Exactly a year ago today, the Rockets were 20-18, treading water while waiting for Tracy McGrady to get healthy. Today, they're 24-16, and once again waiting for McGrady, who recently decided to take two weeks off so he could do his "off-season conditioning routine," which was interrupted this summer due to surgeries.
In other words, it's a familiar situation ... but unfortunately, familiarity breeds contempt. As David Aldridge points out in an article for NBA.com, Yao Ming has grown so weary of McGrady's constantly uncertain status that the two no longer even speak to each other.
The Rockets are putting a positive spin on this, but Waiting for Tracy is a play that nobody in Houston wants to see anymore -- up to and including the big man, Yao Ming.You know something is wrong if Yao Ming, who's averaged more than 28 missed games the last three seasons, thinks you're hurt too much.
"They don't speak," an extremely plugged-in person tells me. "And Yao wants him out."
That's not likely this season, as McGrady's $20.3 million is toxic to too many teams' luxury tax plans. Next summer, though, when McGrady will have an expiring, $22.4 million contract, teams may well circle the Rockets looking to make a deal.
A couple of thoughts: first, the Rockets situation looked just as dire last season (well, maybe not just as dire -- it doesn't help that Shane Battier and Ron Artest are hobbled, as well) when they inexplicably ripped off their 22-game win streak, winning a bunch of those games without Yao. So you never know what might happen, both with McGrady sidelined or after he comes back. '
Second, I'm not so sure that trading McGrady this season would be as difficult as Aldridge suggests. His contract expires in time for the summer of
(via The Dream Shake)
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Off season conditioning in-season...uh, ok?
A bunch of people in China probably want their T-Mac all-star votes back
You head it here first. How about this trade - The Knicks trade David Lee , Stephon Marbury, and a pick or 2 to Houston for Tracy. I know your thinking Houston wouldnt dare do that, just think about it for aminute. David Lee is a very hot commodity around the league (teams have been offering trades for him continuously bit nothing to equal what he is worth) and Marbury could still be an above average NBA player. I also think Marbury would reach his highest potential with a player of Yao's size (i just think with Steph's driving game Yao would have a field day with alleys and weakside put backs). And then a pick or 2 to make Houston bite if they wont just for the 2 players. Then lookin at it....
... from New York's side - not only do you finally get the all the Marbury madness over with but you get a top flight player (when healthy) in the process (a GM of the year type move if pulled off). And even if his injuries keep him off the court more then on it, his contact is up net summer just in time fo ... you guessed it the Lebron Auction.
-So the Knicks give up paying 20 million to a player who sits there to instead pay 20 million to a top 25 player who is injuried often but would play more then Marbury is thats for sure (and like i said his contact is short).
-And the Rockets satisfy Yao by getting rid of Tracy. And instead of waiting till his contract is up and losing him for nothing at least they get a still above average PG whose 20 mill comes off the books this offseason, a real good young PF (good for the franchise o as a trade chip for another big trade) , and a pick or 2.
Seems like a good trade for both sides to me .... AND AN ANSWER TO THIS RIDICULOUS LINGERING MARBURY STUPIDITY!!!!
remember, the rockets dont have an idiot of a gm that ny had in isaiah... no way do they trade mcgrady for steph, lee or any new york player... because whole heartedly, the rockets bench is at par or even better than the new york knicks starting roster. that would just bring undue drama to the rockets which i know they dont want. I say that the rockets should wait this out and then if (and when) the rockets become a playoff anomaly, they can trade in the offseason for at least an all star caliber player. because we all know what T-Mac is capable of post injury-22-6-6 last year with knee & shoulder... so why trade for basically david lee (rox will not keep steph and i figure they will recieve a glut of guards, forwards, things that houston has and is deep at at that). I would say that the best trade to make in the offseason is t-mac for rashard lewis trade a guy that obv doesnt deserve his 20+ mil contract in rashard for mac. orlando gets security because when mac's contract expires, they can re sign turkoglu and sign a star in 2010. Houston gets a consistent sf/pf that can shoot the ball and compliments yao very well. unlikely because orlando still has sour thoughts of how mac left but still, the magic can try to contend in the east and if mac gets healthy they can do so. houston can continue to develop, sign ron and have a formidable 3 good players. but again, its possible and is more beneficial to both teams than a player stuffer trade from new york.
McGrady is a disaster. He plays to the crowd instead of for the team. Every year he is hurt for some of the season. Kobe, LeBron, K.G., Paul Pierce, A.I., and a host of other superstars play the entire season missing only a game or two. This prima donna is out (extensively) every year. He will always miss games during the Christmas season. Got to buy presents and take the wife shopping you know. He is the biggest obstacle to the Rockets success. Bad shots, poor effort, bad attitude. Von Wafer is what McGrady should be. He takes the shots that are there and he does not force the action. Artest is much better for the Rockets as a player. He competes hard and plays both ends. McGrady is the worst (so called)superstar in the league. He should be traded immediately. He is done in this league. Ans while we are at it we should trade Chuck, Luther, Barry and Deke.