I talked to Steve more about his basketball than his mindset and I'm sure he's uncomfortable right now. He likes to be loved and I know that. When he hears some of the stuff out there I know he gets his head down. But I just wanted him to know that we still love him.

I think he needs a chance. He's a very skilled 7-foot basketball player that can shoot the ball from the elbow, top-of-the-key area, 15-17 foot range. I think he just needed a change to show what he can do.

The fans look at the game the way we have presented the game. That's just the way basketball is now and somehow we have to change it back.

I haven't really seen Steve Francis in three weeks. He's been on the team, but he really hasn't played the type of basketball he's capable of playing. I told him I expect him to lead this team. At this point, we haven't had any leadership.