McGrady planning Nov. 18 return

[Double-Up]

After eight months of rehabilitation on his surgically repaired left knee, Tracy McGrady (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3179/;_ylt=AjGfKmcT8Yx0me_20AMasogQmNIF) has told Yahoo! Sports he plans to return to the Houston Rockets (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/hou/;_ylt=ArcQLi3On3aNtnRIHfzhuAYQmNIF)’ lineup on Nov. 18.

After several league sources informed Yahoo! Sports of McGrady’s timetable, the seven-time All-Star forward confirmed he planned to make his season debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/min/;_ylt=Aon0P3IAXg47uf8kkmFWPIwQmNIF) in Minneapolis next week.

“Excited to get back and compete at a high level again,” McGrady said in an email to Yahoo! Sports. “For a full year I had to play on one leg against the best and I couldn’t compete with anybody the way I was feeling.
“It’s gonna be a relief to get out there and play knowing what I went [through] last season and this summer.”

While McGrady is awaiting final clearance from team doctors, Rockets sources don’t expect there to be any problems. One source close to McGrady says he’s “still feeling a little pain” in his knee, but the front office and coaching staffs are encouraged by his progress. Houston general manager Daryl Morey declined comment, but suggested the organization would have something formal to say soon.

An intensive summer-long rehab process with renowned trainer Tim Grover in Chicago has been the catalyst, McGrady insists, for restoring his battered body and knee. McGrady had microfracture surgery in February which ended his 2008-09 season after 35 games. In his 12-year career, McGrady has won two scoring titles and been named NBA first-team twice.

With McGrady and franchise center Yao Ming (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3599/;_ylt=AqzdePB7tpaaM5llp2yru7wQmNIF)(notes) (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3599/news;_ylt=AmSqvKcTE5jl81DMXPhYEnQQmNIF) sidelined with injuries, the Rockets have been the biggest surprise of the young season, winning four of six games. They also lost an overtime game to the defending champion Lakers.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-mcgradyreturn110909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns&expire=1

Don't fuck it up T-Mac, come out hard for a month or so, so you can up your trade value and we can get some decent pieces for you.

[21_Blessings]

Congrats on your 1st round exit.

[Findog]

So much for the Rockets being a feel-good, team-first story this year.

[Double-Up]

Congrats on your 1st round exit.

After Artest's annual team honeymoon is over, you won't have too much to say yourself. :lol

[Kai]

What happened to the MRI scheduled on the 23rd? They're just skipping an MRI all together? I'll believe it when I hear Morey talk about it.

[iilluzioN]

TMAC will return better then ever!

[Double-Up]

So much for the Rockets being a feel-good, team-first story this year.

He won't be here too long anyways, and knowing him his mouth speaks quicker than his mind reacts. Time will tell pimp.

[Laker-fan-in-SanAnto]

Return for What???

[Findog]

He won't be here too long anyways, and knowing him his mouth speaks quicker than his mind reacts. Time will tell pimp.

I hope so for your team's sake. I was actually intrigued by them this year.

[angelbelow]

nice i just picked him up on my fantasy team.

[badfish22]

Congrats on your 1st round exit.

sigh......

I lol'd

[The Franchise]

I hope so for your team's sake. I was actually intrigued by them this year.

T-mac can't and won't cause chemistry problems with this team. For the first time in his Rockets tenure he is expendable, the team can win without him, and I am absolutely sure he is aware of it. Add the fact that it's a contract year, and the worst thing he could do for his career is come in and try to take over and disrupt what's working. I hope for his sake that he is smart enough to find his place on this team, and understand that he doesn't have to be T-Mac every game now. I think it's going to be a win win for everyone. Tracy get's to conserve a lot of energy on the offensive end, and the Rockets get a finisher/creator for the times the offense bogs down.

[Culburn369]

T-mac can't and won't cause chemistry problems with this team.

So, unlike last year when you were better without him, you'll be better with him this year?

[Culburn369]

Like you were for sure Laker Ron would cause chemistry problems for the Lakeshow?

They revised that, Luva, they now said it wouldn't be this year, but probably in year 2 or 3.

[The Franchise]

Like you were for sure Laker Ron would cause chemistry problems for the Lakeshow?

He has been, you Laker fans said it yourself. When you're winning it's easy to overlook. Give it till January.

[TheMACHINE]

After Artest's annual team honeymoon is over, you won't have too much to say yourself. :lol

Artest brought ur boys past the first round...what has tmac done for you. :downspin:

[Double-Up]

Artest brought ur boys past the first round...what has tmac done for you. :downspin:


Yao brought us out of the first round, sure Artest helped but he shot .39% from the field and .27% from three throughout the playoffs. Be real...and we also had Battier who played the best D out of the two on both Roy and Bryant. To be honest I'm glad Artest is gone and I hope T-Mac follows him out the door...

[JamStone]

Tayshaun Prince, Jason Maxiell, and Dajuan Summers for T-Mac and a conditional 1st round pick

Let's do it.

[djohn2oo8]

Damn, to think Kevin Martin would have been a Rocket had he not gotten hurt

[Indazone]

We can get two 10 million dollar high calibur players for T-Mac but guys like T-Mac don't grow on trees. If he comes back at a high level, I would not be suprised if Morey resigns him.

[Greg Oden]

lmao rockets

[djohn2oo8]

Its probably gonna be a trade for Kevin Martin and another contract

[djohn2oo8]

lmao rockets

lmfao Oden over Durant :lmao

[Kai]

What makes you figure you'll get full value for Tmac. You looking at 60% value tops.

I'm pretty sure that he meant when T-Mac comes off the books, we'll have $20 million to spend, which is NOT true. with the cap shrinking next year, and us having to re-sign Scola to a most likely much higher contract, re-signing Lowry, picking up the option on Hayes, and Yao opting to stick with the final year of his contract, we wont have nearly as much as people think.

If we want to make a splash in free agency, we'll have to trade Battier and maybe even Landry for expiring contracts. Realistically, our best bet is to trade T-Mac's 23 million dollar contract during the season, since we wont have much to spend if we just simply let him expire.

[Greg Oden]

It's not that funny when you consider the Blazers and Thunder are better than the Rockettes.

[Kai]

Its probably gonna be a trade for Kevin Martin and another contract

That rumor is full of shit and you know it. It'd be awesome if I was wrong though :lol

[Kyle Orton]

That's just what the Rockets need, another injury prone player :tu

[Kai]

That's just what the Rockets need, another injury prone player :tu

Nice interception buddy :lol

[Kyle Orton]

Fuck yourself. It was my first real pick all year.

[Indazone]

Kmart just had surgery on his wrist

[djohn2oo8]

^ which he'll be back by the deadline

[Kai]

Just in case anyone (at all) cares, T-Mac's blog:

http://t-mac.com/tmac/blogDetail/2139

Tracy's Blog: Feeling good, hoping to play soon

Hey all,

I wanted to get you an update on what’s happening over here, because I know it has been a while. First off though, I want to give a shout out to all my teammates and comment on how great they are playing. We have amazing chemistry out there on the court so far and all the guys are playing with a lot of heart and toughness. Everyone is working hard. Brooks, Ariza, Landry, Scola, Lowry,..they are putting up solid numbers. Shane is playing well too. We have some great new guys that are working hard too, figuring out where they fit in with the squad. We all have the same goal, to bring a championship to Houston. The team is off to a great start, and I’m proud of all of them. The first few games of every year are learning experience and it’s very encouraging to see where we are at through 6 games this year.

As for me, I have been practicing, training, and rehabbing hard for my return to the court. I’m in a good place mentally and my body feels ready to get back out there, so now I am just waiting on my doctors to give me the clearance to go ahead to play. I’m going full speed at practice and am not being held out of drills anymore. I’m hoping to get out there as soon as possible, and with everything that my doctors have been telling me, it sounds like that will be sooner rather than later. All your comments and support and encouragement have really helped me fight through this to get to this point where I’m ready to get back out there and play ball, and for that I thank you.

Being in the league for as long as I have, you notice there are some years you have great teams with that potential to go all the way. It’s something you just feel, and working day in and day out together with this group leads me to believe this team can do it. We have tremendous talent out there but more importantly, this team has a lot of heart. I can’t wait to get out there and contribute. This has all the makings of being a great season in Houston, even without having Yao in there.

We are headed to Dallas right now for tomorrow’s game. It’s always a good game when we go up against the Mavs.

Thanks for all your support and I will check back in soon.

Mac

[Danny.Zhu]

If he comes back at a high level, I would not be suprised if Morey resigns him.

That would be horrible.

[The Franchise]

lmao rockets

Don't make me have to call Chuck Hayes for you. :lol

[robbie380]

i think this 18th report from yahoo is bs. morey has said they are going to do the mri first...which actually makes sense. who cares if it's the 18th of nov or 18th of dec. i really don't. in fact, i would actually prefer to watch this team play for awhile before tmac gets back and they start deferring to him like they shouldn't.

i like tmac's talent but he needs to take a backseat to the team....especially this time around.

[Indazone]

and the doublespeak and BS from T-Mac begins


McGrady, Rockets send mixed signals on return



By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle

Nov. 9, 2009, 11:18PM


http://us.bc.yahoo.com/b?P=1b61f2d6-ce01-11de-9b5a-ef6544f611b7&T=19e0takom%2fX%3d1257861501%2fE%3d2022775998%2fR% 3dncsprtbkpr%2fK%3d5%2fV%3d8.1%2fW%3d0%2fY%3dPARTN ER_US%2fF%3d3381187337%2fH%3dYWx0c3BpZD0iOTY3MjgzM zE4IiBzZXJ2ZUlkPSIxYjYxZjJkNi1jZTAxLTExZGUtOWI1YS1 lZjY1NDRmNjExYjciIHNpdGVJZD0iNzYxMDUxIiB0U3RtcD0iM TI1Nzg2MTUwMTczODIwNCIgdGFyZ2V0PSJfdG9wIiA-%2fQ%3d-1%2fS%3d1%2fJ%3d28ABB444&U=128qgvsgc%2fN%3dk5rvB0S0qQ0-%2fC%3d-1%2fD%3dBTN2%2fB%3d-1%2fV%3d5 Tracy McGrady said Monday that he would make his season debut Nov. 18.


But the Rockets said neither they nor McGrady knows when he would go through a full practice, much less a game.

McGrady’s announcement was contrary to comments by Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who had said earlier Monday that there is no timetable for McGrady to play and that he would not play until he can be checked out in the Rockets’ next full practice, Nov. 23.

In an e-mail to Yahoo Sports, McGrady said he would play Nov. 18 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis.

In his blog later, he disputed Morey’s contention that his participation in practice has been "off and on" but did not target a date for his return.
"I have been practicing, training, and rehabbing hard for my return to the court," McGrady wrote. "I’m in a good place mentally and my body feels ready to get back out there, so now I am just waiting on my doctors to give me the clearance to go ahead to play. I’m going full speed at practice and am not being held out of drills anymore. I’m hoping to get out there as soon as possible, and with everything that my doctors have been telling me, it sounds like that will be sooner rather than later."

But Morey had said earlier Monday that McGrady, 30, has been able only to practice sporadically and would not play until doctors and team officials consider him to be 100 percent.

The Rockets announced Sept. 28 that McGrady would not play prior to an MRI on Nov. 23 and have repeatedly said since that nothing has changed with the timetable, a position Morey reiterated in a statement following McGrady’s blog entry and e-mail to Yahoo.

"While we are encouraged by the fact that Tracy’s rehabilitation has been ahead of schedule we must remain vigilant through the next stages of his recovery," Morey said. "No timetable has been set for his return.
"He will return when team doctors, officials and Tracy all agree it is best."
As with McGrady’s decision to have season-ending microfracture surgery this past season, a week after he said he was "not even considering surgery," his latest announcement surprised the Rockets.

Morey had said the timetable of the MRI could be changed and that McGrady, a 6-8 guard/forward, could return earlier or later than expected.
But Morey said the Rockets had not set the Nov. 18 game, or any other date, as a target for McGrady’s return to the team.

"Obviously, we’ll want the doctor to see him in a full practice, that situation," Morey said. "We’re sort of taking it day-by-day, how the team is looking, how he’s doing and what the doctor is saying.

"I don’t think there is a specific day. We did announce that day because it was our best guess at the time. It could be earlier and it could be later.
"It’s just when the doctors and everyone agrees he is 100 percent. He has been practicing off and on with the team.

"Once the doctors say he is OK and is 100 percent and we feel he is 100 percent, he could return."

Typical T-Mac. Still doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6711927.html

[NickiRasgo]

Then after one game, he will sit again for the rest of the season.

[djohn2oo8]

He keeps this up, and he might be traded before he comes back

[Culburn369]

Such turmoil for a team that no longer has Artest.

Oh well, saylarvee.

[djohn2oo8]

Such turmoil for a team that no longer has Artest.

Oh well, saylarvee.

lol, turmoil led Ariza to average 20.8 PPG over first 6 games, turmoil led Hayes to be an elite post defender, if that's the case, then I love turmoil

[Culburn369]

Uh, 5-21 on the big stage.

tee, hee.

I hope TMAC continues to shit where he eats.

[Double-Up]

Uh, 5-21 on the big stage.

tee, hee.

I hope TMAC continues to shit where he eats.

Culburn is nothing more than a dirty old man, I bet you're a school zone crossing guard. Fucking pervert...:rollin

[djohn2oo8]

Culburn is nothing more than a dirty old man, I bet you're a school zone crossing guard. Fucking pervert...:rollin

No, he works at Toys-R-Us, while bringing home toys for the schoolchildren

[Double-Up]

Artest said no ones getting over 16 on him this year. So far, he's a man of his word.

When isn't he to start the year on any team? He was a "Yao Ming soldier" the first few months here and did play pretty good defense. Too bad their called honeymoon's for a reason. You'll get the picture soon enough and boy I can't wait to see that day.

[Culburn369]

Culburn is nothing more than a dirty old man, I bet you're a school zone crossing guard. Fucking pervert...:rollin

Perhaps, but, Ariza crapped the bed at 5-21 and we took another piece of your ass in the state of Texas.

ha, ha.

[rjv]

he also has targeted 12/02 as his first time on the IR for the season.

[Culburn369]

No, he works at Toys-R-Us, while bringing home toys for the schoolchildren

Or, vice versa: bringing home schoolchildren for toys.

tee, hee.

[robbie380]

Perhaps, but, Ariza crapped the bed at 5-21 and we took another piece of your ass in the state of Texas.

ha, ha.

why is there a comma in between ha ha?

[Culburn369]

why is there a comma in between ha ha?

It's distinctive that way.

[Double-Up]

Perhaps, but, Ariza crapped the bed at 5-21 and we took another piece of your ass in the state of Texas.

ha, ha.


It's just a game, I have a life outside of this forum and it ain't got nothing to do with fucking little autistic kids..."tee hee"

[robbie380]

It's distinctive that way.

so is this...you have distinguished yourself culburn

http://www.ihatebryanboy.com/bryanboy/images/042706_faggotry.jpg

[Culburn369]

It's just a game, I have a life outside of this forum and it ain't got nothing to do with fucking little autistic kids..."tee hee"

Horseshit. Yer just saying that to insulate your pussy ass in case the Mavs whip that ass tonite. It's a cop out, ya weak f'k, you.

[Culburn369]

so is this...you have distinguished yourself culburn

http://www.ihatebryanboy.com/bryanboy/images/042706_faggotry.jpg

Over a >,< twixt ha & ha?:rolleyes

[robbie380]

Horseshit. Yer just saying that to insulate your pussy ass in case the Mavs whip that ass tonite. It's a cop out, ya weak f'k, you.

tee / hee

[robbie380]

Over a >,< twixt ha & ha?:rolleyes

ha | ha

[djohn2oo8]

He can't be that dumb, can he?Or, can he?
It was a pretty eventful news day in the sports world yesterday, so you may have missed the fact that our favorite oft-injured $22M/yr Rocket sent an email to a reporter at Yahoo Sports that he'd be back in the line-up by November 18th.

Small problem with that; the Rockets have been targeting an evaluation of McGrady on November 23rd, to determine his timetable for a return.
Wait? What?The player and the team have differing accounts of when he'll be back. Now that's interesting. Also, not the first time this has happened with T-Mac. Which in my mind, begs several questions?

A) Didn't the Rockets tell him the last time he spoke out of turn, not to do that again? There's got to some some policy on that, you'd think.

B) Even if they didn't, doesn't he understand that by doing that (again) he undermines the team that employs him? Or the better question is, does he full well understand that because...

C) ln his mind, he's done playing here and wants to be traded.
You would think, the player and team might be on the same page with a little matter such as your 7-time all-star returning from a major injury.
You know... maybe they'd talk, or send an email, or text message to acknowledge one-another's position on the matter. But, oh, they didn't. Really? You don't say? What, the cell battery died? The email got caught up in the spam filter?

Yeah, right. There's a larger story in the works here, which we'll likely see unfold in the coming weeks.The Rockets don't want him back.Tracy doesn't want to be back with the Rockets.Small problem is, they need each other. Badly.

T-Mac has to get some PT in order to show he's valuable to another team. The Rockets need him to play in order to substantiate his worth in trade to another team.

To make matters worse, when he does come back, you know he's going to mess up the team chemistry we've got going and thus, diminish his trade value for showing he can't play in an up tempo system.

So here we are. A player and team that probably can't stand each other, but desperately need one another.

Can we please resolve this dilemma quickly and move on from McGrady once and for all?What's your take on this?

http://blogs.chron.com/onfurtherreview/2009/11/tracy_mcgrady_is_either_cluele.html