Rockets Playing Time Victim #1: Steve Francis

Houston's influx of point guards has been well-documented. In trying to guess Rick Adelman's rotation in the backcourt, most assumed the new additions would make the cut. Steve Francis, in particular, was expected to get some minutes backing up the point guard and off-guard spots. It's becoming apparent that won't happen, and as reported by the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen., Francis is outside Adelman's rotation.

Francis, 30, said that when he chose to return to the Rockets, where he began his career and made three consecutive All-Star teams, he knew he would be unlikely to play as much as he had early in his career.

"But not to be in the rotation, to me I don't think that's what I'm looking for," he said. "If that's the case, I'd have to do something."

No idea what that something is, though Francis' tone seems to indicate he'd ask to get out of town. He probably would've been better off joining BFF Cuttino Mobley in Los Angeles, especially with Sam Cassell months away from fleeing for more potent pastures. And with the Rockets deciding to cut Bob Sura (expected), John Lucas III (expected) and Jackie Butler (total shock), and needing to resolve one more roster position... we could see Francis gone by Tuesday. If Francis doesn't want to be in Houston, it makes more sense for the Rockets to end that reunion than send another potentially useful body out on the rails.