T-Mac speaks out about where he wants to be next season, via Fanhouse…
“Money is not an issue for me…If it boiled down to it, I got a great, great adidas contract. So money is not an issue. I just want to win. That’s my main focus…At this stage of my career, it’s all about winning. I don’t care about a max contract or nothing like that. I want to play basketball, and I want to win. … There’s no question (about wanting to return to Houston). I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket, but definitely this is where I’d love to be.”
— Tracy McGrady
McGrady is in the final year of his contract and is making $23 million per season, so he’s right to not expect a max contract — the market simply won’t bear it. Whether or not the Rockets want to bring him back will depend on how well he can fit into the team concept that Daryl Morey and Rick Adelman have created in Houston.
McGrady played a few minutes the other night, but seems a long way away from competing at the level that he was at prior to his injury. The Rockets would be wise to ease him back into some minutes and see what his trade value is. If they can pry a first round pick or a good young prospect away from another team and not take on any additional long term salary in the process, they should pull the trigger.
After losing to the Grizzlies the night before, I fully expected the Cavs to come out sharp and focused in Houston. But the Rockets jumped out to a 33-19 lead at the end of the first quarter and went on to win, 95-85. A big reason for the win was the fine play of Aaron Brooks, who thoroughly outplayed Mo Williams at the point. Brooks posted 27 points, six assists and three rebounds. He wasn’t great from the field (7-17) but he nailed 12 of 13 free throws on the night.
Did the Spurs do enough this summer to make another title run? On paper, it sure looks like they did. They added Richard Jefferson to shore up the small forward position, which has declined as Michael Finley and Bruce Bowen have aged. He’s a good defender, especially when he’s not asked to score 20 points a game, and the Spurs won’t put him in that position. The Spurs also signed Antonio McDyess, who is 35 years old, but was quite productive last season as he proved that he still has some gas left in the tank. San Antonio also had the luxury of a top 10 talent (DeJuan Blair) falling into its lap in the second round of the draft due to concerns about his knees, which served him quite well at Pitt. And, of course, the Spurs return their three principals. Tony Parker has developed into one of the best point guards in the game, Manu Ginobili is a clutch closer, and Tim Duncan is still Tim Duncan. Since his game isn’t dependent on athleticism, it continues to age well. The key for the Spurs is staying healthy. If Parker, Ginobili, Duncan and Jefferson are all healthy heading into the playoffs, San Antonio will be a very tough out, even for the Lakers.
