Houston Rockets legend Steve Francis has opened up about the beginning of the end of his NBA career.
When Hakeem Olajuwon left the Rockets in 2001, Steve Francis' rose to prominence and became the new face of Houston. At the time, “Stevie Franchise” was one of the best scoring point guards in the league.
He was traded to Orlando in 2004 and had a maiden season with the Magic. Since then, Francis was never the same player. His game declined and he eventually faded into the shadows.
Reflecting on his cut-short illustrious NBA career, Francis confessed that alcohol was the culprit of his downfall.
According to the three-time NBA All-Star, he was ready to make a statement comeback with the Rockets in 2007 when then-Houston head coach Rick Adelman decided that he will play the role of a bench player. Dejected, Francis turn to alcohol to “mask” the pain.
“The first time I masked pain with alcohol was when I got benched by [former Rockets coach] Rick Adelman,” Francis revealed via The Players' Tribune. “I came back to Houston to play and I sat on the bench. And I was like, ‘Damn, so this is what the end gonna look like for me'.”
The 44-year-old also pointed out that he didn't instantly become a drunkhead but it definitely triggered his drinking.
Looking back, Francis was a living example of how important mental health is in professional sports.
Earlier this month, Francis was honored by the Rockets for his notable contribution to the organization.
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