Remember Them Days - The Franchise Shows OUT In The 2000 NBA Rookie Game

By Cardell Dudley

As the 2nd pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, big things were expected from Steve Francis immediately. After all, he had just ran through the ACC after averaging 17 points, 4.5 assist and 2.8 steals per game for the Maryland Terrapins, which included being named to the All ACC First Team. After forcing a trade from the Vancouver Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets, criticism followed Francis from the draft to the beginning of the season. The criticism immediately turned into praise. Francis would hit the ground running, averaging 18 points, 6.6 assist and 5.3 rebounds per game, Francis aerial style for a 6'3 point guard made him a main attraction in NBA arenas. Not more so then the 2000 NBA All Star Weekend. Francis used this weekend to let the NBA, the country and the world know that he was indeed the "Franchise". Most remember him going toe to toe with Mr Vinsanity Vince Carter in the dunk contest which is still talked about to this very day. However, if you really were watching, the Franchise started the show earlier during the NBA rookie game. Francis would dunk, cross and dime his way to 13 points and 11 assist in leading the rookies to a 92-83 win. Francis had indeed proved he was the franchise in Houston. Check out the highlights below.

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