The mav game was perfect example of a time that we could have used the old T-Mac with a drive to the basket or a clutch jumper.
You may be able to scratch 2nd rd off your list this year. The other two not so sure. A HEALTHY T-Mac would greatly increase those chances though. It's going to be exciting watching Ron in the 4th qtr dribble for 15 seconds to take an off balance shot against all 5 Portland players. Who doesn't....... Agree. He was a major drama queen this year. You can say that about every NBA team almost every year. So if players aren't at there prime but can help us win, you don't want them?
No the last regular season game of 2009, which had a roster far more superior than that of the 7th game you speak of. And you can deny his defense all you want but he played excellent D on Dirk that series. Though his defense throughout the regular season is for the most part atrocious.
Yup, and the Jazz. It seems like he was not used to playing hard all game and when he finally decided to "turn it on", he was just too tired. That is why you have to go hard each and every time you step on the floor...
I really miss watching him play. I think our team misses the double team that he commands! We could really use that about now.
Very true. I'm am by far a T-Mac only fan but I'm not blind to know he could definitely help this team when healthy. Hell I was all for trading him this year if it could get us a very good wing scorer than can create for himself. We are in desparate need of that and it's really going to show in the playoffs unless somebody really steps up.
Yes sir. That is exactly how I feel. With Ron as our main perimeter "go to guy", we are in trouble. Ron is paid to play defense and be a complimentary scorer, and maybe even a "go to guy" in certain situations. I still believe that a Tracy for Baron+Camby is in the works for the offseason. Would you consider Baron? How about Vince Carter? (Now you are Kyle Lowry)
Ty for the rep! That would be an excellent trade for Houston. I love Baron's game. He was outstanding in the playoffs a couple years ago. When motivated he is one of the best in the league. Excellent slasher, gets to the line, can post, will give us about 7 assists per, and shot 51% in the playoffs a couple years back. He does have questionable defense but he more than makes up for it on the offensive end. Excellent complement to Yao imo. I still see flashes of the dunk on AK-47 =). Carter would be a good second option if Baron isn't obtainable. He still has enough athletic ability to create for himself. He does have very questionable shot selection though. Doesn't have the court vision that Baron has either. He is 32, I would look a bit more for somebody similar and younger before going with Carter.
Obviously I miss him! Playoffs...crunch time at almost every possession. Playoffs...where unexperienced players don't make a difference Playoffs...where vague but beautiful passes are needed Tracy serves these needs. However, hate-fest continues. Therefore, **** T-mac.
The thing about getting Baron is that we would have him for like 5 more years, and we would have to take either Zach Randolph, Chris Kaman, and/or hopefully Marcus Camby, who I hear the Clips do not want to give up...To me, the lengths of those contracts are no big deal. Yao is not getting any younger and I think making a trade like that would show Yao that we are in it for the long haul, as far as building around him. I do not want to see Yao in anything but a Rockets jersey. As for Vince Carter, I agree with what you said. If it is a latter option, but one that I think is neccesary if we are not able to get anything better for Tracy. I think time is running out, and we can't wait for 2010. How many good years does Yao have left? We need to get that 23 million working for us as soon as possible. The Warriors want to get out of Corey Maggetes massive contract. Would you do a Stephen Jackson/Corey Maggete for Tracy Mcgrady deal? Maybe they throw in Turiaf. Jamal Crawford/Corey Maggete? As far as I can tell, For Tracy, we will need to find teams that have long contracts that they want to get rid of before 2010(Assuming we do not want to wait for 2010 because of Yao getting older.... That leaves a few options... These seem like the most likely scenarios, and I think every one of these teams would pull the trigger for Tmac's expiring. Baron Davis+(Randolph, Kaman, Camby) Vince Carter Corey Maggete+(Jackson, Crawford, Ellis) Michael Redd+(Alexander, Gadzurich, Ridnour) Richard Jefferson+(same scenario) Gerald Wallace+Boris Diaw All these teams want to rid themselves of these contracts.....What do you think? One interesting idea, DM did contact the Suns several times about Nash. I think it is unlikely, but still... Nash+(Barbosa?, Jason Richardson?)
Man this is a tough one. Maybe I'm a little spoiled in what T-Mac used to bring the team but almost none of these players make their teammates better like T-Mac does. Exceptions being, imo, Baron and more so Nash. Here are those guys contracts and my opinion: VC - 2yr/33.6, Definitely consider. Contract isnt too long. Corey - 4yr/40, Pass on him. If we think Artest holds the ball too much, watch this guy. Redd - 1yr/17 w/ a P.O. for 18.3, Excellent shooter. Would be a very good fit with Yao. Contract is a little worse than Carters but would take him before VC. Wallace - 3yr/30 w/ a P.O. for 11.4, Very good athlete. Long contract but he's only 26. I think he would be the best option right now considering age, talent, and contract. Nash - 1yr/13, Excellent playmaker. Hits clutch shots. Still plays at a very high level but he's getting up there in age. But if we're in win now mode he is at the top of the list. Davis - 4yr/54, Expressed earlier my thoughts on Davis. His contract is worse than I thought. He is only 30 so may not be too bad but I think I would run with Brooks/Lowry and use the extra money on a wing, preferably Wallace. I agree we need to make something happen quick. Ideal scenario for me would be for T-Mac to come back healthy and take a smaller contract when his expires. Supposedly the word is he's getting better faster than initially expected. If he's ready to play by the beginning of next season that would be perfect. Would give us time to see whether or not he can return to form before the trade deadline. If he doesnt have it anymore there will be plenty of takers for his expiring contract.
Nice post. Tracy has always had us by the balls because it is IMPOSSIBLE to get equal talent back for him. If he plays hard and healthy, he can rival Lebron and Kobe. Like you said, It would help us out a ton if he was healthy for next year. We could see what he has left and if he is great(Well that's great!), And If he does not have it we should have plenty of options. Gerald Wallace is enticing, but is he too similar to Ron? Would we still need a playmaker in the backcourt? I do not know if it is a great fit even though I would love to throw a Shane-Crash-Warier-Yao combo out on the court. Depends on our playoff PG success I think...
Gerald Wallace plays completely different from Ron Artest, he's more of athletic scorer. He would be very nice on this team.
Would we need another creating wing or PG? Kyle Lowry/Brooks Gerald Wallace/Wafer Ron Artest/Shane Luis Scola/Landry Yao Ming His shooting could also be a problem. Trust me though, I LOVE Gerald's game, but this group of guys seem.....................awkward.
