He CAN score on anyone, but only when he decides to be aggressive. Its amazing what aggression and heart can do for you. He just needs to drive more, although I know that he doesn't have the athleticism he had before, but he still has a good-great first step for a player his size and he should still be able to get past most SF's and and SG's. I just wish he would stop taking unnecessary shots (ie heat checks) that most of the time stops the momentum. Its great to see someone outside of the local beat writers who truly understands Tmac's game and his uniqueness, without necessarily beating on a general bandwagon knowledge of his playoff record. As for the ranking though, its kinda silly to have Tmac ranked that low. He is still somewher between 8-20 in terms of ranking, and depending on how Ron Artest gels with this team and Tmac, he can actually have a better season, if not atleast a more efficent season in terms of shooting % etc.
i agree. the thing is, when you've only watched a couple of rockets games last season (especially after the streak hype started) there's a good chance you saw some of t-mac's off-nights shooting-wise. i don't blame someone who only saw some of those games to think that t-mac isn't an elite scorer anymore. some of the games were really ugly for mac, but still, he was injured most of the time and he had to create for others. he's as valuable as any other superstar for the rockets.
very true and yet so wrong. t-mac can score on anyone and he can be very aggressive if he wants to. when he's really into a game and he plays aggressive he's still easily a top-10 player in this league. the problem is, though, that rockets fans have to be patient (which the majority is not). the aggressive t-mac who plays with poise and energy will only be seen randomly in the regular season. t-mac is around 30 years of age now and most people agree that he lost a step over the years. still, most people fail to understand that it's really not about that lost step. it's about his body in general. he can't be in playoff-mode for 82+ games anymore. that's why saying that t-mac should be more aggressive and drive more is senseless. he can't do that because if he did he would be out for the season before the playoffs even started. driving more and being more aggressive is not an option, resting more and taking shots more wisely is the way to go. finally, we're in a situation where this seems possible.
others have taken the words out of my mouth. the author brought up a fair and accurate analysis of Tracy's game and i'm not too stubborn to admit he's gone through a bit of a slump as of recent, but T-Mac is still in the top 15 to 20 players in the league. 29 is way too low.
I didn't comment on what order he put them in, just his analysis. Just for ****s, I will make a list of players I think are better than Tracy. KG Kobe Bron CP3 Yao Artest Nash Dirk Amare Dwyane Bosh Josh Smith Dwight Howard Duncan Parker Ginobili Pierce Deron Brand Calderon Marion Igodala That's 23 in no particular order. So I don't think it is that far off, though.
Those were my last four obviously. I think a good case can be made for all four. Only one I would question would be Brand because he has been hurt. Two years ago, he was better than Mcgrady.
Dude you can't compare big mans like howard to tmac they play a different role. only SF/SG in that list that's better than T-mac is LEBRON and WADE , imo healthy T-Mac = Kobe.
Dude, that's what the article is doing so I did it. I knew someone would be dumb enough to say that. And even if I was doing that Kobe is 10 times better than Mac.
Tmac + a bad knee + spasming back >>> current Elton Brand Tmac two years ago >>>>>>>>> Elton Brand when healthy Although its silly to compare two different positional players anyways, its not even worth an argument as to who has more value or does more for his team, especially two years ago.
Sorry, I can understand Jasomnellio's argument. But saying Deron and Smith are not as good is flat wrong.
Debatable - Iguodala, Brand, Pierce NO Not better than Tmac - Artest, Parker, Calderon, Josh Smith (not a leader or go-to guy yet) T-mac is in the top 20.
dont forget the shoulder injury in the playoffs. tmac is still a top 10 talent in this league, i dont care what anybody or any stats say. when he was having a terrible stretch during the season where he was avereging like 15 points, opponents didnt look at those stats and say "oh lets not double team him anymore", they still gave him that respect. screw stats. One on one he can still blow past anyone or shoot over anyone.
Deron, maybe. I actually like Brand and i think he is great player who hasn't been dealt the best of cards. He has been pretty good when given the opportunity. But, Smith is waaaaaay overreated now and i like him too. Maybe if you're into fantasy ball he's great but in the real game he destroys the offense and goes rouge when just about everyone on the floor can shoot better than him. Oh well, no use in getting into one of these 'how good is Tracy?' debates. Its all interpretation. If we do well this season, i'm happy.
I wasn't doing it to rustle feathers. I was simply stating a strong case could be made for all of those players. I'll take three top 30 talents on my team any day. Realistically he would probably rank 17-20 on my list.
