“Have you decided, Steve?”“Yes, indeed. I love Houston. I would like to play for it.”
“Actually, Vancouver is not bad, isn’t it?”
“Come on, you want me to be a popsicle.”
On August 27th, 1999, Steve Francis, who was No.2 pick rookie, refused to play for the Vancouver Grizzlies which has chosen him already. Eventually, he was traded to Houston which he had been yearning for day and night.
This boy, wearing a cap with Houston Rocket badge, promised proudly, “I will bring this city glories and prides. Francis did all his best to carry out his promise. He fought for Houston Rockets for 5 seasons, with 7226 points, 2295 rebounds and 2381 assists in total. Moreover, he was the second Houston Rockets player that had been selected to play in NBA All-star Game. Most importantly, In 2002 NBA rookies draft, he helped Houston pick Yao Min
g, who was No. 1 pick that year. In fact, that was not a good thing for himself.
g, who was No. 1 pick that year. In fact, that was not a good thing for himself.Yao should thank God for sending himself a “Big Brother”. Steve is a guy who is loyal to friends and has overall interest on mind all the time. However, supposing you are the big brother and leader of the team without controversy, then a seven feet six inches big guy with a heavy oriental accent came to your team and everybody told you, “Hey, buddy, we all understand what you have contributed to our team. You are really something but for now we must run our team based on the interest of that big guy, so you need to make change for him.” What are you going to do?
That is what Francis did: On the court, he changed his style, passing the ball to the inside as more times as possible to perform “Inside-out” tactic which he was good at. After the match, he accompanied Yao to do shopping, taught him English and invited Yao to parties and camps. When Stoudamire dunked over Yao’s head, roaring to Yao’s face, it was Steve, exploding with anger, who jabbed Stoudamire’s throat with his elbow. “He is my brother! Nobody can bully him. Try it if you dare.” Steve said, vehemently.
Four years later, That Chinese young boy who was protected by Steve before had become the best centre in NBA and the playmaker of Houston Rockets. However, Steve himself had been traded to different teams, warming the bench and being lowly paid.
On the Chri
stmas Eve, Rockets officially declared that 31-year-old Steve Francis would be transferred to Grizzlies for the draft rights of 2011. As for this trade, Francis declared, “I will obey the choice of Rockets unconditionally. Actually, I am surprised that I have to go back to Grizzlies in the end.” Rockets fans criticized the team manager for his acerbity. Yao also expressed that it was sad news. For better or worse, nothing can be changed already. At the reunited evening for every family, a hero fighting for this city before made his way to Memphis.
stmas Eve, Rockets officially declared that 31-year-old Steve Francis would be transferred to Grizzlies for the draft rights of 2011. As for this trade, Francis declared, “I will obey the choice of Rockets unconditionally. Actually, I am surprised that I have to go back to Grizzlies in the end.” Rockets fans criticized the team manager for his acerbity. Yao also expressed that it was sad news. For better or worse, nothing can be changed already. At the reunited evening for every family, a hero fighting for this city before made his way to Memphis.“I am a real Houstonese for the past, the present and the future.”Steve Francis said.
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