http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...agicstory041505,1,155503.story?coll=orl-magic (didn't we see this successfully with Mooch running the Point 'back in the day', as in when MN had game.) Nelson awaits next challenge Sixers' win ends Magic's playoff hopes Brian Schmitz | Sentinel Staff Writer Posted April 15, 2005 With Jameer Nelson seated next to him and listening intently, Steve Francis said Thursday he was not planning on being the Orlando Magic's starting point guard next season. Francis says he'll concentrate this summer on returning as a shooting guard. The offseason for the Magic and Francis will begin immediately after Wednesday's final game against the Miami Heat. The Magic were ousted from the playoff race Thursday night with the Philadelphia 76ers' overtime victory over the Heat. "That's what I'm going to be working on all summer," Francis said after Thursday's practice. "It's a whole different thing, going to shooting guard." A new coach could, of course, have different ideas. But if Francis makes the transition for good -- he's dabbled at shooting guard this season -- the move might open the door for Nelson to start. Might. Nelson has been backing up Francis at point guard most of the season, and he says he wants to run his own team one day. DeShawn Stevenson has been starting at shooting guard, but Stevenson or Doug Christie likely would back up Francis next season. Christie also can pitch in at point guard, but he is upset with the Magic and would prefer to play for another team. General Manager John Weisbrod, who Thursday called the disenchantment from Christie's camp "mind-boggling," said he has no plans to trade Christie or buy out the remaining year of his contract. The Magic could bring in a veteran point guard this summer, presumably taller than Nelson. There seemingly is a question whether the franchise believes the 5-foot-10 rookie is equipped to be a starter. "I think he's going to be a starter in this league," Magic interim Coach Chris Jent said. "I don't know if it's next year. ... It depends on what parts are around him here." There was little doubt Wednesday night in Detroit whether Nelson could handle the load. With the Magic short-handed, he started and scored a career-high 30 points in the Magic's loss and added eight assists and five steals. A heckler in the audience started the game assailing Nelson. "Hey 14! You're too short to play in this league! Please shoot the ball! Shoot!" Nelson kept making shots, winning over the critical fan. "Hey 14! OK! Would you start passing the ball!" said the heckler. Under former coach Johnny Davis, Francis was moved from point guard to shooting guard and Nelson was inserted at the point in late February. Then when Jent replaced Davis in mid-March, he returned Francis to point guard and brought Nelson off the bench to give the reserves "some pop." Understandably, Nelson says he doesn't know what the club's plans are for him. All he knows is that he's "definitely satisfied" that he has made an impression and carved out playing time while proving doubters wrong. "I think they [the Magic] know I can play," Nelson said. "I don't think they would have given up a [first-round] pick for me if they thought I couldn't play. A lot of it is just getting time. "After the all-star break, I was getting more minutes. It makes a difference when you go from ... 12 minutes a game to 35." Nelson says he doesn't dwell on life as a starter or a reserve, adding, "Everybody wants their own team. But you've got to be patient. It doesn't really matter this early in my career whether I'm a starter or a reserve as long as I get minutes." As far as Francis vacating the point-guard job, he said, "I'm ready for any challenge. I was prepared for the challenge of coming off the bench. I can learn to be a starter. "But Steve's the head guy on our team. I don't know what's going to happen, but I'll be ready." Brian Schmitz can be reached at [email protected].
IMO, b/c of his terrible defensive instincts not to mention his 6'3" size, he will consistently get killed by opposing team's SG's.
I am not sure what the future lies with Francis, but the fact he is "content" with being a SG in my opinion is a HUGE step. For the longest time he just wouldnt admit that he wasnt really a PG and it seemed he really resisted not being the guy that massaged the ball. Francis would be a lot more effect in the offseason if he could work on catching and shooting and working off screens.
The Stevie I know (and esteem) says lots of right, and wrong, things which is often the result of a mouth - brain disconnect.
IMO steve will be traded this offseason for a younger up and comming allstar. I would consider trading him to atlanta for possibly a top 3 pick, maybe to the bucks for redd, or toronto for mo pete and thier pick.
Hmm.. not much different from him getting killed by the opposing team's PG. Sura sure lit him up. 17 PTS, 11 REBS, 8 AST per game this year against Francis. But it looks like all the damage was at the FT line - 9 attempts a game & horrible shooting - shows he is easy to beat off the dribble.
