Don't get me wrong I like what Adelman's done with this team so far ...but come on .... the way he's ignoring Francis' talents on the bench is very similiar to what we saw from Van Gundy last season with Bonzi Wells. I have a lot of respect for Van Gundy ...and I like the guy who I sometimes referred to as "Van Grumpy" during his coaching tenure here ..... but Jeff put Bonzi in his doghouse last year .....and despite much urging from the front office .....he never let him out. I hope that isn't what's going on with Adelman and Francis.

Okay ....I'll agree that Stevie looked abit out of shape when he came to camp. Adelman told me before that he expected Francis to be his starting point guard ...but he said that the other candidates for the job simply outplayed him. Okay ....that was then this is now. The team needs another scoring threat. Have you watched the last two games?? Even with Tracy healthy the Rockets offense wasn't hitting on all cylinders. Now though with T-Mac out for at least a week things get really grim. Mike James is struggling with his shot.... Rafer Alston is struggling with his shot....Shane Battier is struggling with his shot.....and Chuck Hayes is no offensive threat whatsoever. Strangely enough though that non-fearsome foursome was on the court the other night at the same time along with Yao Ming. Guess what?? All the opponent had to do was guard Yao ...because he was the only real offensive threat .....so against the Lakers in the closing minutes it was Yao's free throws versus the Lakers team. It looked like Van Gundy's old offense.

The fact is something is going on between Adelman and Francis otherwise Stevie would be on the floor. What that is ...is up for debate. Reporters aren't allowed into practices so we can only speculate ....but I do know this ...it's time for Adelman to put Stevie back on the court ....not just because the fans were chanting his name Wednesday night at Toyota Center but because this team needs help on the offensive end ....and Francis ..for all his faults ...can provide that help.