Orlando. I know what you are thinking. Orlando? Every major paper in the country has Steve Francis going somewhere before the trade deadline. But for the Magic to move Francis, they would want to either clear cap room or get someone in return that can contribute now. The free-agent talent pool for the summer of 2006 is nothing special, so I can't really see a cap-clearing measure to be of high importance to the Magic. That is unless, they are worried about the luxury tax this summer. However, our stellar ownership has assured us they would go pay the tax to improve this team. Additionally, the Magic would most likely look to bring in a shooting guard to increase scoring, especially in late game situations. I just don't see any team giving up a decent shooting guard anytime before the deadline.
So, that leaves us with Francis on the team. But where will he play? Shooting Guard of course. Let's break down the team, position by position, to find out where the Magic stand with the current roster.
Point Guard
With Carlos Arroyo and Jammer Nelson, the Magic have solidified the point guard rotation. When Nelson returns, Travis Diener is more than likely finding his way to the injured list.
Shooting Guard
DeShawn Stevenson does a good job defensively at shooting guard, but he doesn't exactly light up the scoreboard. Keyon Dooling has proven that he can score at times and defend well, but so far he has been inconsistent. This is where Steve Francis comes into play. Francis can score and the Magic are lacking a scorer in this position. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Francis can help the Magic in this capacity.
Small Forward
With a healthy Grant Hill and Hedo Turkoglu, the small forward position is a lock. The Magic might look to replace Hill at some point down the road if his health continues to be in doubt. Stacey Augmon probably moves to the injured list.
Power Forwards
Dwight Howard is a given and depending on whether Mario Kasun is in the center rotation, Pat Garrity probably comes off the bench. Bo Outlaw is moved to the injury list.
Center
I don't see any reason for Tony Battie to surrender the starting position here. He has done a good job and is a good example of what a team player is all about. Darko Milicic will more than likely become the #2 option, though he could end up playing some power forward. Kasun will pickup whatever minutes he can.
So, unless a decent shooting guard is offered to the Magic - I expect the Magic to stick with what they got. However, they need to sit Francis down and give him the warm-and-fuzzy talk. Let him know that he is a part of this team and get the train back on the tracks.
For those who don't like Francis, I remind you of the first game in the 2004-05 season. With three seconds left, Francis nails the game winning layup and the O-rena was as loud as any other time I can remember. That one moment made me forget about Tracy McGrady and his lazy ways. Francis just needs a little reminder himself of what he is capable of - making the difference in winning and losing.
2 Comments on "Where will Francis end up?"
Of all the trades swirling, I like Francis to NY best if they include David Lee back in the deal. He would really shore up the front line. Of course that means taking back Crawford, but I don't see him as much different than Dooling or Francis- turnover prone combo guard who's overpaid.
I agree about Jamal Crawford - not much of a change in that position from what we have. I don't like any deal with New York - unless it's just to unload Francis for Hardaway's contract. I don't know that does much for our team in the long run though.