Isiah downplays any Francis rift

BY FRANK ISOLA
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER


Steve Francis' minutes and role continue to decrease while his frustration level continues to rise.

After being unhappy with playing 21 minutes in Friday's loss to Cleveland, Francis played 12 minutes in the Knicks' 94-89 loss to Orlando last night and was replaced to start the second half by rookie Mardy Collins.

"I wasn't in there at the beginning; I knew I wouldn't be there at the end," Francis said. "I can't cry over spilt milk. I have to be strong, suck it up and think about something positive. It is hard. Last week playing 44 minutes and playing two minutes (in the second half) tonight."

On Friday, Francis stormed to the end of the bench after being replaced in the opening minute of the second half.

"It's been like that all year," he said on Friday. "Eventually there will come a day when I get to play 40 minutes consistently."

Isiah Thomas says he was "told about" Francis' comments but did not address the matter with him.

"I don't see it being an issue," Thomas said.

It is unlikely that Francis will return next season. The Knicks reneged on a buyout agreement with Francis after Jamal Crawford suffered a season-ending ankle injury. A Cavs source said that the team was made aware of Francis' pending buyout and had internal discussions about acquiring him.

Perhaps the Knicks feel like they don't want to just give him away to some other team this season. So waiting until the end of the season may sit better with them. Nothing ticks you off more than a guy going to some other team and helping them go further. On our team he doesn't fit, but that doesn't mean he can't help some other team looking for a scorer. Cleveland doesn't have much besides LeBron, so adding a guy like Francis might work for them. They're not so much of a post up team even tho they have Big Z. In an open style Francis would likely do better.

It just get's so annoying to hear him talk all this crap. No one on the team is speaking out like that and he keeps making these comments. It could be interpreted as him trying to force the Knicks hand in releasing him. He knows better than anyone that if he plays well he'll stay in the game.

too bad their isn't a waiver system.

I don't think so
LeBron will choke him in the shower...
They cannot risk to lose their star to prison team.

Posted by Pharzeone:

Posted by EnySpree:

I have been saying Cleveland would be a good choice for francis. Too bad knicks can't trade the bastard.

Right now, Francis isn't a good fit for any team. He can't shoot, he can't dunk anymore and his passing is below that of any Marbury.

Yeah but if the knicks waive him/but him out he is gonna get somebodies mid-level exemption.

Posted by EnySpree:

Posted by Pharzeone:

Posted by EnySpree:

I have been saying Cleveland would be a good choice for francis. Too bad knicks can't trade the bastard.

Right now, Francis isn't a good fit for any team. He can't shoot, he can't dunk anymore and his passing is below that of any Marbury.

Yeah but if the knicks waive him/but him out he is gonna get somebodies mid-level exemption.

God bless them. Because he isn't going to give the Knicks anything. That trade is a sinker from beginning to end. Right now he is costing you more than helping you. I rather see Collins miss his shots then Stevie.

I say let him rot, no more buyouts.
He should leave for nothing if he wants out so bad.

so we should pay him his full salary to go play for another team so we can sign someone in this year's draft.

Ok, makes sense.

Posted by babyKnicks:

I say let him rot, no more buyouts.
He should leave for nothing if he wants out so bad.

yes, gm'ing out of spite. it's what champions are built on.