http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2000/0608/575038.html TORONTO -- Free agent Tracy McGrady appears set to leave the Toronto Raptors. The 21-year-old forward, speaking in Los Angeles before helping out with the NBA's 2ball finals, said Thursday it would be "real tough" for the Raptors to re-sign him. He could get $84 million over seven years with Toronto. "You have these veteran guys on the team that don't want to be there, those are the guys I want to play with," McGrady said, apparently referring to Charles Oakley, Antonio Davis and Doug Christie. "It's going to be real tight for me to consider Toronto (now). There's just a lot of stuff that's not right. "It's going to be real tough to sign me back. It's going to be real tough." McGrady, the club's first-round pick in the 1997 draft, averaged 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds last season, emerging during the second half as one of the league's most dynamic talents and a highly sought free agent. Speculation all season had him leaving the team, and McGrady said nothing to indicate otherwise. "I'm the one making the decision, I'm holding all the cards," he said. "I'm just sitting back and weighing my options. I want to see what other (free agent) players do and make my decision." McGrady said he has no problems with coach Butch Carter, and wouldn't specifically comment on the coach's attempt to add the general manager's title to his portfolio in a meeting with Toronto brass last month. Carter, who has been the center of controversy for months, publicly prides himself on his relationship with McGrady. But he has taken a lot of flak for the way he treated veteran players, for statements about Indiana coach Bobby Knight and for his attempt to sue former Raptor Marcus Camby during the playoffs. "I'm not saying it's Butch's fault," McGrady said of the recent controversies. "But whoever's fault it is, it's not the time for me to be commenting on these type of things. "Everything is cool between me and Butch, between everybody in the organization. I have no grudges against none of them. But with that stuff going on, then you have the situation with the veterans not wanting to be there, then you've got to look at the situation Vince is in, and he's got two years left." Asked if Vince Carter's recent talk about staying in Toronto for the long haul made any impression on him, McGrady replied, "Yeah, it helped." "But verbally, it's just hard to go by that word, because things can change," McGrady said. "I really don't know as far as me and Vince's situation if he stays, will he be willing to stay if I re-sign? Will he be willing to re-sign back with Toronto?" Raptors general manager Glen Grunwald said he was surprised by McGrady's comments and would call him as soon as possible. The free agent market opens July 1, with clubs able to sign players beginning Aug. 1. _______________________________________________________________ Can this affect the Rox in any way? do we have a chance ?.......... ------------------ It's all about marketing !
Forget McGreedy! What has he done to deserve $84 million??? I don't remember him going anywhere in the playoffs or winning anything. When has he carried his team?? Maybe a Cato-style contract, in a sign and trade or the exception. We can't pay him the max so forget it. Let someone else blow their wad on McGreedy. ------------------ We need some meat in the post!
Same thing I posted in NBA dish this morning . McGrady is probably going to be a Star wherever he heads , I think Orlando probably wants him the most ------------------ Proud owner of 271 different Hakeem Olajuwon Basketball cards
Pimp, McGrady is going to be a super super star. He's has soooo much talent for someone at his age. He can score, rebound, pass, drible, block shots, and play great D. He will be twice the player Pippen ever was! ------------------
The Real Shady, As much as I hate Pippen, McGrady will not be twice the athletic nor statistical player Scottie "ever was". Now being twice the mental player or leader is easily attainable, but he's already not on his way to doing that with his attitude and greed. ------------------ I have a dream.........his name's Hakeem. DREAMer's Rocket Page
From what I have heard, he will definitely sign with Chicago--if he hasnt already done so ------------------ What do you expect from someone who beats up his fiancee?
