Top > Sport > 2006 > February > 2006-02-22

Houston We Have a Problem

As a result of injuries and poorly constructed roster, the Houston Rockets have found themselves in a situation in which it seems highly unlikely that the team would even make it to the playoffs. McGrady shocked the Rockets last week when he told Coach Jeff Van Gundy that he is considering taking some time away from the team and from public life.

Another team that has been in the news is the Lakers who were linked among others to the former Rocket Steve Francis trade rumors. Phil Jackson has been quite open about his strategy for beating the Rockets in the playoffs two years ago: make sure Steve Francis has the ball as much as possible so the Rockets can beat themselves. There is absolutely no way Jackson wants Francis in his stable, nor is there any way the team would part with Kobe?s set-up guy in Odom.

Though his agent denies it, Francis admitted freely that he is resigned to being traded, and now he appears to be trying to steer the direction of the potential deal. His home is still in Houston, LA is the second largest marketing city next to New York ? it makes sense that he would want to be in one of those places.