T-Mac is supposed to be on Rome at the top of the first hour (11:40 or so). I am work and cannot really recap but will try to later on. Just wanted to give you all a heads up.
I just missed it and its over. All I heard was a Rome recap at the very last second. I only caught that he said Tmac said he might not be able to score the ball but his assists are up.
If the Bulls take on their coach's personality, and they never stop fighting and moving, what are the Rockets taking on? Their coaches personality.
There was nothing really new talked about. Here is small recap for those who are too lazy to listen to the whole interview via the link (thanks for placing the link Hayesfan): JR: Mentioned the comeback by the Bulls and San Antonio and how it can be solved? TM: Need to play smarter, keep the intensity and told teammates that S. Skiles coached team will never give up; Rockets need to learn to close out games. JR: Do teams take on their coaches personality? TM: Definetly, Bulls are hardnosed and always moving, very pesky like the coach JR: Asked about B. Gordon being in the zone TM: Said he knows how it feels and when someone is like that, there is almost nothing you can do to shut them down. It is great feeling especially when you've been struggling. JR: What's gotten into Yao? TM: He's a workaholic whose getting more and more adjusted; getting more attempts and gaining so much confidence. Says he is becoming the most dominant player in the league and the best center. Me being out last season forced Yao to step up and carry the team on his back and proved he could do it. JR: What kind of feelings/soul searching did you go through during last season with the injuries and losing? TM: Was very dissappointed with last season b/c team was coming off the great series vs the Mavs and worked so hard in the offseason, came back so hungry only to be injured in the first game and miss all those games; Felt he was letting the team down. It was bitter sweet though because it made Yao step up and become dominant. JR: You said you've been losing a step at 27 but you're not a typical 27 year old TM: Been in the league 10 years, not old in age but in minutes logged and carrying the load in Orlando, had to do everything; All the pounding has taken its toll and he really feels it. JR: Asked about Kobe losing a step TM: Kobe's going to be ok b/c he is coming off surgery and just doesn't look in shape; he is not lean and quick as usual but will get it back. JR: Mentioned how even though TM is not as explosive, his experience helps him play smarter? TM: Said he suprises himself at how quick he can be and shows flashes of old self; Being out for so long has affected his game, not being able to attack as naturally but he is much smarter and can do so many other things to help the team win; Mentioned his assists are at a career high level. JR: Does it bother you that you are not as physically dominating and getting by people at will? TM: Yeah but I just have to do other things to help the team win
thanks so much man. I really appreciate it. I do think tmac will be back late in the season. the time off really took it's toll. he didn't work the same way this last offseason as he did the summer of 05. he can get in shape, he's just going through a hard time psycologically. mark my words This team rests on T-mac's shoulders. If he finds it in himself to be great, to be that superstar again, we have a GREAT chance of getting to the finals. If he steps back and lets Yao take most of that load, we are a 1st-2nd round playoff team. This is T-mac's for the taking.
That is exactly what I have been saying. He needs to stop with the excuses. T-mac is becoming a b****. There is really no defending it. You dont hear Kobe or KG saying they logged too many minutes already and are too old to play. They get out there and give it their all. When T-mac goes out there, he thinks its ok if he doesnt play his best cuz he has already told people 30 excuses why he cant.
I think the ideal situation is for Yao to take over the season and dominate, while tmac steps back and doesnt have to exert as much energy. Then come playoff time, BOOM, both Tmac AND Yao become dominant.
i dont see tmacs comments as excuses, he is being open, honest, and cerebral. He speaks his mind and is honest with himself, for better or worse.
I love TMac, but personally, I don't like him taking too many interviews, and share his random thoughts with the media. They are always used against him, like his admitting of slacking off in some Magic late season games, his injury, his personal problems, he wanted to retire etc etc. Just stop talking to them about anything personal. Let the result speak for everything.
