Steve Francis was initially very public about being very hurt that Rocket management was attempting to trade him to the Orlando Magic for Tracy McGrady.  Francis was optimistic about the future of Houston basketball with he and Yao Ming as nucleus.  

Now that some time has passed since the trade, Francis is settling into his future with the Magic.  

"I've learned a lot," he said. "So many guys were traded. I've never seen this much action in the NBA in my life as far as so many different moves being made.

"I have no hard feelings toward the NBA. I'm pretty sure anybody will tell you, it's a business. The Rockets traded away their best player in team history, Hakeem Olajuwon. I'm no different."

Francis' first return to Houston will be on January 24th.

The Suns signed free agent Steven Hunter today.

?Steven Hunter?s athleticism, shot blocking and rebounding ability give us an added dimension to address the need in the middle,? said Suns President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo.

Hunter averaged 3.2 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game last season for the Magic.

'Hunter, 22, was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 23, 2004 from the Magic along with Drew Gooden and the draft rights to Anderson Varejao for Tony Battie and two future second-round picks. Cleveland later waived him on August 10.'

'Originally selected in the first round (15th overall) of the 2001 NBA Draft by Orlando, Hunter played two seasons at DePaul University, including the 1999-00 campaign with fellow Suns guard Quentin Richardson. The early entry candidate finished third in school history in blocked shots (128) and field goal percentage (.586).'

Magic owner Rich DeVos, wife Helen and the Orlando Magic did not make a big public display of it but they did contribute $1 million to the Hurricane Charley Relief Fund.  

As the sports world disappoints us, this story lifts us up.

"What a tremendous thing the Magic and the DeVos family have done for this community," says Joel Hass, the head of the American Red Cross of Central Florida.  "We're hurting right now, and Rich DeVos is doing what he can to help. The man has a huge heart."

The Magic are also arranging for 80,000 pounds of ice to be hauled in from Detroit.

"We are concerned for a community which has been good to us," DeVos said. "We want to be there in this time of need. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people whose lives have been turned upside down by the disaster."

Today the Orland Magic resigned guard DeShawn Stevenson.

He averaged 11.4 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game last season. He was acquired in a deadline trade for Gordan Giricek last season.

'Although Stevenson started 24 games for the Magic, he will back up Cuttino Mobley. Orlando acquired Mobley in a seven-player trade that sent two-time scoring champion Tracy McGrady to Houston.'

Former NBA player Dennis Scott is considering a comeback, and the Miami Heat may be interested.

Scott, a three point sharpshooter whose career peaked in the early 90s with the Orlando Magic, has expressed disdain for the current state of the game in terms of the long distance shot.

The Heat, still pursuing their goals of a cadre of sharpshooters to surround Shaquille O'Neal, have expressed interest in the 35 year old former player. And he thinks he still has what it takes.

"For me, shooting the 3 is like riding a bike,'' Scott said. "I could still help a team today because I can still make them with my eyes closed.''

Today the Magic made it official and signed swingman Stacey Augmon.

?Stacey (Augmon) was a player we expressed interest in right at the start of the free agent process,? Weisbrod said. ?He had many options and we are excited he decided to join our team. He is a mature leader and as good of a defender that was available.?

Augmon averaged 5.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, and 1.2 apg last season for the New Orleans Hornets.

'Selected in the first round (ninth overall) of the 1991 NBA Draft by Atlanta, Augmon has appeared in 910 regular season games during his NBA career with Atlanta, Detroit, Portland and the Hornets (Charlotte and New Orleans), averaging 8.5 ppg., 3.4 rpg., 1.7 apg. and 1.03 stlpg. in 22.6 minpg. He has also played in 77 career playoff games, averaging 6.0 ppg., 2.3 rpg. and 1.3 apg. in 19.1 minpg. Augmon was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1991-92.'