The agent for injured Knicks guard Steve Francis said yesterday that speculation that his client is seeking a buyout or that a sore right knee could force Francis into an early retirement "is absurd."
"That's not even remotely in the equation," said Jeff Fried, Francis' Washington D.C.-based representative. "This is all about him rehabbing and getting back to helping his team."
Fried added that Francis has every intention of playing again this season.
"Absolutely," he said. "That's why there is such a dedicated focus on the rehab. That's the whole reason behind the decision to be in Houston."
Fried revealed that he and Francis approached the Knicks about their plan to seek treatment in Houston, where Francis owns a home. Francis went through his first session yesterday with former NBA player and coach John Lucas.
The Knicks granted Francis permission to leave, but it is debatable if they would allow, say, Eddy Curry or Channing Frye to seek rehab away from the team if either player was suffering from a similar condition.