The guys are putting in the time and it's a great sign that so many of them are already in working well together. I think we are a playoff team. I think we have a pretty good chance. I like where we're going and I really like the pieces that we have.

He practiced all the way through, and that's a first. So it's a good sign. He's got a chance (to be ready for the regular-season opener).

He's not our best player yet. You expect your best player to win you 25 games.

Hey, there is a first time for everything. But you're asking the wrong guy. That's a coach's decision.

His free throws have to be a top priority because you can't spend 31/2 quarters going into a guy, and then in the fourth quarter when the game is on the line, you're going somewhere else.

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.

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.

It was obvious we weren't getting it done with what we had. That's disappointing, but it was time to do what was best for the future.

It was more something that happened (Wednesday) night than a cumulative thing. It was something that happened during the game and afterward. We're going to handle it internally.

Everybody's career has ups and downs and times when they're not playing well, and Steve is going through a tough time right now. We just can't seem to put our fingers on what is causing it all right now.