No Longer The “Franchise” Francis Starting To See More Minutes

He is no longer referred to as “Stevie Franchise”, and it has taken some adjustment for Rockets guard Steve Francis to get acclimated again to Houston. He was once the hub of the wheel here, now he is just one of many spokes. But after playing just once during the Rockets 13 games Francis is finally starting to see some increased playing time.

The last couple of years have been a long strange trip for the former All-Star. But this summer was probably the most humbling experience he had ever gone through. After playing in the NBA with the Rockets starting in his rookie year of the 1999-2000 season, Francis was traded to the Orlando Magic before the 2004-2005 campaign for Tracy McGrady. Francis played there for a year and half before being traded to the New York Knicks midway through the 2005-2006 season. He was brought to the Knicks as the New York coach Larry Brown, tried to replace starting guard Stephon Marbury. After the season, Brown was gone, the new Knicks coach was Isiah Thomas, Marbury’s biggest supporter in the organization. Needless to say last season was not a fun one for Francis, as he was injured, and the club atmosphere was tense. He played in only 44 games, averaging 11.3 points far below his career average.

But this Summer may have been the cruelest blow of all. On the night of the NBA Draft Francis was sent to Portland, in a deal that brought the Knicks Zack Randolph. Portland waived Francis, talk about ego check time, it must have been a devastating psychological blow. So Francis basically went back to Houston, hat in hand looking for a job. They took him back, but he soon realized his minutes would be spare at best. The Rockets decided to go with Rafer Alston as their starter at the point, and Mike James as his backup. And when Houston got off to their hot start of 6-1, new coach Rick Adelman let things stay status quo. Then the bottom fell out, as Houston lost six in a row, to find themselves at 6-7. That’s when Adelman decided to shake things up.

Francis saw more action in the next two games then he had in the previous 13 combined. And Houston won their next two games, standing at 8-7 going into Thursday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors. Francis toughed it out, playing the good soldier and is now back in the Rockets regular rotation. Francis has learned that although the universe no longer revolves around him, he can still enjoy being a part of it.