ORLANDO -- One way or another, the Orlando Magic are set to introduce their new point guard today.
Jameer Nelson, the player Orlando traded for on draft night, will meet the media today at 10:30 a.m. at the team's headquarters. And apparently there's a chance he could be joined by fellow point guard Steve Francis.
Francis, the subject of trade rumors involving Tracy McGrady and others for two weeks, told the Houston Chronicle on Sunday night that he was planning to fly to Orlando today for a meeting with Magic management.
"I think (today) I'm going to Orlando," Francis said. "I don't know, but I think I'm going."
Francis is the centerpiece of a deal that would involve the Magic also getting shooting guard Cuttino Mobley and center Kelvin Cato. The Magic would be giving up McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue and Reece Gaines. Francis' agent, Jeff Fried, told FLORIDA TODAY that the Magic want to keep Francis as their point guard. But Mobley and Cato could be moved in other trades once they reach Orlando.
Francis, a three-time all-star, initially balked at the thought of joining a Magic team clearly in the throes of rebuilding following a 21-61 season. But Fried said that Francis was agreeable to the trade after having a 20-minute phone conversation with Magic general manager John Weisbrod Thursday night. Weisbrod said Friday that he's anxious "to look into the white's of Francis' eyes" and get a true feeling for his thoughts about coming to Orlando.
"You know, I was mad, but now I'm cool about everything," Francis said
