T-Mac needs to redefine his role [T-Mac vs Iverson]

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/basketball/2009/11/27/11946941-sun.html
T-Mac needs to redefine his role

Former Raptor, like Iverson, clinging to far-fetched notion he still can dominate and be franchise player

By FRANK ZICARELLI
Last Updated: 27th November 2009, 2:46am


Tracy McGrady is threatening to become the next Allen Iverson, a flawed and foolish hoopster who refuses to embrace reality.

McGrady basically has forged his path out of Houston by doing what T-Mac does best -- being selfish.

Like Iverson, McGrady clings to this far-fetched notion that he still could dominate and be the franchise player.

INJURIES HAVE TAKEN TOLL

Injuries have taken a huge toll on McGrady, who turns 31 next May when in fact his body age is closer to 41.

The constant grind of playing through discomfort, of shouldering the burden, is reminiscent of Antonio Davis' time in Toronto when the undersized veteran was matched up against bigger centres.

At least Davis exercised proper judgment, recognizing his days were over and called it a career.

Mind you, he earned plenty of cash in the later stages of his career and an argument can be made that he never fulfilled his financial commitments, but that's another story to be told later.

During the same week Iverson announces his retirement, McGrady makes waves that he's back to full health following a lengthy battle with a problematic left knee.

Much like he did last season when he told the basketball word of his pending date with a surgeon to undergo microfracture surgery, McGrady never informed Rockets head coach Rick Adelman.

That's two strikes on McGrady, but a third isn't necessary because he already is out in Houston.

McGrady has to understand that at this stage of his career, he is no longer a go-to player.

At best, he's a second option and perhaps a third option, depending on his health and the surrounding cast.

Players of McGrady's and Iverson's ilk are motivated to be the best.

They are convinced of their invincibility and play with an edge.

But when the body begins to fray, it's time to take stock and acknowledge the obvious.

Iverson became a distraction in Detroit and this year in Memphis because he refused to acquiesce.

In the wake of Iverson's retirement announcement, current and former players have showered Iverson with praise.

He is deserving of the accolades because Iverson redefined the guard position given his size.

No player steps on to the court with a bigger heart than Iverson, whose ego ultimately led to his demise.

His legacy is forever tarnished, but one cannot dismiss what Iverson accomplished.

McGrady's legacy is incomplete, but he at least has a chance to redo his image.

Like Iverson, McGrady has shown he can flat-out score against any opponent, against any defence.

Unlike Iverson, McGrady never won an MVP award and never appeared in an NBA final.

McGrady has never got out of the opening round of the post-season.

When the Rockets advanced last post-season, they accomplished it with McGrady in street clothes.

It's funny how careers come full circle.

As a Raptor, McGrady wanted to be the man and wouldn't play the subordinate role to Vince Carter's leading role, leading T-Mac to bolt T.O. in free agency for Orlando.

McGrady now finds himself in the same exact position.

A team will covet his skills, but McGrady brings baggage that can be divisive.

Net losses

The NBA record of 17 consecutive losses to begin a season was established by the expansion Miami Heat in 1988 and matched by the Clippers in the lockout-shortened 1999 season.

The New Jersey Nets are on the cusp of joining that list of futility.

The Nets have dropped 15 in a row heading into tonight's tip in Sacramento and close out their four-game road swing with a game against the Lakers on Sunday.

Amid the losing, players, not surprisingly, are at a loss for words to summon any inspiration.

"You bust out a speech at 0-5,'' began ex-Raptors guard Rafer Alston. "You use different quotes from different champions and leaders at 0-10. But at this point, it's all inside of you as individuals. You've got to find something inside of you to leave on the floor."

FRANK.ZICARELLI@SUNMEDIA.CA

 

How about Orlando? about 2 years?

Then Houston is the next? how many years will come? :grin: :grin:

 

Both want to be up to themselves to control their fates on the basketball and to neglect to the reality that they are not the ones anymore due to many reasons

i think Les loves and invests T-Mac most among 3 teams. But T-Mac failed most at the prime.

The more you love, the deeper you hurt. As a Rox fan, i feel so bad

 

Is it called selfishness?