Knicks Acquire Three-Time NBA All-Star Steve Francis
NEW YORK, February 22, 2006 – New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas announced today that three-time NBA All-Star guard Steve Francis has been acquired from the Orlando Magic in exchange for guard/forward Anfernee Hardaway and forward Trevor Ariza.
Francis, 6-3, 195-pounds, averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 46 games, including 45 starts, for Orlando this season. The 29-year-old guard recorded 20-plus points 14 times and 30-plus twice, including a season-high 36 on Jan. 27 at New York. On Jan. 26 at Philadelphia, Francis had a career-high 15 assists and three days later versus the 76ers, recorded his seventh career triple-double.
“This is a trade that we all feel makes us a better basketball team for both now and in the future,” Thomas said. “In Steve, we add an all-star caliber player to our team without giving up core assets that are key to our future.”
The six-year NBA veteran held career averages of 19.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 452 career games for the Rockets and Magic entering the 2005-06 season. The Silver Spring, MD-native was the 2000 NBA Co-Rookie of the Year and was selected to start three consecutive NBA All-Star teams for the Western Conference from 2002-2004.
"Acquiring a player of Steve's level and talent is very exciting for this team," Head Coach Larry Brown said. "In him, we have added a veteran that could help us in many areas, and assist with our young players' development."
Ariza, 6-8, 200-pounds, was originally selected in the second round (43rd pick overall) of the 2004 NBA Draft by New York and was averaging 4.6 points and 19.7 minutes in 36 games this season.
Hardaway, 6-7, 220-pounds, was originally acquired from Phoenix on Jan. 5, 2004 and was averaging 2.5 points and 17.9 minutes in just four games.
NEW YORK, February 22, 2006 – New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Isiah Thomas announced today that three-time NBA All-Star guard Steve Francis has been acquired from the Orlando Magic in exchange for guard/forward Anfernee Hardaway and forward Trevor Ariza.
Francis, 6-3, 195-pounds, averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 46 games, including 45 starts, for Orlando this season. The 29-year-old guard recorded 20-plus points 14 times and 30-plus twice, including a season-high 36 on Jan. 27 at New York. On Jan. 26 at Philadelphia, Francis had a career-high 15 assists and three days later versus the 76ers, recorded his seventh career triple-double.
“This is a trade that we all feel makes us a better basketball team for both now and in the future,” Thomas said. “In Steve, we add an all-star caliber player to our team without giving up core assets that are key to our future.”
The six-year NBA veteran held career averages of 19.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 452 career games for the Rockets and Magic entering the 2005-06 season. The Silver Spring, MD-native was the 2000 NBA Co-Rookie of the Year and was selected to start three consecutive NBA All-Star teams for the Western Conference from 2002-2004.
"Acquiring a player of Steve's level and talent is very exciting for this team," Head Coach Larry Brown said. "In him, we have added a veteran that could help us in many areas, and assist with our young players' development."
Ariza, 6-8, 200-pounds, was originally selected in the second round (43rd pick overall) of the 2004 NBA Draft by New York and was averaging 4.6 points and 19.7 minutes in 36 games this season.
Hardaway, 6-7, 220-pounds, was originally acquired from Phoenix on Jan. 5, 2004 and was averaging 2.5 points and 17.9 minutes in just four games.
And to make it more interesting, Larry Brown (the coach) is known for being hard at the Poing Guards. He doesn't like it when they hold the ball and/or take wild shoots. 
