It seems like Tracy McGrady's season has been a start-and-stop affair, with his surgically-repaired knee providing fits of discomfort and leaving Rick Adelman uncertain of his star's health. Mac visited the vaunted Dr. James Andrews, who recommended one week off and a slow return to the court with restricted minutes. Fran Blinebury of the Houston Chronicle reports that T-Mac read the situation a little differently. "Probably about three weeks," McGrady said following Tuesday's workout on the Toyota Center practice court. "Obviously, I came back a little bit too early. My knee is still healing and it's not ready."If McGrady is cleared to go next week but sits out two more ... well, I imagine the world of skeptical Rockets fans will be perfectly understanding and will not lament McGrady's so-called curse of injury or his legendary lack of a beating heart. I predict everyone will handle everything in a completely compassionate and civil manner. No question.
McGrady's pronouncement that he would be on the shelf for most of December was a mild surprise to Rockets officials.
The early going in Houston has been so, so weird. McGrady's usage has plummeted -- he's shooting far less frequently than usual and his per-minute assist and turnover numbers have sunk. It's a good development for Houston -- the team needed Ron Artest precisely because Mac has been forced too big a load on offense -- but that doesn't make it comprehensible.
