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Chat Transcript: Steve Francis

With the start of the 2005-06 season, Steve Francis will be entering his seventh season in the NBA and second with the Orlando Magic. And on the eve of Opening Night around the league, Francis will sit down to chat with fans on NBA.com.

Francis comes off a season in Orlando where he led the Magic in points (21.3) and with a career-high seven assists per contest. He also shot a career-best .823 from the free throw line, while ranking seventh in the NBA in assists, 18th in scoring, 20th in minutes played and 22nd in steals.

With the addition of Francis in 2004, the Magic improved their win total by 15 games over the previous season. The team is looking to build on last year's improved record by returning starters Grant Hill and Dwight Howard, along with bringing back the winningest coach in franchise history, Brian Hill, to guide the Magic back to the playoffs.

Before Orlando kicks off their season at home against the Indiana Pacers, Francis stopped by to chat with fans at on November 1. Check out what Steve had to say about this year's team and much more.

matt (jacksonville): Huge Magic fan here, do you want to play shooting guard this year or do you prefer the point?

Steve Francis: This is a question I've been asked for the past four or five months. To me it doesn't really make a difference, as long as I'm on the court, I'm going to help this team win.

Christian: Steve, Do you have any pregame rituals?

Steve Francis: I get to the arena about two and a half hours before the game. I also take a two hour nap from 2-4. Other than that, nothing really.

Linda Iverson(france): What inspired you to play basketball?

Steve Francis: Wanting to compete, wanting to play on television. I just wanted to be out and playing.

Matt Maresca (North Arlington, NJ): Hey Steve, congratulations on the new addition to the Francis family. How's fatherhood going?

Steve Francis: It's been good. Every day, every week there are so many changes. I'm really really happy about it. I haven't been able to sleep well, but it's all good.

Joel (Orlando): Hello Steve. I saw you at the Tarver vs. Jones fight in Tampa, and I was wondering who your favorite boxer is? Also have you ever thought about stepping into the ring one day?

Steve Francis: When I was younger I took boxing lessons. One of my friends from then is Sharnba Mitchell and he's fighting Floyd Mayweather Nov. 19th. I won't be able to make it because we have a game.

DETROIT: How do you think you're gonna be without Grant Hill and his leadership?

Steve Francis: I think it's going to be tough to replace his leadership and his 20 points a game. But this is the NBA and we are going to have other players who are capable of stepping up and filling in.

Houston: Are you looking foward to the game against Houston?

Steve Francis: I think last year's game was more exciting, because it was my first time back playing against the Rockets. But I'm very happy to be going back and playing against Houston.

Matt: Steve, I've heard that Brian Hill is a really intense coach. Do you think that's just what this team needs after the more mild-mannered JD?

Steve Francis: I think stablity is something we lacked last year. And with Brian Hill coming in, who's a coach that's been to the Finals, that's going to help a lot of the younger players, including myself.

Nabeel: Steve, in college you wore the #23 and when you went to the Rockets the #23 was retired but not in Orlando. You can wear the #23 so why don`t you?

Steve Francis: I just wanted to stick with the number I started my career with in the NBA.

Stunah (Brooklyn): In your spare time, what do you like to do?

Steve Francis: With the addition of my daughter, that's pretty much what I spend all my time on. RIght now we're both almost falling asleep together.

Gerry (Madison): Hey Steve-O, a lot of "experts" pick you guys to finish 8th in the conference if you make the playoffs at all. What do you feel is an accurate guess as to the talent level on the team and where you can finish?

Steve Francis: Every team in the Eastern Conference improved this season. And for us to be competitive we just have to take it one game and one week at a time. There's never a limit on what we can accomplish together.

Pedro (Clearwater): Hey Steve if u could pick any one player to play alongside from any time period who would you pick? And good luck this season.

Steve Francis: Any time period? That's a real tough question. I would have to say a guy like Wilt Chamberlain. That's crazy they were just showing Wilt on ESPN Classic. He was great.

TJ(bronx, ny): because this team has been together for a year do you expect to be a more cohesive unit even despite all the adversity the team went through at the end of last season?

Steve Francis: I do. I expect us to gel, and we have been as we learn the new system. We've been gelling the last month as we learn each others game. It's been a big help.

Washington dc: How much do you think Dwight Howard will improve this season?

Steve Francis: I've already seen amazing improvment in his body, his attitude and his low-post game. And I think he'll only get better as the season moves on.

mike james: Hey Steve, who is the toughest guard in the nba to quard?

Steve Francis: There's not just one. It depends which guard, which day, which team you play. Every point guard, every shooting guard in the NBA is tough to play.

Steve Francis: I want to thank everyone for inquiring about myself and the Orlando Magic this season. We looking forward to bringing you it all this season. Thanks a lot.