It’s only been seven years since Steve Francis played his final NBA season, but it feels like decades. Francis, the 2000 NBA Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star, has been largely forgotten since his second stint with the Rockets in 2007-08.
One of the league’s most exciting players from 1999 through 2005, he battled injuries and inconsistency in becoming an afterthought before heeding overseas to play one season with the Beijing Ducks in 2010. He was welcomed by the Astros on Tuesday night and given the opportunity to throw out the first pitch, but it wasn’t the best toss:

About Jason Smith
Recent Posts
Matt Ryan breaks silence on Falcons quarterback
"He’s in a good place right now."
Jayden Daniels loves Philly fans
“I love Eagles fans."
Ben Roethlisberger responds to attack on character
"I like to think as we mature and as we grow in our faith."
Tyreek Hill bids Miami farewell
“Major Love to the 305.”
Ja’Marr Chase breaks silence on Bengals
"I’m just stating my opinion on what I think we need."
Miami RedHawks keep rising up
"One of the hardest places to play in all of college basketball."