Tracy

McGrady

Smith, now with ESPN, was a 76ers beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer back in 1999 when he broke the story. The report was that the Raptors would send McGrady to Philly along with a first round pick for Larry Hughes, who was drafted eighth overall by the 76ers in 1998. McGrady was eventually traded to the Magic in 2000, where he averaged 28.1 points per game in four seasons. McGrady would have been teamed up with a 24-year-old Allen Iverson in 1999 if the trade went through. Without any live basketball right now, it’s hard not to imagine what could have been.

McGrady received treatment consisting of ice, heat and muscle stimulation Wednesday and will rest until Saturday.

It’s the best they can do. “Money and years are set by the league,” owner Leslie Alexander said. “He obviously gets the max. That’s what we’re going to give him.” If McGrady doesn’t get an extension, he can opt out of his current deal at season’s end.

The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, who entered his last game at 29.8 points, fell just short of the 216 points he needed to catch McGrady, scoring 44 against the Warriors.

“If I feel like this on Thursday, I can’t play,” McGrady said. “I’m struggling trying to walk right now.” T-Mac’s groin has been sore since Friday, but yesterday he began having shooting pain in his hip. Juwan Howard stands to gain the most playing time from McGrady’s injury.

He says his hip feels much better and that the groin injury is the only thing holding him back, but that he expects to play in the game. Trainer, Keith Jones agreed with T-Mac’s thoughts and said a final decision on his status should come some time this afternoon. Based on the fact he’ll be going against Kobe Bryant tomorrow, we’re putting our money on McGrady playing for the Rockets.

McGrady’s right side has felt better recently, but not to the point where he has no concern. McGrady also banged his left knee during Friday’s playoff-clinching victory against Indiana, but the injury is nothing serious. “It’s with me for the rest of this season,” McGrady said of the strained muscle between his ribs. “The doctors say that’s the worst place to have a strain. I’m just going to have to play through the pain.”

“One thing you don’t want to get used to is mediocrity,” Van Gundy said. Jim Jackson said the team’s slow start is due to the offseason acquisitions of Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue and others, and the players need more time to mesh.

T-Mac led the Rockets to a 4-0 record while posting 27.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists.

Britton Johnsen started in McGrady’s place last night.