McGrady Likely Done as a Rocket
Tracy McGrady is unlikely to rejoin the Houston Rockets this season, according to Yahoo! Sports. McGrady and his agent will meet with Rockets’ management over the next two days and the likely resolution is T-Mac heading to Chicago to work at the famed Attack Athletics facility.
The Rockets are willing to take on long-term salary to unload McGrady. Kings G Kevin Martin’s name has surfaced in the past, mainly as interest coming out of Chicago, but there are multiple obstacles to any such blockbuster deal. It appears that a buyout is the best resolution to deal with McGrady, in any event we should know the details within the next day or two.
Elsewhere around the NBA:
Houston: Rockets guard Trevor Ariza suffered a deep tissue bruise on his left shin in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. X-rays were negative, but he was limping. “I got kicked,” Ariza said. “It’s still throbbing. Hopefully, by tomorrow it will be all right.” The Rockets’ next game is on Tuesday (they play three times this week) and we should have more information after Monday’s practice.
Los Angeles: Ron Artest has been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Sun due to a concussion.
His condition is improving, and he could play later in the week, but get him on your bench for Monday.
Chicago: Beat writer Mike McGraw writes that “the Bulls are NOT anxious to fire [Vinny] Del Negro. They’d rather he finish the season…and help him clean out his office.” McGraw feels that “if the Bulls stay competitive for a playoff spot, Del Negro should be fine.” He has covered the Bulls since 1995 and would have as good a feel for this situation as anyone, so his opinions are not easy to dismiss.
Toronto: There is still no timetable for Jose Calderon’s return from a hip injury. The Toronto Raptors PG has been working out off the court but did not join his teammates for practice on Saturday. The Raptors have gone 8-4 in his absence, with fill-in starter Jarrett Jack playing well, so the team doesn’t have any incentive to rush him back.
Indiana: Danny Granger did some light shooting on Saturday as he continues to rehabilitate his torn right plantar fascia, and he thinks he will be back in “another two to three weeks.” Granger wants to get onto the court as fast as he can, but with the Pacers suddenly playing for ping pong balls, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him forced to return slower than he would like.