http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/no_amare_for_tracy_wYnuCiu9t1MmsbqyEEbTHI PHOENIX — Free-agent-to-be Amare’ Stoudemire said yesterday he has held a grudge against Tracy McGrady for once blowing him off when Stoudemire was in high school. Stoudemire, however, claimed it would not be a deal breaker in signing with the Knicks this summer if McGrady is around. “I’m not a big fan of Tracy McGrady — as a person or as a player,” Stoudemire said. Stoudemire’s revelation came before the Knicks were routed by the Suns, 132-96, last night at US Airways Arena to fall to 26-46 — with the tragic number of playoff elimination down to one. N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg NO LOVE LOST: Amare' Stoudemire said he is "not a big fan" of Tracy AMARE HAVING STRONG SECOND HALF A bewildered McGrady denied the incident took place. “I think he’s messing with you,” McGrady said. Approached again, Stoudemire held firm. “He didn’t remember? I’m not surprised he doesn’t remember that,” Stoudemire said Though McGrady scored five points during a 2 of 11 shooting night, Stoudemire scored 18 points in 27 minutes, making 12 of 15 free throws. Before tip-off, as they shook hands, McGrady appeared to say to Stoudemire: “Are you talking stuff about me?” Stoudemire spent high school living in Polk County, near Orlando, where McGrady grew up and then starred for the Magic. Stoudemire said he approached McGrady during a scholastic football game in which McGrady’s brother was playing. Stoudemire claimed he got the cold shoulder when he asked McGrady his thoughts on jumping from high school to the NBA — the path McGrady traveled. “I tried to reach out to him in high school to get advice on going from high school to the NBA,” Stoudemire recalled. “He pretty much didn’t say anything. If a kid from my hometown came up to me and said, ‘Amare’, I’m thinking about going from high school,’ I would tell him college is important, education is important. I didn’t get any of that from McGrady. I asked him about the jump, he pretty much didn’t say anything.” McGrady said his brother never played football, and he doesn’t recall attending a game. McGrady said he recalls speaking to Stoudemire on the phone to give him advice. Stoudemire also took a dig at McGrady regarding his rehab from microfracture surgery on his left knee, which the Suns power forward underwent 41⁄2 years ago. When asked about McGrady’s struggles, Stoudemire said, “It takes a lot of self-discipline. I’m not sure if everyone has it. When you have microfracture, you have to really control your diet, eating, workouts. You have to work out extremely hard, and really discipline yourself. That’s an attribute a lot of folks don’t have. I was blessed to have it.” Stoudemire is having a blazing second half to put himself arguably as the best big man available. The Knicks prefer Chris Bosh, according to a source. LeBron James also prefers teaming with Bosh. Stoudemire said he felt it was a “50-50 chance” of re-signing with the Suns. A person close to the Suns wonders if Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni and Stoudemire could ever reunite because of rumors Stoudemire backstabbed him on D’Antoni’s way out for not teaching defense. Suns coach Alvin Gentry said he feels Stoudemire is committed to staying in Phoenix. “There was nothing we thought that would equal trading him,” Gentry said. “He’s playing great basketball. He’s happy here. I don’t’ want to put words in his mouth but I think he’d like to remain here and end his career here.” Stoudemire said having a star point guard in Steve Nash is the most compelling reason to stay. Stoudemire will have sweet options — joining Dwayne Wade in Miami or Derrick Rose in Chicago. Both teams have cap space. The Knicks? Well, he can pair up with James, too, and potentially turn the Knicks into a title contender. “I’m pretty sure we’re all going to talk about what’s going to happen this summer,” Stoudemire said. “We’re all good friends. Myself, LeBron, Dwayne, Chris Bosh are good friends. I’m pretty sure we’ll have conversations.” Stoudemire lived in Newburgh during grade school. “New York is a phenomenal city. I was raise there for part of my childhood years,” Stoudemire said. “I have a great connection to the family there. I’m not sure what I’m going to do. I’m totally open to something.”
Maybe now that he's older and wiser, he knows the value of education? He should at least take summer courses or something like Stevie Frenchfries did a few years ago. Didn't Shaq do the same thing to get his degree?
Yeah I remember that a few years ago when Vince graduated. Anyways I think if Amare now knows the value of education, he would be taking summer courses like I've mentioned above. This comment now just makes it look like he has a personal grudge with MerGady because he was "brushed off" and got his poor little feelings hurt. Also I'm no MerGady lover, at all, but maybe he didn't want that responsibility in telling what someone should or should not do. Amare was like what, 17-18 years old? I'm sure he could make his own decisions. Besides college isn't for everyone, especially in terms success. I'm pretty damn sure Amare isn't even losing a nano second of sleep over his decision to jump straight to the pro's. Amare's better off criticizing MerGady's lack of heart and effort during the summer. I'd say he could criticize MG's stupid mouth, but Amare's said some pretty stupid stuff over the years as well.
Maybe thats why he didn't want to come to Houston? It wasnt because of Yao, it was because he didn't want to play alongside T-Mac. Now that Knee-Mac is outta Houston, hope he changes his mind. The only thing that worries me is how his knees are holding up. I cant help but think that the Suns are covering up his injuries on the count that they wanted to waive the physicals in the supposed 11th hour trade deadline deal w/ Rockets.
I agree what Stoudemire said. Tmac should discipline himself more. He should play in the 4th quarter and try to play for win.
I agree with him, but why doesnt Amare have any discipline to focus on playing consistent defense? I think he is a hypocrite.
Tmac only plays defense when he wants and that when he was at full strenght. Now he cant play defense or offense.
True. But TMac USED TO play good defense if needed. And Amare has NEVER been anything good at defense (and rebounding, for that matter). With his size and athleticism, you wonder why.
it's sad that after all these seasons McGrady's legecy is mostly about failures, dissapoitments and selfeshness. He may be a great person but sadly he will be remembered for being something much less.
Didn't Shaq used to tell a story of a similar experience with David Robinson when he was a kid, but it turned out to be made up?
Ain't it a pot calling a kettle black once again? Amar'e hasn't necessarily had a outstanding history with some fans, yet he brings up a random situation with T-Mac. Boy, he should keep talking.
I guess this deserved its own thread...I did post it in the huge T-Mac as a Knick thread before. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showpost.php?p=5210769&postcount=2544
