Steve Francis returns to Houston
Plus: PJ Carlesimo’s love life.
by Marcel Mutoni
-Will Steve Francis go back to Houston? Yes he will.
“I think he sees this as a rebirth, as a restart of his career,” Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said.
“Steve has a sense we’re real close. We think he can be a big part of getting us there. I always thought it was a long shot. Credit to Steve, he chose what he thought was the best chance to win over options that were better financially.”
-According to this article, new Sonic coach P.J. Carlesimo didn’t have a serious girlfriend until he was almost 50 years old. That, friends, is a long time to be in the game.
Until then, “a long-term relationship for me was dating for a long time with zero regularity,” Carlesimo said.
Ask him if ever had a fiancée before Carolyn, and he’ll say: “Far from it.”
(Thugs get lonely, too.)
-Marco Bellinelli dreams big.
“I would like to take this team to the play-offs and the title,” Bellinelli said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. “We have a very strong team, last year Golden State eliminated one of the favorites, Dallas.”
(Uh, good luck with that, Marco.)
-Speaking of Golden State, the Warriors are hurting Mickael Pietrus’s feelings.
“I’m just a little disappointed that the Golden State Warriors haven’t seriously discussed keeping me in Oakland while other teams” are interested, Pietrus said.
“They’ve been talking to my agent … but the thing is, they haven’t discussed if they want me, if I’m a part of the future. I like coach Don Nelson, I like Chris Mullin, but right now, their decision seems to be holding me back.”
-Just how tall is Amir Johnson exactly?
-And finally for today: Oslo sounds like a hell of a city to visit. Can you say ideal vacation spot?
47 Responses to “Steve Francis returns to Houston”
Jul.19 at 4:35 pm
H to the izzo says:
I love the fact that the people of Oslow were only “downright annoyed” at the drugs and prostitution but not yet angry
Jul.19 at 4:37 pm
Mooks says:
I can’t say I’m surprised about Carlesimo’s lack of girlfriends… dude looks like the ugly duckling. And, plus, also… giant douchebag.
Jul.19 at 4:39 pm
Kevin Wilson says:
Well, it’s tough to maintain a relationship when you tell them to “put some mustard on it” during sex.
Jul.19 at 4:39 pm
Cheryl says:
Mutoni, you are ALL over the internets aren’t you?
Jul.19 at 4:42 pm
Mooks says:
Actually, can I revise? He looks more like some sort of rat-human mix. A ratboy, if you will. But I’m sticking with my original “douchebag” assessment.
Jul.19 at 4:47 pm
mutoni says:
um, mooks, p.j. was running mad game according to the article.
Jul.19 at 4:48 pm
Ill Will says:
Marcel’s got the internet goin nuts
Jul.19 at 5:00 pm
Ryan Jones says:
PJ has long been known for his big nightly postgame dinner parties with lots of friends, male and female. Plus he’s been rich and semi-famous for a long time. I’m guessing dude hasn’t had much trouble with the extremely short-term relationships, if you feel me.
Jul.19 at 5:05 pm
Ginto Papa says:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WurJbzFsyQo Will this video be a preview of what we will see again in Houston?? Let’s just hope…
Jul.19 at 5:16 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I wonder if P.J. likes to get choked?
Jul.19 at 5:20 pm
Mo Charlo says:
PJ likes it rough. He likes to be choked. Furthermore, I think it’s pertinent to review Steve’s famous quote about his relationship with Yao: “He’s just like me, except 7′5″ and Chinese.”
Jul.19 at 5:27 pm
Mooks says:
Mad game or not, he’s still a ratboy douchebag.
Jul.19 at 5:36 pm
RV says:
Ginto, those highlights are all pre-knicks, i’m not sure he still has that much lift in him, but i’d say he’s going to pick his spots and fans shouldn’t expect to see an All star, maybe not necesarily because he doesn’t have the talent, but because he doesnt have to be that anymore
Jul.19 at 5:41 pm
Greased Up Deaf Guy aka Clay Davis says:
ohhhh, russ went there! niiiiiiiiiice
Jul.19 at 6:07 pm
nothin _personal says:
Completely irrelevant: The Americas championship will be so weak… I mean, I understand that Ruben F$%^&ING Douglas was able to single handedly win Panama a place in the worlds last time, but this time? With Argentina playing their 2nd string players? It will be pretty much unwatchable.
Jul.19 at 6:27 pm
nick says:
Poor taste, Russ…hilariously poor taste.
Jul.19 at 6:29 pm
Matt says:
I’m not expecting the Franchise of old, but as a Rockets fan, I’m very happy with this news. I’m pumped for this coming season already!
Jul.19 at 6:58 pm
Jas says:
The Rockets are a legitimate title contender. And if they get another solid bigman in return for one or two of the point guards they’ll have to trade, watch out.
Jul.19 at 7:11 pm
CashAddict23 says:
i like the move… it will help mcgrady a lil…. and then yoa and yi can go do jello shots at TGIFRIDAYS.
Jul.19 at 7:19 pm
RV says:
this is video of tmac’s reaction after learning about the signing :http://www.click2houston.com/video/13717432/index.html
Jul.19 at 7:32 pm
RV says:
i just linked to video of tmac’s reaction (awaiting moderation), but he seemed honestly happy/excited about it, took a slight shot at JVG not playing Snyder, novak, and bonzi last yr and implied trading for a big man to get rid of some pgs would be a good move..
Jul.19 at 7:46 pm
RV says:
word is the Rockets knew of francis’ decision since yesterday morning, apparently they requested a jersey be made for a press conference so rumors were swirling, they even had his locker ready
Jul.19 at 8:25 pm
Holiday says:
I honestly hope this works out, and Houston becomes a powerhouse, Im sick of the Spurs! Hopefully the Jazz can get a little better by mid season or sooner and the Clippers get back to were they were a year and a half ago! And if Garnett goes to the Celtics the things will get real interesting come playoff time!
Jul.19 at 8:29 pm
Holiday says:
If things work out with Darko and Pau, The Grizzlies will be a force, and Orlando should be better, plus Arenas should be healthy! And if the Nets can land O’neal (Jermaine) the east should be worth watching, nest season seems to be shaping up to redeem the NBA after last season, well the Playoffs anyway!
Jul.19 at 9:11 pm
JpT says:
Hope Heat get Alston instead, or Navarro. Come on Heat! DO SOMETHING! play wit it. Just playin’, im not DP. haha
Jul.19 at 9:26 pm
John from Miami says:
… at least we got Zo back!
Another player that the Miami Heat were eying has left the radar!! The Heat staff aren’t doing anything right this year, hopefully they can land Mickael Pietrus. First they weren’t able to sign Steve Blake, Chucky Atkins and then Mo Williams and now Francis
Jul.19 at 10:06 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Holiday: You realize the Grizzlies are in the West, right?
Jul.19 at 10:59 pm
Fikimo says:
With ball hogs like Mike James, Fransic n T-Mac how the frig is Yao gonna get the ball
Jul.20 at 12:49 am
Holiday says:
Russ Bengston: Yeah I was just saying if the Net’s get a big man, I know it’s a little confusing I just try to get a bunch out and go when I have a moment! But seriously, they could be a force in the east if healthy, but they’ll be lucky to make the west playoffs next season! but at least they should be competetive!
Jul.20 at 1:30 am
SLAM READ THIS PLEASE says:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070719014624AADP9Ex
Jul.20 at 1:55 am
Holiday says:
I personally think the Heat were a one run story, and now need to start building around Wade and Haslem! Shaq is all but done, Zo is really just good for a couple of blocks and a little energy boost here and there! And Gary Payton is just collecting a paycheck!
Jul.20 at 1:59 am
Holiday says:
Dallas needs to get something for Dirk before people relize he is only worth a damn in the regular season, they got a great team they just gotta forget about Dirk being there best player! He really can’t be depended on!
Jul.20 at 3:41 am
Greased Up Deaf Guy aka Clay Davis says:
skip, mike james, luther dome, aaron brroks, and now stevie??!!?? someone has to get traded
Jul.20 at 3:43 am
Greased Up Deaf Guy aka Clay Davis says:
i think adelman can put something together… stevie, bonzi, tmac, battier, yao. +wild a$$ chuck hayes
Jul.20 at 4:19 am
Gerard Himself says:
Miami really fell asleep the last couple of weeks. Steve Blake would’ve been an awesome fit for the Heat, or Maurice Williams. Who’s left? Jannero Pargo? All kidding aside, who’s left? Are there free agents point guards left who can actually start for Miami? Brevin Knight maybe? He doesn’t score, but he sure can play (but can he play for 82 games?)
Miami really let a few of these guys slip away.
Jul.20 at 4:26 am
Keith says:
Carlesimo = 50 year old virgin?
Jul.20 at 4:49 am
Gerard Himself says:
In other news: what are the chances do you guys think that the Warriors will keep Matt Barnes? Who will be their starting SF if Pietrus AND Barnes are gone?
Jul.20 at 5:53 am
Eoin says:
Hey Marcel, are you just ripping Truehoop straight up?Seriously, all of these stories I read on truehoop the day before.
Jul.20 at 7:56 am
Paul Johnson says:
I hope francis retirns to the old francis and plays well in houston. Side note on Oslo: Yes Oslo, Norway is a great city. That place is so cool. I was there for week with my job and I loved it.
Jul.20 at 7:59 am
Keith says:
Just reading through some of the old pieces on this site and was reading a lot about Starbury. Dude’s having a breakdown. And I’m pretty sure that if he IS having a breakdown, New York is not the best place to have it.
Jul.20 at 8:09 am
Eoin says:
After thinking about it, I withdraw my previous statement.Marcel did provide the Norwegian sex & drugs story, which was all good.
Jul.20 at 8:55 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Given his bad knees and his defensive deficiencies, can we call him Sieve Francis?
Jul.20 at 9:11 am
Jake says:
Sieve Francis is great! How about, Steve “Stick-Up” Francis, cause every time he gots the ball as a Knick I just kept saying “please don’t shoot, please don’t shoot.”
Jul.20 at 9:33 am
Cyrell says:
i’m from Oslo, but i don’t give a damn! prostitutes are hardworkers too, they just a lil’ bit more adventurous! lol! by-the-way SLAM is big in here! always soldout!
Jul.20 at 4:13 pm
albie1kenobi says:
the current rockets roster would have given JVG heart attacks every game, which is why he isn’t there anymore. sieve, yao, “it’s on me”, bonzi, skip, are all offensive-minded players. no more defensive slug it out, “i can’t score but you’ll score less” battles, no more scoring droughts. i have faith in adelman to install a quick pace offense to maximize all the offensive weapons he has in his arsenal.
how far will this team goes though, i can’t say, 2nd round should be safe to say the least, but it’ll all depends on the team chemistry, as Fikimo said above, there’s almost too many scorers on the team now. yao may not get the ball til mid season. either that or he just stay in high post and jump shoot or pass, a la brad miller/webber back in the kings days.
Jul.21 at 12:15 am
Chukaz says:
Marco Bellinelli is crazy ’cause the Warriors ain’t even gonna make the playoffs. They traded away J-Rich who was their 2nd best player. They ain’t keepin’ Matt Barnes or Mickael Pietrus’s feeling. They are trying to get KG, but they’re gonna have to give up so much that they are gonna suck big time. They ain’t gettin’ KG if they don’t give up Monta Ellis, their tall, international guy with the bad hair (what’s his name? I think he is from Russia), they 10 million dollar trade exception, Al Harrington, and Brandon Wright.
Sep.20 at 11:31 pm
Bryce says:
Were you even watching the playoffs Chukaz? Richardson is as replaceable as those girls Carlesimo was going through the first 49 years of life. I’d put money on the fact that Don Nelson could put Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson and any three shooting guards in the league on the court and still make the playoffs.