Francis and Isiah in the Showcase Showdown!!

Everyone has seen that "Franbury" backcourt (Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury) has not succeeded according to plan. This has been so apparent that the newspapers have continually reported rumors that the Knicks were discussing a buyout with Francis's agent.

Plagued with injuries this season and stuck in an unclear role on the team, it is apparent Francis is not the player he used to be. Worse yet, Steve Francis's trade value is at an all time low and this makes it even more difficult for the Knicks to effect a change.

So what do you do? SHOWCASE, SHOWCASE, SHOWCASE! You give him a bigger role and talk about how great he is, of course!!

Take one look at the title of the article on Francis in today's New York Post: "FRANCIS RETURN (AND BIGGER ROLE) AT HAND."

Pay close attention to the quotes from Thomas littered throughout the article:

• "He looks good to me."

• "He gives you some veteran savvy in the backcourt"

• "When [Stephon] Marbury goes out, or if he goes down, at least you've got some savvy back there, someone who understands the position and is still the same kind of threat offensively, can get to the basket, can get to the foul line and is an excellent rebounder.

• "He definitely brings another level of savviness to your team."

Is Thomas his agent? Is Thomas his mother? What's the deal with this unbridled positivity?

Thomas clearly understands that a buyout will not help the Knicks. He also understands that Francis does not fit with this roster. His only choice is to build Francis up, make him look good (in the hope that this will increase his trade value) and then ship him off at the deadline for something or someone that the Knicks could use.

Let's not forget the other elephant in the living room. Thomas's complements about Francis's game are clearly indictments of Nate Robinson's game.