[NBA.COM]Rockets play it safe with McGrady's return

The fact that they're playing it safe with him hints that they plan on him being a Rocket longer than this year. If this was truly his last season as a Rocket, they wouldn't be as concerned.

 

We have a horrible start to our schedule - what point would it be bringing him back if we are batting about .250 when he gets back in Jan/Feb - other than to showcase him for a trade.

 

I dont agree with this at all. They are just protecting their asset. And this could be protecting his trade value as well.

 

wow, fran was extremely informative in that piece, moreso than jon, which is surprising.

i think that date of 11/23 can change anytime. it's up to the doctors now of when mcgrady can play. being overly cautious is always a good thing.

 

fran is not employed by the rockets

feigan sort of is

 

Where are you getting Jan/Feb from? The latest info is an MRI Nov 23. McG says he's feeling 99%, the team is being extra cautious and you're suggesting February (3 months later) as a plausibility? Why?

 

??? the latest will be mid-december. tracy talked to the doctor himself that he simply just need "a few more weeks or whatever" b/c it's still 7 months post-op. he doesn't even know there was a set date for the next MRI.

 

McGrady at this point can only get the Rockets players like Dalembert & Eddy Curry + garbage filler. If he gets hurt again the Rockets have no chance of trading him.

 

I am a triple N.

A notoriously negative nancy.

I just expect setbacks when it comes to Rockets injuries - especially
our beloved McGrady.

 

It would be naive to suggest that McGrady would hit the floor immediately after Nov 23. He hasn't been on the court for months. I think January is probably a realistic target.

 

What trade value?

 

If the MRI shows no further damage and McG feels 100%, then he will undoubtedly be cleared to practice immediately after 11/23. From there it shouldn't take long...maybe 10-14 days max before he'll have to get on the court and get in true "game shape". Practice can never simulate real game action. December...early December...is quite realistic.

 

hmmm after watching the whole 12 minute interview, I still think there is a chance he can be back before Nov. 23rd. He said, that they will just take it one day at a time and evaluate him everyday. He said he was back and will practice everyday too. So whenever he and the organization feels he's ready to go, then he's ready to go. It's just a day by day process. No real timetable he could be back at the beginning or late Nov.

 

I disagree. They are protecting his trade value. He is not a part of the long term (as in after this season) plan. He sealed his fate last season with the way he handled things.

 

Wanna wager a tip jar pledge?

 

Leebigez knows all.....

 

That isn't it either. Tmac is not going to let the rockets organization possibly ruin his career by rushing him back like they did last year.

 

You are wrong.

 

The problem is that he has no trade value at all right now.

Unless he miraculously explodes, there will be no future for him in Houston. If that happens,he will demand a lot of money and an extension. That is not wise for a 30 yr old player with a history of physical and emotional issues with a lot of mileage. On the other hand,he will have trade value,if he plays well over a sustained period.