knicks GM danhiggins29 said, "We fully expect Steve to come in a start right away for us. Tim Hardaway retired and that leaves a big hole in the line-up for us. We expect Steve to start."
Francis still has all the skill handling the ball, but his lack of first-team playing time for the Lakers has raised eyebrows among Knicks fans. Is Francis the best option? His contract isn't exactly cheap. With two years left on his deal, Francis is set to make almost 30 million dollars. He's also 27 years old, and in the LBA players begin going downhill at age 20 (according to most teams).
Mine!
Just two seasons ago Francis was a near 20 point, 10 assist player in this league. Today he's coming off a season in which he averaged less than 15 minutes per game. He was parked firmly behind Laker playmaker Tony Parker.
The Knicks have a history of "reviving" bench players into solid starters. Last year they did exactly that with Bobby Jackson. Well, at least for the first half before the Knicks dealt him back to Philly. Between those two teams, Jackson parlayed his revival into a 2nd Team All-LBA honor. Jackson is another shooting point guard that isn't afraid to take it to the hoop. The Knicks hope lightning strikes twice.
The biggest question surrounding Francis is his attitude. He was clearly upset about playing a back-up role last year. How can he argue the results though? The Lakers managed to win another championship and he played an integral role off the bench. Francis doesn't seem to think the results justify the action.
An "Enthusiastic" Francis on the bench
Said Francis, "They're [the Lakers] are a joke. I'm glad I'm leaving. I mean, how can they bench me? It just wasn't right. I'm glad I'm leaving."
When asked about the Francis trade Lakers GM jamesdeane1977 said, "I[...] need to cut some dead weight."
In response danhiggins29 said, "Look, the Lakers run things the way they run them. They do it very well too. Look at the rings. I just took Francis because it only cost a 2nd round pick and we still have cash for free agency. We fill out the starting five and replace Hardaway. You can't ask for more."
Well, you can bet the Knicks fans will ask for more.
