His Rockets are in the middle of a historic 18-game winning streak and haven't missed a beat since Yao Ming's season came to an unceremonious end. They are a mere 1.5 games from 1st place in the powerful Western Conference, the strongest conference in recent memory. But Tracy Mcgrady is far from having seen that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. That won't happen until his team wins a playoff series. So, just who is Tracy Mcgrady? Does he fit the cliched mode of an underachieving talent? Or is he one of the greatest players this league has ever seen? A closer look at the player reveals that he indeed is closer to the latter than the former.
Tracy Mcgrady is, statistically, one of the greatest playoff performers in the history of the NBA. Mcgrady outshined Vince Carter in the 2000 postseason, when he first made a name for himself by playing tough defense. In the 2001 postseason, he averaged 34, 8 and 7. The following postseason, he averaged 31, 6 and 6. In the 2003 postseason, he averaged 32, 5 and 7 before falling in 7 games to the upstart Pistons, who would win the championship 1 year later. In 2005, he averaged 31, 7, and 7 before falling in 7 to the Mavericks. Last year, he averaged 29, 7 and 6 before falling in 7 to the Jazz, the 2nd best team in the West, and the team that played the Spurs the toughest. He has averaged well over 1 steal and 1 block in career playoff games as well. Indeed, only a select few have had higher overall career playoff averages. Mcgrady has historically stepped up his game in the big stage. There is no doubt in my mind that, had he stayed in the Eastern Conference, or had better luck and / or teammates, he would have made several deep postseason runs by now.
The verdict, as of right now, 11 years into Mcgrady's hall of fame career, is that his shortcomings are physical, not mental. And by physical, I mean his infamous lower back.
When his back is healthy, Mcgrady is clearly the second best guard in the world, after Kobe Bryant. On some nights, his talent would even make him the best guard in the world. Mcgrady is, historically, one of the league's most productive 4th quarter players, and, when healthy, has hit game breaking shots at as high a rate, if not higher, than his rival, Kobe Bryant. Mcgrady wants that shot and doesn't shy away from it, and I challenge any reader out there to point out specifically when he has choked in the postseason. Far from it, as I have already pointed out: Mcgrady's issues are not psychological.
When his back is healthy, Mcgrady is unstoppable in his forages to the rim, and his length and creativity allow him to finish. He isn't as compact and explosive as his counterpart, Kobe. He isn't as powerful a finisher as Lebron. He doesn't attack the rim as often as Dwyane Wade. But he is extremely deceptive with his moves, often using fakes to rock his defender the wrong direction. His hands are big enough to cup the ball effortlessly, and his left hand is as good as there is in the game.
Mcgrady is actually a better passer than Kobe Bryant in a half-court set. Part of this stems from the fact that he stands 2 inches taller and can see over double teams. He seems to have marginally better court vision as well, often finding the open cutter or a teammate off ball screens. It is amazing that, throughout the Houston years playing for offensively challenged Jeff Van Gundy, he averaged close to 6 assists a contest and found so many open teammates for layups. He is every bit the passer that Lebron James is, and an even better passer off the ball screen. His handles are impeccable, probably the best handles of anyone 6'8 or taller in the world.
Mcgrady isn't quite the open court player that Bryant, James, and Wade are, and he has to work harder for his buckets. Not only does he get less easy baskets off the fast break, but he settles more for the long jump shot. However, this has more to do with his ailing back (and narrower frame) than with anything else, because he is such a different player when healthy.
Back in the 2002-2003 season, people were debating who was the best guard, and possibly the best player, in the world, Kobe Bryant or Tracy Mcgrady. While it is clear who won that argument, it isn't like Mcgrady has forgotten how to ball since then, even though many detractors will have you believe that Mcgrady has taken steps backwards in his game.
Mcgrady had all of Kobe's moves on offense: the turn-around, rocker step, fadeaway, bank shot, step through, sky hook, the three ball, you name it. In fact, even today, only Mcgrady and Bryant are “complete” offensive players, meaning that they have a counter to every move. Lebron James needs work on his fadeaway when pushed out, Wade needs to learn to finish at the rim going left, and shooting in general, Iverson isn't very effective shooting the pullup going right, Carmelo can add some range and a left hand, and everyone else isn't close. Mcgrady isn't as efficient overall as Kobe, nor is he as relentless, and his defense isn't at an All-NBA level, and these factors separate the two. But Mcgrady actually makes offense look easier and more effortless, when he draws multiple defenders and sets up an open layup, when he runs the pick and roll with Yao, when he lulls defenders to sleep and strikes from deep – many times he has you scratching your head wondering if he is indeed more talented than that other guy, Bryant.
But back injuries have limited Mcgrady from playing to his full potential. Anyone with chronic back pain and / or spasms know the cancerous effects of them. While you can continue playing, you are less effective. You cannot help but settle for that outside jumper more and more. This isn't some ankle or even knee injury that heals itself, but rather a lifelong injury. People assume that you are playing at full strength, because you aren't sitting out for weeks at a time, but you are only a shell of your full self. This is the reason why over the years Mcgrady hasn't gone to the hole as much, and why he has had to work so hard for baskets.
While the majority of the media, and even some former players, notably Charles Barkley, have called our Mcgrady's mental toughness in this regard, that he settles too much for the outside shot, I must humbly disagree that Mcgrady's problems aren't mental, but physical. He isn't a Vince Carter who doesn't train in the offseason, and he isn't Nick Anderson with some mental storm raining on his head. He isn't some one-dimensional scorer like Alex English or Carmelo Anthony, because he has a complete floor-game and handles the rock better than many starting point guards. Rather, he is a player who, as evidenced by his career playoff statistics and this recent win streak, puts his heart and soul out there as much as his ailing back would allow him to do so. Anyone who has watched him through the years would agree. And, when he is healthy, watch out.
According to basketball-reference.com, Mcgrady's hall of fame probability currently stands at 86%, placing him 10th overall among active players and 61th overall historically. Another way of seeing this is that, Mcgrady, all 28 years old of him, has already accomplished enough to rank him 61st all-time and is virtually a lock for the Hall. He still has many, many good years ahead, and many chances to finally put to rest those first round demons that have haunted him.
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7 months ago
I like your anaylsis here, but I find that comparing T-Mac to Kobe is a stretch. T-Mac is no Kobe Bryant and I think that this is mostly because he lacks the follow throught that Kobe displays. I have alwyas thought that Tracy is one of the most under appreciated and over-looked players in the game, but he does not control his team or the direction of the game like kobe does. What the Rockets are doing right now is amazing, but I think that the bench is the true key to the current win streak. The Rockets bench has been on fire and has really changed the pace of the team. All-in-all, T-Mac is a force to be reckoned with though. I hope that the Rockets continue their streak right past the Lakers this sunday!
7 months ago
I too like you analysis, but unlike Heather, I do find it fitting to compare TMac to Kobe, it's not a stretch. TMac may not be as relentless as Kobe, but he does control his team and the direction of the game. The winning streak to still continue without Yao is a testament to TMac and how he has lead a group of "role player" all the way to the number 3 spot in the West. Kobe has yet to prove that he can pass the first round as well after the departure of Shaq. I followed TMac from his days in Toronto and always thought that he was the most talented player in the NBA. Follow his career before his ailing back injuries and you'll see that TMac was on his way to being the top player in the NBA.
7 months ago
I too like you analysis, but unlike Heather, I do find it fitting to compare TMac to Kobe, it's not a stretch. TMac may not be as relentless as Kobe, but he does control his team and the direction of the game. The winning streak to still continue without Yao is a testament to TMac and how he has lead a group of "role player" all the way to the number 3 spot in the West. Kobe has yet to prove that he can pass the first round as well after the departure of Shaq. I followed TMac from his days in Toronto and always thought that he was the most talented player in the NBA. Follow his career before his ailing back injuries and you'll see that TMac was on his way to being the top player in the NBA.
7 months ago
Tmac makes Rafer Alston look like Magic Johnson...
Kobe made Smush Parker look like Smush Parker...
7 months ago
I think sometimes people forget that T-Mac is 6'8" and with lengthy frame, might as well be considered 6'9". For him to be able to do the things he does on the floor is just sick. I think it's very fair to compare T-Mac to Kobe. Despite all the hype that Lebron and Dwade have gotten recently, the two purest perimeter talents in this league are still Kobe and T-Mac. They are still the only 2 players who can flip the switch on, and are literally unguardable. I really believe that the Rockets will make it out of the 1st round this year...unfortunately they won't make it out of the second round. If Yao was still around...this team probably goes to the finals.
7 months ago
I couldnt agree more. KObe bryant is by far my favorite player of all time, and coming in second is T-mac. There something about them that make every game exciting. They are so versatile unlike today players like Lebron or wade. Not to bash on them but Lebron and wade do not have enough arsenals to be considered as today NBA elite. Kobe bryant and Tmac match up was one of the best. They did not dissapoint no one. The competitiveness of those two was unseen for a decade. They made every shots, dribbles, rebounds, assists, blocks and even turnovers look amazing. Even though Kobe had separated himself from everyone, I believe T-Mac still has the potential to come close to Kobe, although his back is holding him back. Im happy he is doing so well now and have the recognition he deserves, but Kobe is still the best;)
from 7 months ago
I dont have the exact numbers but i have never watched t mac in a Houston rockets uniform score over 40 points and loose.. what astounds me is that everyone puts Kobe in the MVP ballot but no one looks at what the MVP is suppose to be The Leagues Most Valuable Player not the leagues best shooter. I unlike most think that Jeff Van Gundy was a asset to Houston rather than a burden. The reason for Houston's current streak is the defensive principals that Van Gundy has instilled in the rockets that are making them winners. I think with the current staff that Houston has Jeff Vangundy would be winning too.. I wish everyone would stop putting not getting out of the first round on t mac its not one players job on a team win basketballs its a team sport. Look at kobe he was not able to do it alone and no player in nba history ever has. Magic had kareem. Clyde had Hakeem jordan had scotty.... So when tmac starts scoring 50 points a game and loosing put him in Kobe's ball park when i am doing a draft i am picking Tmac first every time i want some one who loves to play the game not just score and who doesn't always have to get what he wants. Next thing Kobe will ask for is the lakers to be renamed the Bryants
7 months ago
I like T-mac I think this sunday R will win the L. I belive it.
6 months ago
Those playoff numbers are great but they are first round numbers. Tmac has been expected to win the last two playoff series and didn't. Against utah he shot 37%. Offensively he is no.2 but has nothing like the array of moves as kobe. Kobe hits fadeaways double and triple teamed, from behind the backboard and everywhere else. As soon as he crosses half court he is a threat to score. Mcgrady is also soft. He gets a little injury and is out for months. Kobe is playing with a torn pinkie and looks like nothing is wrong.
6 months ago
Tracy McGrady is often regarded as very overrated, but he does the things that make his team win, and in this case, 19 times in a row.
6 months ago
I can't believe all the T-Mac love on here. The kid has never even smelled the second round of the playoffs.
The "if he could stay healthy" argument just doesn't do it for me. Injuries are part of any game. If they weren't, Grant Hill and Penny Hardaway, two more injury plagued Orlando Magic players, would own NBA titles.
What does the win streak mean if the Rockets lose in the first round? And is there anything suggesting the Rockets will get a leg up on anyone in the West next year? The year after that?
from 6 months ago
it clear see that tim just rely to baskball and dont watch. They are five man on a basketball court not just one. T-mac has done more than his share every year in the playoff you cant make everyone else put the ball in the hole. Injuries are part of the game but a injuries that can prevent you for walking is not part of the game.
6 months ago
What about 5000 year old dikembe mutombo stepping it up without yao? ... now thats a comeback people. He hasn't played this well since Naismith showed him how to play back in 1891
from 6 months ago
Deke does this every year. He played this well last year, and the year before that, and the year before that. Every time he gets minutes he produces and everyone acts like its been forever since he's played well.
6 months ago
Look at mcgradys career stat averages compared to kobes...mcgradys are clearly better...and if you take there career best from year to year and put them on one line mcgradys are also better. Kobe likes to gloat and make a big deal of himself, you could see it the day he came into the NBA with the damn sunglasses on his head...thats why people talk about him more and get caught up in how "great" he is becuz he is always looking for the cameras and tmac just goes about his buisness but stats dont lie. Kobe also played with Shaq, the most dominating player to ever step on the court. You say well "mcgrady hasnt got out of the first round of the playoffs"...interesting...well without shaq neither has kobe, and tmacs playoff stats are easily top 3 of all time and by far greater then bryants. Tracy mcgrady is a better basketball player. Tracy mcgrady is a better basketball player...period.
6 months ago
kobe ever been out of the first round without shaq...and look at tmacs post season numbers, unless he is scoring averaging 50 a night with a triple double he cant do anymore. horrible comment
6 months ago
Very well written article. It is so refreshing to see someone do their homework and support their arguments with facts and stats rather than the usual blowhards who think that whoever shouts the loudest must be right. The breakdown of T-Mac's playoff stats was informative, it never ceases to amaze me how people can continue to think that single players can win games consistently in a team sport. I suppose Tim would argue that since he never won a Super Bowl that Marino was just an over-hyped brown-bagger. Hakeem did not suddenly become a vastly superior player in 94, he just finally got enough help that his enormous talent and heart was enough to push them over the top. Anyone who has watched Mcgrady since he came back from his knee would see a player that has done a better job of "making those around him better" than anyone since Jordon, or even Magic. I thought Mayo's analysis of the differences and similarities in Kobe and T-mac's games was better than anything I've seen anywhere. And if Tim ever has the misfortune of having to live with a chronic pain inducing injury, he may find out just what real courage and heart are.
6 months ago
Kobe bryant needed Pau Gasol for the Lakers to have the record they have now, but the rockets lose Yao Ming for the rest of the season. Now Mcgrady is leading the team to to a 20 winning streak,( not to mention that his making everyone in the team to produce too, like a true captain should do), and a 44-20 record, tied second in the western conference. You can tell that kobe is better than T-MAC, but words are just words, the stats proves otherwise. So you all Kobe fans live with that. Oh, all of you better thank the fact that Mcgrady suffers from lower back injuries now and them that limits him from reaching his full potential. Would that be scary? Yeah, I know.
6 months ago
Nice analysis... TMac is the best!!!! If he can get his Chronic back pain fixed.....he can be better than Kobe, Lebron, D-Wade..heres my equation if Tmac has his Back fixed......Kobe+LeBron+Dwade+NY Knicks = Tracy McGrady!!!!
6 months ago
T MAC!!! is the man please fix his back!!
6 months ago
20 streak wins for the Rockets.
T-mac is the best all around player in the court while Kobe is a one man show!
T-mac should be the MVP 2008
Nuff said!!!
6 months ago
MVP MEANS MOST VALUBLE PLAYER TO THE TEAM NOT THE PLAYER ITSELF
6 months ago
Wow T-Mac and his team on a 20 game winning streak and counting, and all this without all star Yao Ming. Could Parker win like this without Duncan, Could Kobe win like this without Gasol (obviously not even when Shaq went out), or take Kevin Garnett out of the Celtics. There are not many teams who can pull off a winning streak without their all star and to see T-Mac doing this is just amazing. He has my vote for mvp 2008.
6 months ago
Great. That way the NBA could have back-to-back MVPs losing in the first round of the playoffs.
6 months ago
What a refreshing article. What a novelty, statistics and facts to support a basketball assertion. I get weary of people just writing their opinion while ignoring the facts.
I have loved watching Tracy McGrady in Houston. I hope this streak or this post season or the pope if that's what it takes, will finally stop the whole first round insanity. As folks have pointed out, no one gets out alone. Kobe hasn't, Hakeem didn't, Jordan, etc. etc. But Tracy is the only one defined by that.
Thanks for the great article.
6 months ago
KOBE w/o GASOL---------------------->>>>>>>> NOTHING
PIERCE w/o GARNETT & ALLEN------->>>>>>>> NOTHING
GINOBILI w/o DUNCAN---------------->>>>>>>> NOTHING
DAVIS w/o JACKSON & ELLIS--------->>>>>>>> NOTHING
CHANDLER w/o PAUL------------------->>>>>>>> NOTHING
STOUDAMIRE w/o NASH--------------->>>>>>>> NOTHING
and...........
TRACY McGRADY w/o YAO??--------->>>>>>>> THE LEGEND IS BORN!
T-MAC FOR MVP! GO ROCKETS!
6 months ago
Very well stated. I couldn't say it better myself.
6 months ago
Finally some Love!!!
6 months ago
Great. That way the NBA could have back-to-back MVPs losing in the first round of the playoffs.
who is last year mvp??? DIRK the shame, right??
why he's team did,nt make it to second round??
and beat by the no.8 seed.
6 months ago
"Great. That way the NBA could have back-to-back MVPs losing in the first round of the playoffs. "
who is last year MVP?? is it DIRK THE SHAME??
did they make it to the second round of the playoff's??
who beat them???
6 months ago
Are you serious?
The Warriors upset the Mavs. It was pretty big news in the NBA.
6 months ago
let kobe score 13 points in 35 seconds and then talk to me, oh btw it was against the Spurs-best defensive team in the NBA and Bruce Bowen was all over him, nuff said.
from 6 months ago
finanly some one else saw that game i was freaking screaming like i said before kobe scores 50+ the lakers still loose with out a big man tmack socres over 20 you better put the w in the houstong colom tmac is the mvp no matter what the haters say
6 months ago
let kobe score 13 points in 35 seconds and then talk to me, oh btw it was against the Spurs-best defensive team in the NBA and Bruce Bowen was all over him, nuff said.
6 months ago
So it's settled: guys who put up big numbers but never make it to the second round are better than players with NBA championships, scoring titles, and defensive awards. That makes sense.
Also, I love how Gasol is all of a sudden responsible for Kobe's production ("Kobe without Gasol = nothing"). I'm not even a Kobe fan, but I can recognize how ridiculously talented he is. If anything, he is making Gasol better, not the other way around.
6 months ago
Are you serious...t mac does control his team and has done it in the past as he can do it in the future...he did it in orlando...carried that team but one man can only do so much. Kobe is explosive ill give you that but mcgrady and his team has plenty more chemistry...the rockets are goin past the lakers no doubt about that
T-mac is the greatest
6 months ago
Just so you know, T-mac also had 2 scoring titles In A ROW and was the most improved player in 2001 before the back started acting up, i am pretty sure Kobe was still in the league during all that.
6 months ago
Just so you know, T-mac also had 2 scoring titles In A ROW and was the most improved player in 2001 before the back started acting up, i am pretty sure Kobe was still in the league during all that.
6 months ago
tracy mcgrady is the best
6 months ago
Carried the team? How can you carry a team to six straight first round exits?
Don't worry, he should be 0-7 not too long from now.
"Before the back started acting up." I love it.
6 months ago
T-mac is a beast among boys he showin what I said all alnog he makes his team totally better than kobw he's a much better passer and im tired of hearing people say that yao is the best player on the team if he didnt have t mac to get him the ball the way he does how would he get it!!
6 months ago
And Kobe had 3 straight First round exit as well...beat it
6 months ago
Dude, the guy has 3 rings.
McGrady for MVP? He can't even make the All-Star game. Or win a playoff series. Or play an entire season.
Define "better passer," please. Is it assists, because Kobe gets more. Or does McGrady just throw a terrific chest pass?
Kobe: 7-time All-Defensive Selection
T-Mac: 0-time All-Defensive Selections
"Beast among boys"? Please clarify. Stats certainly don't back up that claim.
6 months ago
Tracy Mcgrady has been my favorite player for years. I clearly remember when it was an ongoing argument of who was the best in the game between him and Kobe. When their two teams would play it was amazing. Classic battles that brought back memories of past battles between NBA legends. They both would guard each other and both score in the 30s. T-Mac and the Magic even won a few of those games although they were clearly outmatched by the Lakers at that time. When he would play in the All-Star games, he was the guys the rest of the superstars would defer to when they needed one shot at the end of the quarter. I think people forget that T-Mac had to carry all of his teams on his back by himself in his early career and unfortunately that back didn't hold up. He nearly beat the Pistons in the playoffs single-handedly as well as the Bucks (when they had Ray Allen, Sam Cassell and Glen Robinson) and the Mavericks. Things haven't been the same since the onset of those back injuries but it seems not many people want to comment on that. He's still my favorite player but his game has changed. It's a little slower, a little less aggressive and he does seem to have to work harder than he use to. Still to me, that makes him even better because he's had to adjust his game to stay competitive at a younger age than most players, yet he's still successful. We'll probably never get to see him as relentless as he use to be, but I can't help but remember how he played then and how he still is exciting to watch now. That's a warrior to me.
6 months ago
Tracy!! Tracy!! Tracy!!
6 months ago
well, 21 in a row and still counting. Lakers' next for an ass whooping. Yo Tim, i guess you are not much a listener or a reader. T-mac is one of the best playoff performer, his stats are way better thank kobe's. The reason he didn't make to the all star is that he missed 15 games! he was the no.3 vote even after missing that many games, he is also a 7 time allstar so get your facts straight. Sorry that the Hornets beat your ass tonight, the team whom we've beaten TWICE in the last 2 weeks. Better be ready on Sunday, cuz we are right here waiting for you.
from 6 months ago
dont forget his big man is out oh no lakers looks like kobes gonna have to try and score 50 and win again but mr battier might have someting to say about that.... houston keep playing defense and i will scream to the top of my lungs when you put all the doubters in thier place people still think that scoring the most points gets you the mvp kobe needs to be a home comming king where popularity is what counts not how you play the game cant wait to see him leave houstong with that big ass chip knocked clean back to la!!!! go htown baby we all got your back
6 months ago
Dear Anonymous,
Your statement that "T-Mac is one of the best playoff performers" needs to be retracted. Seriously. I think even you can admit that calling a guy who has never been past the first round "one of the best" is ridiculous at best. I've read and listened to each argument here. I'm just not buying it.
Someone with an objective opinion please chime in here. These T-Mac lovers are blind.
As far as his playoff stats, he has only played in about 1/4 of the playoff games, if not fewer, that Kobe has. You can't even compare the stats. T-Mac has never played in a big-time game. Nobody remembers first-round match-ups. And to the guy who mentioned that the Magic almost upset the Pistons: T-Mac and Company were up 3-1 and still blew it.
Grant Hill would make All-Stars and miss the entire season. The back had nothing to do with T-Mac's missing the All-Star game. Other players are better than him. Fans only vote for the starters. Coaches pick the rest. You don't find it odd that they didn't pick him, despite the injury?
Are we skipping over the defensive awards because you have no argument there?
from 6 months ago
Tim
First of all...you are a "Know Nothing". Being a "Know Nothing" is distinguished by the amount of MISinformation pouring out of ones "back side". To this, you fit the bill above and beyond all requirements.
You obviously are no OBJECTIVE fan (as you would like us to believe) but are instead a complete idiot. An OBJECTIVE FAN would be able to OBJECTIVLY look at McGrady stats and performances, game in, game out and make educated conclusions. You, however choose to pick out specific tid-bits and ignore the larger body of work in an attempt to justify your (as one Anonymous reader put it) wackness.
Lets get down to it....
Kobe is a 7 time All Defensive Team selection: This is true. The man plays GREAT defense...but this feather in his hat is HARDLY a knock on Tracy's defensive game. Tracy, at 6ft 9in and a MUCH LONGER frame is incapable of playing the SAME kind of defense Kobe does. However, Tracy does play GREAT defense with the physical tools given to him. Also, as I recall, Kobe seldom "shuts down" opposing scorers....if EVER. If Kobe played in Orlando (or any smaller market), it is unlikely he would have been an All Defensive Team selection 7 times. Shane Battier plays MUCH better defense...every night. I TRUE fan of the game would know this. You are no true fan.
Kobe has 4 rings: This is also true....and when was the last time he won himself a ring? Oh, yeah...when the MOST DOMINANT CENTER TO PLAY THE GAME was in that UGLY Lakers yellow uni. Please dont fool yourself....Kobe was Shaq's Scotty Pippin. Since then, Kobe hasnt taken a single breath of 2nd round air. This is NOT proof of Kobe's deficiencies as a player (he has none), but more of a testament of how hard it is to win a playoff series without a supporting cast. This is the ONLY factor that can be applied to Tracy and his lack of playoff success. You give Tracy the Shaq of 7 years ago and I will give you 4 rings too. Basketball is not a one-man show....an "objective fan" should know this. You are no objective fan.
Tracy was not an All-Star this year: This will be short. If you knew ANYTHING you would know that Tracy pulled his own name out of the list of available players. This was done to rest his knee and let it heal. Not being an allstar this year was his decision....He (like Kobe) has PLENTY of these under his belt anyway.
1/4 of the playoff games, if not fewer, that Kobe has. You can't even compare the stats: Well actually, you can Tim. One could even argue that by playing 1/4 of the games (his 1/4 is about 35 games, by the way....not a small number) it is harder to maintain "good stats", being that ONE bad game would have a greater negative effect on the percentages.
THE TRUTH: To compare Kobe and Tracy is splitting hairs. They are BOTH great players and future HoFers....but Tracy is a better passer and TEAM player. He should get the MVP if Houston finishes with the best record in the West.
Tim....go read a book. Learn something.
from 6 months ago
Andy,
Thanks for joining Bleacher Report. I look forward to reading your bio, once you fill it out.
That said, you are hilarious, man. Most people would think that being 6-8 or 6-9 with quick feet and the ability to jump out of the gym would actually help you play better defense. You, however, have informed me of the opposite. Thanks for this. We should petition for the people who pick the defensive teams to take these factors into account. It simply isn't fair. It's rewarding the guys who are 6-6 and play in bigger markets.
Also, I was under the impression that stats were harder to get in games that actually meant something. Like the NBA Finals, for example. Alas, you have enlightened me. Getting a bunch of points in meaningless games when your team is losing yet another first round series is the same as a Conference Finals game or an NBA Finals game.
Why would I need to read a book when you've already taught me so much?
6 months ago
yur just wack tim... yah 1/4 but he carried that 1/4 on his back.... but wat happen to ur star studded lakers w/ kobe shaq malone and payton... also wacked by piston ryt?? shame... tsk.. tsk..tsk...
6 months ago
Call me crazy, but "Yur wack" translates into "I have no argument here."
I'm not a Laker fan. I'm a fan of objectivity.
And yes, the Lakers were "wacked by [the] Pistons." It was in the NBA Finals. T-Mac watched it from his house on TV.
6 months ago
tmac is the best
6 months ago
Tim must feel bad now that the Rockets whooped the Lakers' ass. Need a hug?
from 6 months ago
Yeah, T-Mac was awesome.
I got served.
Sarcasm.
6 months ago
Hey John i'd like to thank u for explaining to the world that scoring 50 points don,t matter if your team still ends up losing.Besides T-Mac is not about scoring 50 or eighty a night when it's not need,what's important is keeping the whole team into it so at any one time someone else could spark a run.I too don't think that Kobe is a leader, the best one and one player ok,the best clutch player yeah ok because he always wants the last touch and not afraid to go for the last shot but a team leader,please.....I'm a T-mac fan and i try to keep it real,Kobe has natural talent and more skilled than T-mac but a better NBA baller T-mac's a better team player any day and we too got two scoring titles while the Kobe was in the league,so we could do that there too but at present it's not needed and T-mac's back won't allow it.One more thing people got to start realizing that Kobe wouldn't have a championship ring without Disel and neither Dwane wade so please don't get lost in the best player thing and stop hating on my boy.Sir charles biggest hatter of all I'd really like to hear your reviews on the Houston Rockets right now,I'm calling you out.Just remember one thing you can't bash on T-mac because phil really handled him and i think he responded well on Sunday with his passing from out of the multiple defensive attacks.Phil Jackson did a good job not allowing him to spark an offense by calling a time out everytime he made a shot...very good stratergy Phil but my boy Skip proved he belongs.
6 months ago
hell yeah he feels bad. i would too if Mcgrady the "STAR PLAYER" of the rockets only scored 11 points and Kobe and the boy's still couldn't stop McGrady's rockets. Mcgrady's 6 assist helped a bunch too. But my point is without Pau Kobe is doing nothing. Without Yao Mcgrady is doing much more than nothing.. it's called winning games.. consecutively. oh and if i shot the ball 33 times i bet i could score 24 points lol.
SO TELL KOBE TO GET ON MY DAWG'S LEVEL!!!! AAAAHHHH!!!!!!!!
6 months ago
yo Tim
I've been reading some of the shit u write starr and you sound like a real hater !You judge T-mac on the his playoff games .C'mmon starr me and u both know that Kobe with a supporting cast like what he has at present without Pau is as equal to the Rockets and T-mac as could be right now (correct me if I'm wrong) .But he wouldn't have been able to win Games with them in the same way that he can't without a Bynum or a Pau.In playoff games the coaches always focus on shutting down the teams motivation and mind u they got multiple games to adjust their defence to that.So no one can put the blame on T-mac for not going past the first round .If that's your argument Kobe hasn't done it either since the big fella ,isn't he supposed to get some credit for that there.I agree with one thing though T-macs defence can't be compared to that of Kobe's but a better team player.....Mac wins all the time. And as someone said earlier a back injury can't be compared to a pinky sprain either so watch ya!!!!And i seem to remember Kobe still being in the league when T-mac won his scoring titles he had to take a back seat to that till T-mac got hurt to win one....And without shaq neither Kobe nor DWane would have had a ring u got to tell the truth.Starr say it loud and say it proud if Houston finishes this regular season with the best record in the western conference ,he's my MVP not somebody who scores 40 and still lose while raging with all his team mates.he's supposed to make them better ,but without a Pau or Bynum he's just one man without a team and for arguments sake they're also without yao and Landry so don't even try to go there!!!Kobe's a better one and one player but Best player in the league that's a matter of opinion.Most popular ok for the highlight lovers who know nuttin bout team sports like u.
6 months ago
Hi everyone,
I'm the sports nut who actually wrote this article. Thanks for reading! I really appreciate and am humbled that you guys are taking the time to comment on it. Here are some of my thoughts:
1: This isn't a Kobe vs Tmac article. Tmac ended discussion today when he said KB24 is without a doubt the best player in the world (quoted during today's game on ABC). If you read my earlier article, my argument is that primary sources (actual players and coaches) know best who the best players are, and not media commentators. I can roll off about 50 players, coaches, and GM's who have gone on the record that Kobe is the best today - and only 1 or 2 have said it for Lebron or Tmac.
2: This IS, however, an article celebrating future hall of famer T-mac's greatness. I cannot believe ESPN called Tmac an "erstwhile superstar" - that is definitely negative press. That's what I'm combating. If you watched the game today, you would know that, while Rafer kept the Rockets in the game, it was T-mac who put it away with clutch shots after the Lakers made their 2nd half push.
3: Van Gundy affirmed my thoughts about T-mac's passing ability, calling him the 2nd best pick and roll player in the league after Nash. Adelman says Tmac is the best passer he has ever coached.
4: No doubt that T-mac can carry a team. No doubt he is an elite player. Seen the ESPN article rating the best SG's? Have you seen Dumar's play? Dumars was rated higher than Tmac universally - but dude couldn't even shoot or run an offense. It's media bias against a player because his team never made it past the 1st round - but basketball is a team sport. Even His Airness acknowledges that, and Wilt, Russell, Kareem....
6 months ago
Doesn't it seem contradictory to say that T-Mac can carry a team on his own, but then say "basketball is a team sport" and "no one can do it alone"? Which is it?
6 months ago
obviously you dont watch the whole game when either tmac or kobe plays. tmac uses his team to the fullest. kobe does nothing but 1on1...
6 months ago
hey tim
what do u do when u watch basketball?Lone monitor what Kobe does or do u watch the game man?I mean c'mmon man we get it Kobe is your pick for favorite and alot of people already admitted to u that he's better than T-mac in certain categories.Just let his fans enjoy what they're getting right now instead of bringing him down.
6 months ago
T-mac is the best, no wonder. He may not be making it past the first round. Making his team mates contribute for every successful win is a greater acomplishment than scoring 50+ point and lose. A balance scoring team is nice to watch. You can appreciate how a true leader should be doing to make his team gel and work together. Hope to see T-mac healthy through out the season and the whole team. Go Rockets!
Jolags
6 months ago
yo tim c'mmon man where u at.I'm tired a waiting for u to come spit pon T-mac.Nice streak Rockets , fun times over let's show them that we could fall and rise again.
6 months ago
Big ups to Houston Rockets where 22 happens and Lakers fans turn into haters and celtic fans.Go Houston
6 months ago
Kimran,
Not sure what you want me to debate. I've said my peace. T-Mac is overrated. His team will lose again in the first round. T-Mac supporters, who have said what a team leader Tracy is over this 22-game win streak, will revert to saying, "He didn't have any support," "He couldn't do it without Yao," and my personal favorite, "His back wouldn't let him."
All anyone on this thread has said is how great T-Mac is. Nobody has predicted a first round playoff win, because deep down we all have this feeling the Rockets won't win in the post-season.
6 months ago
YO Tim
we gotta be realistic though ,nobody's going to out right come and predict something like that because the rockets doesn't have enough depth to instill that kinda confidence in us.BUT u gotta raise your hat to T-mac starr.Stop hating.
6 months ago
Its funny how all these Rockets fans seem to have selective amnesia when it comes to the last 3 seasons. They cite that Kobe has never gotten past the 1st round without Shaq but then conveniently forget to mention that T-Mac and Yao have played together for 3 seasons and have never gotten past the 1st round either.
6 months ago
Im not discounting the win streak, 22 is really impressive. But check out what happened in the last 3 games against legitimate contenders. Against the Lakers, Celtics and Hornets, T-Mac shot 14-48 for a FG% of 29.1%, 0-8 from the 3-point line, and 6-13 from the free throw line (46.1%). Now come on these are hardly impressive stats, much less MVP-worthy stats in what should have been "statement games". And please dont say that T-Mac was concentrating on being a team player in those games because he only averaged 5.6 assists in that span (which is his season average anyway) and 16 FGA per game hardly makes him unselfish. He also averaged only 0.67 steals per game and zero blocks in that span which discounts any argument of him "concentrating on D".
And dont forget that Houston only beat a Lakers team without Gasol but got blown away by the Celtics who were without Ray Allen and were on the 2nd night of a back-to-back. In fact Boston had just come from a tightly-contested and exhausting game against the Spurs but still managed to trash the Rockets by 20 the next night. Then how do the Rockets respond to the loss: by getting blown out by 21 against the Hornets with the "Great T-Mac" shooting 6-21 (28.6%) and committing 4 turnovers with only 3 assists.
Its tough when reality comes crashing in.
6 months ago
Andy,
I disagree with your statement that T-Mac pulled out of the All-Star ballot. I dont believe this is true unless you could cite some news report or article saying so. What I do remember is that T-Mac said himself that he didnt deserve a starting spot on the team ahead of guys like Steve Nash who's teams were playing much better. He did say he wanted to rest his injuries instead of playing in the All-Star but that it wasn't his choice. Remember that league rules state that players cannot just pull-out of the All-Star unless they are legitimately injured or are on the inactive list (such as in the case of Kobe who wanted to rest his finger during the All-Star weekend but could not do so without being on the inactive list and thus, have to miss some game after the break). T-Mac played in the games preeding and after the All-Star break so he was not on the inactive list and could also not have, as you said, "pulled-out of the ballot".
The reason he did not make the All-Star team was because he simply wasn't good enough when balloting was still going on. The Rockets had yet to go on the winning streak so all the bandwagoneers had yet to care enough to cast a ballot. The fact that the coaches didnt even consider T-Mac worth enough to be a reserve speaks volumes.
Get real. MVP candidates should play great during the entire season, not just have 2 great months.
6 months ago
"T-Mac watched it from his house on TV"
Best commment! Hahahaha!!!
6 months ago
To whoever made that "Tmac makes Rafer Alston look like Magic Johnson" comment:
Sure. If Magic ever averaged 13ppg, 5.6 apg while shooting 40% FG and 67% FT. Geat real, Alston has one good game and suddenly is coz T-Mac is making him a better player. How about the last 2 losses when "Magic Alston" averaged 11ppg, 2.5 apg and shot 4-13 each game (30% FG), 2-9 from 3s (22% 3PT%) and only 50% from the line? Pathetic. Did T-Mac make Alston a better player then? Or was he too busy trying to make himself play better (and failing miserably).
And while I agree with your point that Smush Parker sucks, your argument doesnt fly.
Smush Parker with Kobe: career high 11ppg, career highs in about every other stat and good enough to play 164 games in 2 seasons, not to mention starting in 162 of them.
Smush Parker without Kobe: cant even get playing time on the worst team in the league, the Miami Heat.
Theres only so much you can do with players of limited talent, but playing with Kobe seems to have brought out the best in Smush. So who really makes other players better now? The fact that Kobe took a team with a starting 5 that included not only Smush, but Kwame Brown and Luke Walton as well, to the playoffs speaks volumes about how he makes other players better. And it wasnt like those guys were sitting at the end of the bench. They were regular starters, getting most of the minutes in their respective postions and expected to make meaningful contributions. Those guys arent even good enough to get playing time on lousy teams (such as with Smush in Miami and Kwame in Memphis, two teams that are at the bottom of the standings), yet somehow Kobe manages to take them to the playoffs twice in the highly talented and competitive Western Conference.
Im sure others will argue that the Lakers lost in the first round but did anyone honestly expect them to beat the Phoenix Suns? Get real, the Suns were a contender and the Lakers were the underdog in those 2 seasons. But the fact is that a bunch of awful players overachieved on a Laker team playing with the "ball-hog Kobe". Now thats proof of how Kobe elevates other players' games.
6 months ago
Hey tmac fans where u at? its been awfully quiet here. bet that bandwagon is a lot lighter now
5 months ago
Great post. Used it as a reference in my blog post today - http://dimemag.com/2007/10/03/the-hof-watch-tracy-mcgrady/
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