Francis set to blast off for the Rockets

[CeltsSteve@aol.com]

It's a done deal; pending league approval.  Othella Harrington, Antoine "Big 
Dog" Carr, Michael Dickerson (Bibby's roomate at Arizona), Brent Price, and a 
future # 1 for Francis and assorted cap fodder. 

The Dream, Barkley, and Pippen in the front court and Mobley/Francis in the 
backcourt. How many games can that lineup win if they stay healthy?


Reports: Grizzlies Will Send Francis to Rockets

.c The Associated Press
  
HOUSTON (Aug. 26) -- The <A 
HREF="aol://4344:1579.nbrocket.12324184.532390759">Houston Rockets</A> and <A 
HREF="aol://4344:1579.nbgrizzl.12324255.532552909">Vancouver Grizzlies</A> 
have agreed on a 10-player trade that will give the Rockets the rights to 
Maryland guard Steve Francis, the Grizzlies' first-round pick in the 1999 NBA 
draft, according to TV reports. 

Broadcast reports said Thursday night that the trade, which would be one of 
the largest in league history, will be announced Friday after it is approved 
by the league. 

Besides Francis, the No. 2 pick behind Elton Brand of Duke in June's NBA 
draft, the Grizzlies also would send Tony Massenburg, Lee Mayberry, Makhtar 
Ndiaye, Rodrick Rhodes and Michael Smith to the Rockets. 

Houston would give up Antoine Carr, Michael Dickerson, Othella Harrington and 
Brent Price and a future first-round draft pick. 

The Grizzlies had been shopping Francis, who averaged 17 points a game last 
year, to several teams after being unable to sign him.