I joked about it two days ago when discussing Javaris Crittenton's departure from the CBA, I guess I really should have put money on it!

From NiuBball.com:
"Though Sina is reporting that the team is cutting Francis, a source speaking to NiuBBall.com indicated that the break-up was mutual and that both sides were equally ready to move on.  Francis, who was brought in on a large contract after Beijing head coach, Min Lulei, flew out to the U.S. to watch him work out in November, became quickly frustrated with Min over his lack of minutes and felt as if the team was merely using him to sell tickets and merchandise.  Francis had not played more than five minutes in a single game, and had received his second straight DNP-CD tonight against Jiangsu after not getting any action on Friday against Bayi."

I for one am relieved that this happened early in the season. I hope that they look closely at their needs before signing a new import. With Lee Hsueh-Lin manning the point I see their biggest need being a scoring wing player. Scott Schroeder of Ridiculous Upside was not to far off when he floated Rashad McCants name. McCants is the kind of scoring guard who has found success in the CBA (see Andre Emmett and Quincy Douby as examples). But if not McCants, high scoring guards who are in game shape are not that difficult to find.

On the other side of the story, it will be interesting to see where Francis ends up next . . . or should I say whose headache he will be next?

I wasn't going to comment on the awesomeness that was Stevie Franchise's CBA debut, but after articles from both NiuBball and Ball Don't Lie I think I need to enter the fray for no other reason than to add video of glorious 17 seconds.

Pause the first three video windows and fast forward to the 29:00 minute mark in the last video player. For me there are three highlights in this video (there would be four if we got a clear shot of the ice bags).

1)      The look on the free throw shooter’s face (Zaid Abaas is his name) when he sees Francis checking in. The eye roll is classic.

2)      Francis getting down in a defensive crouch and directing defense. Admirable? Sure, if your team is not up by ten and there are only 15 seconds left in the game! The big question is if we will ever see him play such serious defense again.

3)      The Beijing coach acknowledging that he is a sell-out to the other coach . . . at least that is how I translated his body language.

On a final note, I love Stevie’s Wikipedia page. I don’t think you get a better quote than “he was known early in his career for his crossover dribble, driving ability, and flashy dunks.” There is no mention of what he is known for at the end of his career. I guess “lackadaisical approach to training,” “penchant for injury,” and “the ability to repel all 30 NBA teams at once” are not nearly as flattering.