T-Mac: Optimism in a Time of Despair

Omer · Dec 16, 2006

Ok, since everyone seems to be so down on what McGrady has become recently, let's look back at the talent he has and how lucky we are to have him.

I still believe he will come back soon enough and gradually improve until come playoff time we will see something like what T-Mac did in 2005.

I was searching on NBA.com and I came across this article. I was amazed at how good people thought he was when in Orlando.

Obviously he is unbelievably talented, there has to be something left within him. Just give it some time before you jump on the trade T-Mac bandwagon.

What They're Saying about T-Mac

“T-Mac is one of my favorite players because he’s very unselfish, is a very humble kid and plays hard all the time.” - Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers

"I remember when I used to be like that. It's truly a great thing to see…That, to me, just shows how much they (McGrady, Iverson) care about the game.." - Michael Jordan, Washington Wizards, first on Tracy’s 2002 All-Star Game dunk and then on McGrady and Allen Iverson offering their starting position to him in the 2003 All-Star Game.

“Tracy is an unbelievable basketball player…He always comes to play…He can do it all.” - Jason Kidd, N.J. Nets

“He’s one of the best overall players in the league and he does it every single night. He’s up against a lot because of all the injuries they’ve had to deal with.” - Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana Pacers

“He’s outstanding…just tremendous. He’s just an awesome talent and he does it so effortlessly.” - Jamal Mashburn, New Orleans Hornets

“He’s an amazing player to watch. He’s carrying Orlando and he’s fun to watch.” - Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

“He’s an incredible talent and he’s having a heck of a year.” - Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

“People talk about Kobe, Iverson and the other guys, but to me, Tracy is the best player in the league behind Shaq. More than anyone else, he does it all.” - Sam Cassell, Milwaukee Bucks

“Tracy is the best player in the NBA right now. He gets his shots, but he’s efficient with his shot. He does a lot for his team. He’s not selfish and that’s valuable to his team.” - Ray Allen, Seattle Sonics

“He’s a level above.” - Pat Riley, Miami Heat

“In the old era, you would think the guy was from another planet because of his quickness, the ball handling, the slashing and the jumping ability, and then the size. We stopped him a couple of times, but he’s so long he got the rebound and put the ball in. The guy is special.” - Rudy Tomjanovich, Houston Rockets

“You space him as much as possible, contest his shot, hope that he’s not penetrating to the hoop, and hope he’s missing. That’s all you can really do.” - Paul Silas, New Orleans Hornets

“His talent is unbelievable. The guys is what, (23)? Come on. The next nine years are going to be scary how good he can be…His body language is fool’s gold for the opponent. You look at him and think, ‘Man, he’s not into the game.’ Then you look at the stat sheet – your team lost and he had 38 and 10. If you think he isn’t ready to play, you’re really getting the wrong image, because he’s an outstanding competitor. But on his face, it looks like he’s just on a walk in the park. It’s amazing what he does. He scores every night. He assists every night. He rebounds every night and he guards the opponent’s best player every night. Outside of washing dishes, I don’t know what else he can do.” - Doc Rivers, Orlando Magic

“He one of those guys who…every time he gets on the court he always kind of does something to amaze you. I think quite naturally people look at all the dunks, but sometimes it can be a pass, sometimes it can be a read on defense – as talented as he is, he still knows the game and knows the little things. I said it last year, that I thought he was better than anybody in the league, and he’s raised his game to a whole other level. He’s awesome, he’s the real deal.” - Grant Hill, Orlando Magic

“We’re biased here, but we think he’s the best player in the game. And I talk to other guys at the free throw line during games and they’re amazed by him and are saying the same things. All the time they ask me, ‘Does he play like this every night?’ I tell them, ‘You have no idea. He’s taken it to another level.” - Monty Williams, Former Orlando Magic teammate

“He’s the most dangerous guy in the gym…what a show.” - Hubie Brown, Memphis Grizzlies

“He can take over a game whenever he needs to.” - David DuPree, USA Today

“A class act…the most important part was the very genuine personality of Tracy and his relationship with my son during this important stage of recovery. He treated Iran like a little brother and still keeps in contact.” - Lisa Brown, mother of Iran Brown, the youngest victim in the Washington region sniper shootings

“They’re both (Tracy & Kobe) as close to perfect as anybody playing today, maybe as close to perfect as anybody who’s ever played the game.” - ESPN, ABC Analyst Bill Walton
Click to expand...

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/saying_about_tmac_030401.html

Stunning. Best player in the league just a few years ago. He will be back.

lastopsuburb · Dec 16, 2006

I still believe there is some ORL-MAC in this Mcgrady.

But if he keeps getting injured, he will be forgotten soon.

drich · Dec 16, 2006

as I keep saying tmac will be fine we will make the playoffs and then vintage tmac shall be back promise you all that

Storm Surge · Dec 16, 2006

drich said:

as I keep saying tmac will be fine we will make the playoffs and then vintage tmac shall be back promise you all that
Click to expand...

t-mac can be vintage mac all he wants but without him we are not a playoff team.

drich · Dec 16, 2006

Storm Surge said:

t-mac can be vintage mac all he wants but without him we are not a playoff team.
Click to expand...

he will get us there and then take off

rocketsmetalspd · Dec 16, 2006

T-Mac will not be the T-Mac of old. He knows his body will not let him be what he used to be. I wish it weren't the case but the injury will never heal and I wish the Rockets would bring someone that can help out Yao.

Rocket River · Dec 16, 2006

Storm Surge said:

t-mac can be vintage mac all he wants but without him we are not a playoff team.
Click to expand...

I call BS

We are not a CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM . . maybe
but
we are DEFINATELY a Playoff teams
As Long as we got Yao

Rocket River

eaglewu · Dec 16, 2006

What "go now" means? Does that mean a championship? or a playoff.

How many of you think we can win a champ in the next 4 years?

I do not believe that if we keep the current roster especially an unpredictable injured TMac. Do What should we do?

1. Do nothing and keep the current roster
2. Trade supporting players such as Wells+Sura
3. Trade TMac for another star
4. Trade TMac for old veteran with expiring contract and hunt for a free agent next year.
5. Turn off "Go no" mode and rebuild around Yao

solid · Dec 16, 2006

I would say that TMac is not the only one in a world of hurt. If TMac comes back and takes the team deep into the playoffs, then I will believe that this a minor and temporary setback, nothing to concerned about. Otherwise, if these spasms occur again and again and he is out for several games at a time, the Rockets will need to have some very fresh ideas.

MLittle577 · Dec 16, 2006

Nice to see those comments about the "old" T-Mac. What about the "OLD" T-Mac though?

RocketsMac · Dec 16, 2006

omg, finally a thread praising Tmac. I am sick of all of these r****ded "Tmac for AI" or the "Tmac for PJ Brown and Duhon" and the list keeps going on and on. I wonder where all of these guys who jumped on the trade bandwagon were in 04-05 when Tmac was carrying us in the playoffs. they were probably like "Tmac is my cousine" or "Tmac is the best player on earth, he is my favorite player".

I am really tired of all that BS. Tmac will be back soon and he will be healthy. and all of these doubters and naysayers are gonna have to eat their words and put these quotes that Omer posted in their sig.

btw, that was a great read Omer. thanks

Omer · Dec 16, 2006

No problem RocketsMac, we need something other than trade T-Mac and T-Mac Sucks threads on this forum.

Plus, we DO have one of the best talents ever on our team right now. It's just a matter of time before he comes around, I think he will be ready come playoff time.

xtint1n · Dec 16, 2006

Omer said:

No problem RocketsMac, we need something other than trade T-Mac and T-Mac Sucks threads on this forum.

Plus, we DO have one of the best talents ever on our team right now. It's just a matter of time before he comes around, I think he will be ready come playoff time.
Click to expand...

yea thanks omer. great read. i never doubted tmac and a few of us like u guys don't either. tmac will come back and show everyone that he is still one of the best.

stangend77 · Dec 17, 2006

t-mac is my favorite player, but we have to be realistic.......his back looks like it might never get back to full strength. i think all the trade t-mac threads are stupid, but i hope we will not be held hostage by t-macs back until his contract expires. heres to t-mac getting back to form and NO MORE INJURIES!

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T-Mac: Optimism in a Time of Despair

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