http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1832348&type=story Wednesday, June 30, 2004 T-Mac overwhelmed by greeting -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press HOUSTON -- Tracy McGrady was escorted to his new home court in a white stretch limo, treated to a Jumbotron video of his most impressive highlights and greeted by hundreds of cheering fans. McGrady, who spent much of the past four years playing in nearly empty arenas with the Orlando Magic, was almost overcome by the hearty welcome to Houston. "This is, by far, probably the best time that I've experienced in my career," McGrady said Wednesday. "This is unheard of. I've never seen or experienced anything like this. I'm not a guy that gets emotional but ... man, I almost got emotional up there." That says a little about the reception in Houston and a lot more about the time he spent with the Magic. McGrady, Tyronn Lue and Reece Gaines were showered with applause during a Wednesday news conference that was really more of a pep rally, a day after a blockbuster trade sent them and Juwan Howard from Orlando to the Houston Rockets. The Magic got guards Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and forward Kelvin Cato in return. McGrady, a two-time NBA scoring champion, hopes to find the kind of postseason success in Houston that eluded him in his hometown. Tired of carrying a mediocre franchise, McGrady told Magic officials that he would exercise the opt-out clause in his contract that was to go into effect at the end of next season. Still stinging from losing Shaquille O'Neal without compensation eight years ago, Orlando decided to deal McGrady. The 25-year-old becomes the fourth defending scoring champion in NBA history to be dealt away, and the first since the Buffalo Braves sent Bob McAdoo to the New York Knicks in 1976. The Rockets hope a McGrady-Yao Ming combination can replace Shaq and Kobe Bryant as the dominant twosome in the NBA.
I watched it, and they did "show" it. But by show, I actually mean show highlights of the event. I thought it was going to be like on FSSW. Kind of feel rippied off, even though I already saw it.
Wow, talk about putting a wet blanket on the story! That line didnt need to be in there. Talk about an agenda. How about perhaps it said A LOT about the reception! 2500+ fans? That's pretty good for a 5pm start on a business day with one day's notice. From what i saw, there was a lot of love in there!
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/9050541.htm?1c Posted on Wed, Jun. 30, 2004 McGrady dazzled by welcome to Houston JOEL ANDERSON Associated Press HOUSTON - Tracy McGrady was escorted to his new home court in a white stretch limo, treated to a Jumbotron video of his most impressive highlights and greeted by hundreds of cheering fans. McGrady, who spent much of the past four years playing in nearly empty arenas with the Orlando Magic, was almost overcome by the hearty welcome to Houston. "This is, by far, probably the best time that I've experienced in my career," McGrady said Wednesday. "This is unheard of. I've never seen or experienced anything like this. I'm not a guy that gets emotional but ... man, I almost got emotional up there." That says a little about the reception in Houston and a lot more about the time he spent with the Magic. McGrady, Tyronn Lue and Reece Gaines were showered with applause during a Wednesday news conference that was really more of a pep rally, a day after a blockbuster trade sent them and Juwan Howard from Orlando to the Houston Rockets. The Magic got guards Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and forward Kelvin Cato in return. McGrady, a two-time NBA scoring champion, hopes to find the kind of postseason success in Houston that eluded him in his hometown. Tired of carrying a mediocre franchise, McGrady told Magic officials that he would exercise the opt-out clause in his contract that was to go into effect at the end of next season. Still stinging from losing Shaquille O'Neal without compensation eight years ago, Orlando decided to deal McGrady. The 25-year-old becomes the fourth defending scoring champion in NBA history to be dealt away, and the first since the Buffalo Braves sent Bob McAdoo to the New York Knicks in 1976. The Rockets hope a McGrady-Yao Ming combination can replace Shaq and Kobe Bryant as the dominant twosome in the NBA.
I thought it was kinda lame how at the last minute some people from the Rockets staff tacked on a sign with a phone number on the front of the main stage table. I understand wanting to sell some tickets, but c'mon... Was I the only one who noticed?
Yeah nice blatent attempt to make some more money lol... If we already didnt know that we are all buying tickets to see T-Mac and Yao play this year =)
If he only knew that's because admission was free, and once "Corporate" (who probably wont even know your name) fills up the Club section, T-Mac will understand "The Sound of One Hand Clapping". Maybe the fans will "bring it" more this year.
So true. All the nice corporate people will get their tickets, not show up to the game or just be there for the first half and leave us true fans all the way up there chearing our hearts out wishing we could get tickets where they count.
