Steve Francis

Steve Francis grew up in Takoma Park, Maryland raised by his mother and grandmother. He attended San Jacinto College of Texas and the Allegany College of Maryland before transfering to the University of Maryland. That year the Terrapins went to the Sweet 16 but were defeated by St. John's. Francis decided to opt out of his senior season of college ball and enter the NBA Draft. He was the second pick overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies, but he did not want to play for them. He was then traded to the Houston Rockets. He was an All-Star from 2002-2004. During the 2003-04 season the Rockets made the playoffs but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games. On June 29, 2004 Francis was traded to the Orlando Magic. The first year with the Magic Francis averaged 21.3 points per game and 7.0 assists per game. During the 2005-06 season on February 22, 2006 Francis was traded to the New York Knicks. With the Knicks he averaged 10.8 points per game and 3.5 assists per game. On June 28, 2007 he was traded to the Portland TrailBlazers who bought out the remaining two years of his contract which made him a free agent. On July 20, 2007 he signed with the Houston Rockets. In 10 games he averaged 5.5 points per game and 3.0 assists per game before undergoing surgery on his quadriceps. On December 23, 2008 he was traded from the Rockets to the Memphis Grizzlies. He was waived by the Grizzlies on January 27, 2009. He is now a free agent and did not play in the 2009-2010 regular season.