There are two huge stories coming out of Houston this week and they both involve All-Star guard Tracy McGrady.
Story #1: Tracy McGrady is finally healthy, and he could return to the lineup as soon as Wednesday, when the Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks. As good as the team has been without him, there is significant feeling that they might be an elite team with a healthy and motivated McGrady in the mix.
Story #2: The Rockets have been so good without McGrady that there is a significant sense that the team would be better off trading him. Head coach Rick Adelman has openly questioned whether or not McGrady can fit in with the culture and new style of the play the team has adapted in his protracted absence, and McGrady's return would mean less playing time for Trevor Ariza, Shane Battier, and/or Chase Budinger, all of whom have been factors in the Rockets' early success. As it turns out, there may be a deal on the horizon if Houston chooses to jettison McGrady.
Newsday's Alan Hahn writes today that one of the reasons the New York Knicks weren't willing to take on Iverson is that they're working on a deal to land McGrady:
Multiple sources say the Knicks - who are owned by Cablevision, which also owns Newsday - have tried since the summer to engage the Rockets in trade talks for McGrady but have been unsuccessful. However, an opportunity could present itself after the latest episode - a reported spat with Adelman about McGrady's return schedule - that reportedly even has infuriated Rockets owner Leslie Alexander, who used to be one of McGrady's staunchest supporters.
What would it take? The Rockets would love to get a high-end young player for McGrady and also save some money, which suggests they also would look for an expiring contract or two. It will take more than one to make up McGrady's league-high $23.2-million salary this season.
The Knicks could offer Eddy Curry, who could make up for the loss of Yao and has only one more year left on his contract after this season; add an expiring contract such as Chris Duhon, Al Harrington or Larry Hughes, and toss in someone such as Wilson Chandler as a sweetener.
Don't expect the Rockets to get too excited about Curry or Duhon, but Al Harrington is the type of player who could fit well in Adelman's system, as is the the talented young Chandler. Harrington, in particular, can play multiple positions and score in bunches, two things the Rockets have built their current roster around.
As McGrady's return gets closer, expect more news from the trade front . . .and HOOPSWORLD will be following that situation closely.
Wizards' Struggles Rising To The Surface?
In case you're among the many NBA fans wondering why the Washington Wizards are still struggling, even though they're finally healthy, I highly recommend that you check out Michael Lee's piece for the Washington Post today. A couple of revealing excerpts:
The part of Arenas's interview that was truly strange was when he spoke about the "hidden agendas" on the team.
"Everybody needs to get on the same level, that's all. Everyone's got their own individual goals, I guess. Hidden agendas. You can't win like that," he said. "I've never been on a team where you have eight free agents next year. I've never played on a team like that. I've never seen it turn out well. Sometimes it works out for the best because everybody's hungry and everybody's fighting. Sometimes it works out for the worst when everybody's out for their own."
Huh? The eight free agents have hidden agendas?
Haywood is the only free agent who has played every game this season, but it's not like rebounding and blocking shots is a disruption. Mike Miller has been playing with one arm because he's a competitor. Randy Foye has been hurt and received limited minutes of late. Fabricio Oberto is the ultimate team player, so much so that Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich said the guy is going to heaven when he dies. Earl Boykins has played three games. Dominic McGuire doesn't play. And Mike James and Javaris Crittenton are both out injured.
Arenas also hinted that he might have to change his ways, going from set-up man to attack man.
"I guess you start losing everyone wants to start pointing fingers everywhere else," Arenas said. "I converted my game to try to get people involved, but at the end of the day, to be honest, this is the same team since three years ago. We added a couple of pieces. You had Roger Mason, now you have Randy Foye. But Dray is Dray, Caron's Caron, Antawn's Antawn. It's basically the same thing, so I'm sitting here thinking, 'Do I have to go into attack mode like I was two years ago to get us over the hump?' I hope not. I hope we're strong enough mentally that we can get over this."
Check out Michael Lee's blog for more insight into some of the issues that are thus far derailing what was expected to be a monster year for the Washington Wizards.
First Look At Tonight's Action
Sacramento Kings @ Memphis Grizzlies: As impressive as the Kings have been this season, they haven't been very good on the road. The Grizzlies aren't exactly amazing, either, but they are 3-3 in the friendly confines. A lot of potential will be in the building tonight as these two teams meet, though realizing that potential represents a challenge for both sides. Tyreke Evans (finger) is questionable tonight, and if he doesn't play the Kings are toast.
Milwaukee Bucks @ San Antonio Spurs: Richard Jefferson gets a shot at his former team tonight as the Bucks take on his San Antonio Spurs. Michael Redd (knee) is doubtful tonight and Manu Ginobili is out with a hamstring injury, but Jefferson is Ginobili's replacement anyway, so the Spurs should be able to pull out a win without him. The Bucks won't go quietly, as Brandon Jennings has them off to a very impressive 8-3 start despite their injuries.
Chicago Bulls @ Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers are still struggling to find just the right chemistry, and right now Andre Miller seems to be the odd man out. His playing time is taking a hit, and the rumor mill is starting to buzz with news of his potential departure. Still, Portland is 10-5 and as good as any team in the West most nights. The Bulls are hovering at .500 and seem to be waiting for Derrick Rose to really find his groove on that bum ankle. He's looked better the last two times out, but his team still came up short in losses to Denver and the Lakers. Martell Webster (hip) is questionable tonight . . .no other new injuries to report.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Clippers: Injuries have both of these teams among the bottom-dwellers in the West, though the Timberwolves are clearly missing more than just Kevin Love in their quest for legitimacy. The Clippers are likely to be without Eric Gordon again tonight due to the groin injury, and they've been very bad without him.
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