TMac drops 26 in Knicks' debut
The New York Knicks were the only team that seemed interested in Tracy McGrady for more than his expiring contract.
Before his debut with the Knicks last night, McGrady had played in only six games with the Houston Rockets this season, during which he scored a combined 19 points. And he hadn't played eight minutes (or more) in any of those six games.
In the starting lineup against the Thunder, McGrady scored 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting and played more than 32 minutes. He also had four rebounds and five assists.
MVP candidate Kevin Durant said, "It's just a matter of minutes. If he got the time, he was going to be productive. He played phenomenal. He's back."
Considering how little TMac has played in the past year and a half, sustainability is a big question.
"Physically, I feel good but then again I haven't played in a year and half," McGrady said before the game, per Frank Isola of the NY Daily News. "I don't know how long I can play. But I'm ready to go."
So, what does last night's performance mean for the rest of the season?
"If he's healthy," [Former Knicks coach Jeff] Van Gundy said Saturday. "Believe me; if Tracy is healthy over the last 29 games you can put him in the conversation with the rest of the top free agents in 2010. That's how good he is."
From 2000 to 2007, McGrady averaged more than 20 points per game every season including the 2002-2003 season, in which he averaged 32.1 points per game. He led the NBA in scoring that season and the next.
Provided McGrady stays healthy, he should get enough minutes for him to average close to 20 points per game in the Knicks' offense. While someone has likely snatched up TMac from your fantasy league's free-agent pool. If nobody has yet, do so NOW.
