I guess you and I see it differently which is ok. "If its been a problem in general" that's still a major problem considering you have Yao and TMAC. Sure, we had a 2nd option (TMAC) previously, it just wasn't a reliable 2nd option. This year TMAC has been hurt which has made the problem worse. I don't argue that TMAC may be our best 2nd option. What I found telling is that he is not considered a reliable 2nd option. You may not agree which is ok. We can agree to disagree.
I wouldn't describe McGrady as a reliable option -- compared to a Kobe or LeBron or Wade. But he's been far more reliable in the past then he has been much of this year. To excel in the clutch, you want multiple reliable options down the stretch. Just having one is better than none, but you'll be inconsistent that way (because, obviously, no player is 100% reliable).
Good thread. I do think we need some counter plays for when it looks like we're gonna go to Yao. For example, Yao's fighting for position on the strong side, and we have a pick on the weak side with a cut to the middle of the lane for a short jump shot or drive.
Quote: "I wouldn't describe McGrady as a reliable option--..." Exactly. So I have to ask, why pay a guy $20 million if you wouldn't describe him as a reliable option? What do you get for your $20 million? Couldn't I get by with a MLE guy for a non reliable 2nd option? What about paying a guy $10 million to be that non reliable 2nd option? But when I pay $20 million for a supposed super star, I want a reliable first or at least 2nd option!
If the Rockets could do it all over again, they'd be crazy to give him the same contract. I don't think anyone would disagree.
