NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND

February 10, 2001

Steve Francis

STEVE FRANCIS: It was great. Like I said before, I had, so far this weekend, I'm having a good time. I was able to see my sister, my grandmother and my family and friends, and to my -- you know, not too many times does an athlete get to come back to his hometown for an All-Star Game, and that's something special.

STEVE FRANCIS: Sometimes, you know, I think that guys really think that in order to highlight or to really entertain the fans, it is all offensively, and I guess, as the season progressed, as the years progress, people will notice that they are not playing defense, but I can remember some games when the scores were like 145, 150 back when Magic and Isiah(Thomas) were playing so I guess All-Star Games were always like that.

STEVE FRANCIS: I play in the Western Conference so I played him six times already in my career and I think that every chance that he gets, he's taking advantage of the minutes, last year (the minutes) that he was getting were real limited, once they lost a couple players, he stepped into the starting role and I think he has been doing a great job for the Timberwolves.

STEVE FRANCIS: It was great. Like I said, I was happy to see the guys in my class, that we were drafted together, went to Chicago, pre-draft camp and everything like that. I thought it was good that we were all able just to chill together and play together.

STEVE FRANCIS: Definitely, it is all about the fans. When guys like they were saying, when guys sit out games, All-Star Game, I think this is definitely a mid-season classic and if you have an opportunity to take or be a part of, I think you should take advantage of it.

STEVE FRANCIS: The only way I can be involved in an All-Star Weekend now is if I make the big game. I played my first two years in the Schick Rookie Challenge and hopefully, maybe next season I will be an all star, but its something that you really have to work hard for and you have to strive for.

STEVE FRANCIS: This year has been more stressful because everybody wants tickets. Everybody wants to take a picture with Shaq. Everybody wants to come to the hotel, get Shaq's autograph or Kobe and Allen and things like that. But its been fun. Like I said, you don't find too many athletes who have All-Star Weekend in their hometown.