The whole team practiced, but only (Francis) went to go spend Christmas with his family, Ducks Coach Min Shulei said Monday, according to NiuBBall.com, an English-language website that follows the Chinese Basketball Association.
I wanted to find him a conditioning coach to work him out for a bit. But he said to me that he needs to play in games, not practice
Francis, a three-time All-Star in the N.B.A., was in the first year of a two-year deal, paying him $800,000 per season. He was used sparingly by the Ducks, only averaging 3.5 minutes and less than a point over four games.
Francis had issues with turnovers, and generally didnt seem to have the same feel for the game as he did when playing for the Knicks, Rockets and Magic.
I feel unhappy that I couldnt play the game. I know I was not well-prepared physically to help the team on court. As the team is in hot form, I think it is best for both sides for me to terminate my contract, Francis said, acoording to Beijing Television on Dec. 27.
His 14-day stay in China has been full of drama. Francis was thrown into a home game for the final seconds, playing with his shoes unlaced and ice packs taped to his ankles.
