The fellow's got bad knees and a bad attitude. I hope this is just talk. He doesn't address our biggest need ,which is a center or power forward-someone to rebound, throw a few elbows and score out of the low post.
Pistons in serious talks with seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady
Vincent Goodwill / The Detroit NewsDetroit -- Former All-Star Tracy McGrady could become a Detroit Piston very soon.
McGrady, a former scoring champion who has been plagued with injuries in recent years, sparked Detroit's interest in the past day or so, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Detroit News. If he signs, it would be to the veterans' minimum, which is around $1.2 million. As of now, nothing is imminent but the sides are having serious discussions.
The Pistons have been silent on the trade market and in free agency this summer, so giving McGrady, 31, a shot to revitalize his once-promising career would be a jolt.
McGrady played six games in Houston last season before getting traded to New York after a rift over playing time. He averaged 9.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 24 games for the Knicks. McGrady worked out for the Bulls last week, but comments of wanting to be a starter seemed to turn off Bulls management away.
The Pistons, on the other hand, have nothing to lose. They won just 27 games last season and seem open to anything, especially bringing aboard a player as talented as McGrady, who plays shooting guard and small forward and can play point guard on occasion.
Since leading the league in scoring in 2003 and '04, he's played in 70 games or more only twice. He played 35 games in 2009, averaging 15.6 points before shutting it down due to knee surgery.
The Pistons have taken on former stars with injury problems before. Antonio McDyess had the same type of knee issues before signing with Detroit after the 2004 season and revitalized his career with the Pistons as a valuable reserve. In his first four seasons with the Pistons, McDyess missed only nine games.
McGrady has a dubious history with the Pistons. With the Magic in 2003, he led them to a 3-1 series lead, then proclaimed after Game 4 he was happy to be in the second round. He never made it that far as the Pistons stormed back, blowing the eighth-seeded Magic out the final three games. McGrady never has made it out the first round of the playoffs, despite playing for better-than-average teams
If McGrady checks out health-wise and can play near his usual skill level -- he's averaged 21.5 points for his 13-year career -- it would be easier for the Pistons to make a trade at the crowded shooting guard and small forward spots. While it wouldn't necessarily be a precursor for Tayshaun Prince's or Richard Hamilton's departure, it could make things easier on management if they wanted to pull the trigger.
http://detnews.com/article/20100807/SPORTS0102/8070409#ixzz0w40hghjj
