Re: Francis set to blast off for the Rockets

[CeltsSteve@aol.com]

Orlando found a way to get in on the action.  If I understand this correctly, 
 they gave up a second rounder to Vancouver and unloaded Don MacLean's 
contract to Houston while accepting Vancouver's cap fodder.

Now Orlando has Michael "the Animal" Smith of Providence fame as well as 
Chris Gatling, Derek Strong, and Armon Gilliam at the "4". 

Would any of them interest the C's in exchange for Pervis' expiring contract? 
 Speaking for myself, I'd be inclined to consider either Strong or Gatling.


Grizzlies Send Francis to Rockets in Three-Team 11-Player Trade




VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Aug. 27) -- Steve Francis got his trade wish 
and, in return, the <A 
HREF="aol://4344:1579.nbgrizzl.12324255.532552909">Vancouver Grizzlies</A> 
got their depth. 

In what turned out to be a three-way deal, involving the <A 
HREF="aol://4344:1579.nbrocket.12324184.532390759">Houston Rockets</A> and 
the <A HREF="aol://4344:1579.nbmagic.12324193.532391063">Orlando Magic</A>, 
the Grizzlies sent Francis, their disgruntled draft pick who was selected 
second overall last June, to the Rockets. 

In return, the Grizzlies got forwards Othella Harrington and Antoine Carr and 
guards Michael Dickerson and Brent Price from Houston, as well as a 
first-round draft pick in 2000, 2001, or 2002. Dickerson rejoins former 
University of Arizona backcourt mate Mike Bibby.