I was just watching the NBA Beat on NBATV and the host was discussing the success of the Rockets team without Tracy and a Spurs broadcaster was saying how the Rockets are definitely a better team without him because he doesn't play defense. When it was GP's turn, he said a HEALTHY Tracy(not this year's Tracy) would make the Rockets better but he was very reluctant in saying so, describing Tracy as one of the best scorers the NBA has seen but has not played a lick of defense in all these years. Granted I do believe Tracy tried and played hard on defense in his early years as a young player trying to make it in the league, but since those days he has had virtually no interest or desire to buckle down and lockdown opposing players. You have to respect GP's words as he is a man who knows defense and the importance of it. In my opinion, Tracy MUST go, he is becoming a cancer to this team. I'm sure most of ya'll have played pickup games and when I see a teammate not playing D, I am pissed. I'm sure this has had a similar effect on Tracy's teammates when they see this. Healthy or not, Tracy DOES NOT play defense and that to me means he DOES NOT CARE about winning.
The rockets have moved on this season. maybe the fans should too. Best of luck to T-mac in the 2010 free agency season. Hopefully he comes back next year and really changes his attitude. Until then I'll focus on cheering for the team we have.
Hey... let's MOVE ON. Tracy isn't on this team, and isn't going to be for the rest of the season... he may have even played his last game as a Rocket. Are we better without him?... who the **** cares? We don't have him, we won't have him for the rest of the season, so the point is completely moot. This is our Rockets team. Get over Tracy. I've been a huge Tracy supporter, but I've moved on. Why can't everybody else do that?
Some Houston fans always need something negative to b**** about. Its hard for them to b**** right now because we are playing so well. T-Mac is like their safety net. They know they can always turn to T-Mac for a fix. Its sad, but that is reality.
I know this has been in past threads and debated to death already about the Rockets being better or worse without Tracy, but my point is that when your defense is being labeled as nonexistent, that means you don't care about winning, period. All the talent in the world can only get you so far, and there's a reason Tracy's never gotten out of the first round. Sadly, the truth is that deep down inside, he truly doesn't care.
In the Mav's series a few year ago I remember he put up some pretty decent D. That was the one time, but he is/was capable of it. But look at the rest of the talent on that team with T-Mac that year.
agree with many on tmac issue. but you cannot deny that tmac healthy would help us tremendously. especially in playoffs and against elite teams. take tonight for example. and san ant game - while it was clutch and entertaining. In a series against them we would lose based on the same type of game 3 out of 4 times because there is no scoring threat besides yao. parker killed brooks because of his youth and inexperience. defense on yao was specific and localized. body on him at all times. artest was hot but most nights not. tmac would help us this year. or at least a player of that level if you choose to dismiss him
I have moved on, but he hasn't left the team for good yet. I just wanted to point out to those that want him back that he will never lead this team anywhere. He's basically fooled all of us the past few seasons with his talk of doing big things. I am sure actually ENJOYS these first round exits so he start his offseason early.
I really think it should be like this... rockets are better without a crippled tmac rockets no way in hell better without a healthy tmac
If anyone would be intolerant of a player not playing D it would be 'the Glove'. He is stating the obvious here, but I really respect Payton...its just been long enough now that I'm able to forgive (if not forget) him torching us in the playoffs. Brent Price, Maloney, it didnt matter which which slow white PG we threw at him he always came up with the goods. Lowry is our Payton now, solid man up D, good decision making, good penetration, average perimeter game.
I wouldn't say his defense is nonexistent. His played defense under JVG and last year his defense was decent. He's wasn't a Bruce Bowen or Ron Artest but if you remember, he didn't shoot well so he had to impact the game elsewhere like on defense and getting his teammates involved. This year, sure, his defense has not been there at all. But c'mon, you act like Tracy is the worst defender of all time.
I take anything G.P. says with a grain of salt, he trashes Yao Ming on a daily basis....plus he's a known Rocket hater
I won't deny that a healthy Tracy would be better for this team come playoff time but to what extent? I truly doubt we could go all the way with a superstar that doesn't really care about winning it all. And even if we were to win it all, I would be emphatic no doubt, but I still wouldn't be 100% satisfied knowing that ONE person on the team doesn't deserve the label of being a champion.
