On Tuesday, Francis returned to Rockets practice for the first time in nearly eight months.

"I'm doing good," said Francis after Tuesday's training camp practice. "I was able to go through some of the drills today. This was the first practice I've had since last February, so it was great."

Still, Francis said he wasn't ready to play in any scrimmage and his doctor told him it would probably be "3 to 4 weeks" before he could go full contact.

"I don't want to take any chances yet until I'm cleared by my doctor," said Francis. "But of course mentally it helps just to be out here."

Francis said he "wouldn't be out here" if he didn't still have the desire and drive to play but he wasn't going to rush back.

"My main concern is being healthy so I can go out and play," said Francis. "If that's not the case, then there's no time. Anyone who has been injured will tell you -- if you try to come back too soon, that's when other things start to snowball and other things start to happen."

The word has been for months that really no one expects Francis to come back and play. He hasn't been in to the Toyota Center often. You don't see executives or coaches talk about the return of Francis either.

However, it's apparent that he has gotten in better shape, losing some weight, and he did get Ron Artest's endorsement yesterday, so we'll have to hope for the best. He certainly would be a nice addition to the bench scoring if he does surprise and come back.