I'm just curious what the explanation for McGrady's huge production drop-off so far is? In theory playing with Yao should free him up and get him more open looks. Fewer double teams etc. But it has been the exact opposite. The only thing I can think of is that the Western Conference is so much denser in talent. He is just too good to be a 20/5/5 player with 40% shooting. Every game I think he's going to turn it around and break out into the real Tmac only to witness another disappointing, oridinary performance.
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/players/player/gamelogs/2003/6691 He still had plenty of big games against western conference teams last season. Including 30+ in both lakers games and 51 against denver.
are you talking about francis or t-mac here???? I can't tell (note dense sarcasm) it has nothing to do with moving to the west coast and everything to do with Jeff Van Gundy's lack of a clue on the offensive side of the ball. the only offense we have is generated off of yao and t-mac's ability to draw defenders or score with defenders smothering them. notice how other teams run plays that free players from their defender (rip hamilton coming off screens), while the best shot t-mac can get via the offense is a pull up jumper with a man in his face. mcgrady has the rare ability to take any defender off the dribble when necessary. that doesn't give the coach to sit back and not put together some form of offensive strategy. van gundy came in last year and taught the team to play defense, and now it's time for him to move on.
