Tracy McGrady News & Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

January 22

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"During the NBA lockout, the Hawks leadership used the time to go antiquing. The franchise absolutely fell in love with the patina of the former All-Star. The urge to redesign around that theme grew overwhelming. Wouldn't a couple of those vintage players just look fabulous on the bench? So the team reached back to the first round of your 2001 NBA Fantasy League draft to find some role players for the 2011-12 season. When they uncrated Tracy McGrady and Jerry Stackhouse, the Hawks were following through on a deliberate plan to season their roster."

McGrady, Stackhouse add veteran leadership to Hawks

December 17

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Hawks coach Larry Drew says he values the leadership that veterans Jerry Stackhouse and Tracy McGrady can add to the locker room. Yet Stackhouse and McGrady will try to make their marks as new guys on a team that's been together a while. Or are they? "I don't look at as I'm a new guy on the team," Stackhouse said. "Ain't nothing about me new." Stackhouse, 37, laughed at the joke made at his own expense. McGrady is just 32 but he's been in the league since he was drafted at 18, and he's actually logged more career minutes (29,821) than Stackhouse (29,405) Both players have been main cogs over their long career but they're no longer at that point. McGrady is far removed from his league"

Tracy McGrady plans to sign with Hawks

December 8

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Veteran free agent forward Tracy McGrady plans to sign a one-year contract with the Hawks, according to a person with knowledge of McGrady's intentions. The person did not want to be identified because NBA teams are not allowed to agree to terms until Friday, after the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified by players and owners. However, the person said McGrady told the Hawks he would sign a contract for the veteran's minimum once the rules allow it. McGrady, 32, was the No. 9 overall pick by Toronto in the 1997 draft. He was an All-Star for Orlando and Houston from 2000-01 to 2006-07, but a series of injuries contributed to his steady decline."

Pistons' Tracy McGrady denies report that he'll play in China

October 5

Detroit Free Press

"Detroit Pistons free agent Tracy McGrady denies a report that a deal is "in the works" for the 14-year veteran to play in China during the NBA lockout. In fact, McGrady ruled out even exploring the option of playing overseas if the lockout threatens the regular season, which is scheduled to begin next month. "Not at all," McGrady texted the Free Press this afternoon when asked whether playing overseas is an option."

Source: Don't look for T-Mac in China

October 4

ESPN.com

"Even in the event of an extended NBA lockout, don't look for Tracy McGrady to wind up playing in China this season. There's a fresh report in circulation that a deal is "in the works" to land McGrady with Foshan of the Chinese Basketball Association. Such links come as little surprise given the immense popularity McGrady still commands in China after his years in Houston playing alongside Yao Ming. It'd naturally be a coup for any team in the CBA to sign him. However ... A source with knowledge of McGrady's thinking insisted Tuesday to ESPN.com that he's "not playing in China this year no matter what people read.""

Heat interested in Tayshaun Prince, Tracy McGrady

August 10

Detroit Free Press

"Although the NBA is locking out its players in a dispute over the next collective bargaining agreement and no personnel actions will happen until it's over, there's always time for analysis. Pistons free agents Tracy McGrady and Tayshaun Prince are among the biggest names on the market. The Miami Herald reported last weekend that the Heat would be interested in either Prince or McGrady."

Pistons veterans are likely to leave

April 13

Detroit News

"Perhaps it's fitting — or sad — the Pistons' season mercifully will end at the scene of this season's most embarrassing moment: Philadelphia. It was at the Wells Fargo Center that half the roster skipped a morning shoot-around in protest of coach John Kuester. It was the exclamation point on one of the most disappointing, if not bizarre seasons in franchise history. Early-season incidents in Atlanta and Golden State foreshadowed what happened that Friday morning. Players ignored Kuester, and publicly berated him during games and practices. Some outright defied his orders and disrespected the title of "coach." They didn't like Kuester's methods or communication skills. The coach shuffled"

Tracy McGrady happy with his progress, injury-free status

April 7

Detroit Free Press

"Tracy McGrady has accomplished a lot in his 14 NBA seasons. Seven All-Star Games and two scoring titles are probably at the top of the list. But without much fanfare, McGrady is nearing a personal goal this season -- finishing it healthy. With four games left, McGrady is close to that milestone for the first time since the 2007-08 season. "I feel good about the progression I've made this year, being able to get through this whole year injury-free," McGrady said before the Pistons' game against the Nets on Wednesday night. "My body is feeling good, and I look forward to next year -- whenever that happens." There were doubts McGrady, 31, would return to full health after microfracture"

Tracy McGrady: Onus on NBA owners in labor negotiations

March 14

Detroit News

"The NBA's labor battle is a few months away, but Tracy McGrady is keeping an eye on recent developments in the NFL. "I'm paying attention, of course," he said. "I don't know all the details about how the players are coming together in the NFL, but like us, we all have to stay strong, stand our ground." The NBA's players and owners met during All-Star weekend in Los Angeles, and the tone was cordial afterwards. However, McGrady believes the public perception about the owners wanting an absolute, hard salary cap with no exceptions is false. "The proposal that they have out here for us, it's really bull," McGrady said. "Some of the owners, (Lakers owner) Jerry Buss, the big-market owners,"

Tracy McGrady back in Pistons starting lineup, Rodney Stuckey to bench

March 10

Detroit News

"In a surprising move, Tracy McGrady was re-inserted as starting point guard for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, moving Rodney Stuckey to the bench. Stuckey had been playing under more control in recent games since moving back to the point, when McGrady was out due to various reasons. Stuckey averaged 21 points and eight assists in the last four games. "It's one of these things, we're looking on a continual basis to mix and match," Kuester said. "He's (McGrady) worked real hard." McGrady played 35 minutes and had 15 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in the Pistons' 111-104 loss to the Spurs. It was McGrady's first game since Feb. 23, a 102-101 loss to the Pacers. He missed the"

Tracy McGrady 'really' frustrated about being benched

March 8

Detroit Free Press

"It's five games and counting for Tracy McGrady's pine time, and it's hard to tell when he might appear again for the Detroit Pistons. That has McGrady frustrated -- so frustrated that he said today it's something that could affect his decision about whether to return to the Pistons next season. "It's out of my control, man," said McGrady, who will be a free agent this summer. "I can't do anything. When the coach says he puts the guys out there he wants to play, I don't really like it. But it is what it is. "I can't do anything about it but come in here and practice and wait until I get my number called. It's frustrating. It's really frustrating." Before his exile, McGrady, by all accounts,"

Tracy McGrady frustrated while waiting on bench

March 8

Detroit News

"Tracy McGrady is the new odd man out in the musical chairs of Pistons guards. He doesn't like it, and admitted his new role has him rethinking his future in Detroit. "It is out of my control," McGrady said Monday. "I can't do anything. When the coach puts the guys out there he wants to play, I don't really like it but it is what it is. "I can't do anything about it but come out and practice and hopefully get my number called again. It is frustrating, though. It is really frustrating." Pistons president Joe Dumars has said he wants McGrady to remain in Detroit. And while McGrady said he has not made a decision, being benched for five games since missing a game-day shoot-around with a"

Tracy McGrady defends work ethic

March 7

Detroit News

"Tracy McGrady didn't hear about his former coach's criticisms of his practice habits until a reporter asked him about them, but wasn't unnerved or surprised. Jeff Van Gundy said McGrady had Hall of Fame talent, but that he didn't bring the best effort when the bright lights weren't on. Van Gundy, who coached McGrady in Houston from 2004-07, said, "I just wish I could have changed (McGrady's) practice habits and his mentality." "It's what, four or five years ago," McGrady said. "Jeff is by far my best coach. I've always said that and still talk to him this day." Van Gundy made his comments last week at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston. "Tracy McGrady was 1,000 hours of"

Tracy McGrady keeps cool after Jeff Van Gundy questions his work ethic

March 6

Detroit Free Press

"At first, Tracy McGrady didn't bite. He was asked after Saturday's practice about comments from current ABC analyst and former Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy that were critical of McGrady's practice habits. "I don't have any thoughts," McGrady said of the comments Van Gundy made as a panelist at a sports conference in Boston on Friday. "It don't even matter. "I don't take it as an insult or a jab at me at all. That's not how I receive it." To be fair, Van Gundy's comments were far from a rip job, and McGrady was quick to say Van Gundy was the best coach he ever played for and that he still talks to him now. But when prodded about his practice habits, McGrady couldn't resist. McGrady once was"

McGrady getting back on track

February 23

Houston Chronicle

"With Thursday's 2 p.m. trade deadline nearing and conversations rampant among the Rockets about the changes it might bring, Rockets coach Rick Adelman said he expected his team to put those concerns aside. "They have to go out and play the game," Adelman said. "They can't worry about what happens two days from now. In all likelihood, nothing is going to happen. "It's all over the place, but for the 2½ hours you're on the court, you forget that. We've talked about it so many times, how do you address it? They're talking about it amongst themselves. The most important thing is we need to win a game." Former Rockets guard Tracy McGrady has turned his season around as the trigger of the"

Tracy McGrady exceeding Pistons' expectations

February 6

Detroit Free Press

"Tracy McGrady deflects a pass, then races toward the perimeter a few seconds later to close out on an opponent. Later, he catches the ball in the post and drops a nice pass for a cutting teammate along the baseline. This is what a highlight film for McGrady looks like these days. Yes, he can still jump high for an occasional dunk or an impressive move to the basket, but the 31-year-old former scoring champion is contributing for the Detroit Pistons as a dependable point guard. McGrady now facilitates the offense instead of dominating it - but after two seasons ruined by knee problems, he is proving he can still play a major role for an NBA team. "He was a superstar, and he has checked his"

Tracy McGrady feels a return to 'T-Mac' form

January 30

Detroit Free Press

"Tracy McGrady keenly observed last week's announcement of the starters for next month's All-Star Game in Los Angeles. And he will be watching when the reserves are announced this week. McGrady has little doubt he can regain the form that made him a seven-time All-Star before playing with a bum left knee. "There's no question about that," McGrady said Friday when asked if he can return to the All-Star Game. "Even if I'm not an All-Star, I want to get back to that form of player. I feel it's coming. I'm not too far off from that level." With the way he's playing, you tend to believe him. A case can be made that McGrady has been the Pistons' most valuable player. That's not what was expected"

Tracy McGrady-led Pistons beat defense-deficient Magic at Amway Center

January 25

Orlando Sentinel

"It would be tempting to attribute the Orlando Magic's 103-96 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday night to midseason doldrums. Even the best NBA teams suffer two or three embarrassing losses at home. It happens. But perhaps the loss revealed larger problems that must be addressed before the postseason arrives. What will happen if the defense doesn't improve? Won't Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics carve up the Magic more easily in the playoffs than Austin Daye, Tracy McGrady and Tayshaun Prince did on Monday? How about LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat? "Either we get it together or we're just going to be a playoff team that doesn't win a championship," Magic center"

McGrady leaves game with leg strain, Rip gets benched again

January 16

Michigan Live

"After signing a three-year extension in the offseason, there were high expectations for Will Bynum this year. Instead, it has been a season he'd like to forget. Bynum's numbers are down across the board, and he was out of coach John Kuester's rotation before Friday night. But when starting point guard Tracy McGrady pulled up lame after a rebound late in the first quarter, and Richard Hamilton benched for the foreseeable future, Bynum was the beneficiary. Bynum cashed in on the opportunity, scoring 18 points and handing out seven assists as the Pistons rallied past the Sacramento Kings, 110-106. Much like he did with regularity last season, Bynum utilized a lightning-quick first step to"

Two ex-Raptors lead Pistons

January 15

Detroit Free Press

"Two former Raptors draft picks helped beat their former team in the Pistons' 101-95 win tonight in Toronto. Tracy McGrady, drafted in the first round in 1997 by Toronto, led Detroit with 22 points and five assists. Charlie Villanueva, picked by the Raptors in the first round in 2005, added 16 ponts and eight rebounds off the bench. Rodney Stuckey scored 19 points, Greg Monroe had 12 points and seven rebounds and Ben Gordon scored 11 off the bench. Andrea Bargnani led everybody with 31 points. DeMar DeRozan had 15 points, Linas Kleiza scored 13 and Jose Calderon had 11 points and 13 assists. Richard Hamilton did not play for the second consecutive game. He is in the middle of swirling"

Pistons' Tracy McGrady accepts role, flourishes

January 5

Detroit Free Press

"With a résumé that includes seven All-Star appearances and two scoring titles, it would have been reasonable to expect chirping from Tracy McGrady about playing time. But since signing a one-year deal with the Pistons in August, at least publicly McGrady has said all the right things and, by all accounts, has done all that has been expected of him. There were reports in the summer that the Bulls backed away from McGrady after a workout because they had concerns he wouldn't be willing to accept a supporting role. For the Pistons, McGrady, 31, has started only when Rodney Stuckey was unable to go. McGrady started for the Pistons Tuesday night and scored 14 points in Detroit's 108-83 loss to"

Gordon Hayward starstruck over T-Mac, Rip

January 4

The Deseret News

"He hasn't exactly played like one lately, but Gordon Hayward gave a refreshing reminder Monday that he indeed is still a rookie. Only 2-1/2 years removed from high school, the Utah Jazz guard's young eyes light up after the morning shootaround as he talked about playing against Tracy McGrady and the Detroit Pistons for the first time. "From my perspective, you've got T-Mac and Rip Hamilton coming off the bench, and my whole life those are like superstars," the 20-year-old Hayward said. "They obviously have some talented guys." The wide-eyed Hayward, who's just in the third month of his NBA career, admitted to still being a bit awed by the competition he faces on the court. "It is fun"

Tracy McGrady can't pass up chance to spark offense

December 31

Detroit Free Press

"After Tracy McGrady received his third start this season at point guard, the word that kept coming up about his performance was "unselfish." McGrady, subbing for an ill Rodney Stuckey, led the Pistons with 21 points and eight assists in Wednesday night's 104-92 victory over Boston at the Palace and he seemed to get everyone but the ball boy involved on offense. Five other players reached double digits, everyone seemed to touch the ball regularly and McGrady also coaxed strong performances out of substitutes Austin Daye and Chris Wilcox. "He's a playmaker; he's not just a star player," said Daye, who scored 12 points. "He can pass, he can score. Him coming in off the bench definitely"

Tracy McGrady shows court savvy

December 31

Detroit News

"For most of his 15 years in the NBA Tracy McGrady hit three point baskets, drove to the basket and flipped 25-point games like a short-order cook flipping burgers - all the while doing it with a sly sleepy-eyed look. He became T-Mac, a marketing and scoring machine who averaged better than 24 points per game for seven straight seasons. He might become that again some day. But for now he'll settle for being the Pistons' best point guard. McGrady isn't as speedy as he used to be, but he more than makes it up with savvy and a high basketball IQ. If the idea is to win games and play at the Pistons' tempo, then the coach John Kuester should hand the starting point guard duties over to"

Tracy McGrady leads Pistons' shocker over Celtics

December 30

Detroit News

"Tracy McGrady played some point guard early in his career, and returned to those roots Wednesday against the defending Eastern Conference champions. McGrady deferred early and took over late, leading the Pistons (11-21) to an improbable, 104-92 victory over the Boston Celtics, the team with the league's second-best record (24-6). Starting point guard Rodney Stuckey was out because of a stomach virus. McGrady had a season-high 21 points, including two late jumpers, and eight assists. He was the only one who didn't seem surprised by his performance. "It was just a game that I wanted to have under control right away, get us organized," McGrady said. "I'm always confident when I'm on the"

Tracy McGrady, Richard Hamilton thrive vs. Toronto in reserve roles

December 24

Detroit Free Press

"Tracy McGrady was sitting in the visitor's locker room at the Air Canada Centre shortly after the Pistons' 115-93 victory over the Raptors on Wednesday. He was asked about the harmony that he and Rip Hamilton created during the game as they combined for 52 points -- 35 from Hamilton -- as part of the second unit. McGrady just pointed across the locker room at Hamilton and said: "You got a playmaker and shooter and we both know how to play basketball. That's it right there." Although Hamilton has said the right things publicly about going to the bench, one only has to look at his public comments during the 2008-09 season when he was benched in favor of Allen Iverson by coach Michael Curry"

Former Raptors light up the new crew

December 23

Toronto Sun

"The spirits of Raptors past haunted the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday. Ex-Raptors Charlie Villanueva and Tracy McGrady did a number on their former team to help lead the Detroit Pistons to a 115-93 win. The pair combined for 35 points. But it was McGrady, in particular, who really came to the fore, playing with a swagger despite the constant rain of boos from the stands. In 24 minutes, McGrady scored 17 points and picked up seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. He also threw another former Raptor under the bus when it was suggested that most of the fans who boo him at the ACC really don't know why they're booing. He played the Raptors for three seasons from 1997-2000 before"

Tracy McGrady, model citizen and Pistons leader? So far, that's been the case

December 19

Michigan Live

"Looking at the Detroit Pistons and finding bright spots is difficult. Tracy McGrady is one of the rare ones. Some basketball followers thought McGrady would be more trouble than he would be worth when the Pistons signed him to a contract last summer for the veteran's minimum. They questioned whether he would accept a smaller role than he had been accustomed to in the past, whether he would be willing to come off the bench and defer to his teammates. Those people have their answer: McGrady has not rocked the boat since joining the Pistons. Of course, it is impossible to know what McGrady is like in private or what type of influence he has with his teammates in the locker room. But"

Tracy McGrady impresses John Kuester with mentoring skills

December 18

Detroit News

columnist Vincent Goodwill

"Anyone with eyes can see Tracy McGrady's improved play on the floor, but what's gone unnoticed to the average observer is the positive effect he's having on the younger players. He scored 16 in Tuesday night's win against Atlanta, but many times in the fourth quarter, he pulled Rodney Stuckey aside, or motioned for him to slow down and set up the offense as opposed to going full-throttle. Advertisement Pistons coach John Kuester has noted not only McGrady's brimming confidence but also believes his unselfish passing and attitude is contagious. "I'm not in the locker room but I see some good qualities," Kuester said. "There's no forcing of shots. He wants to get everybody involved.""

Pistons' Tracy McGrady able to play more minutes

December 17

Detroit Free Press

"The Pistons are being careful with Tracy McGrady. But if they start getting more quarters where he knocks down triples and fewer games where he is limping, fans might see more. McGrady -- two years removed from microfracture surgery on his left knee -- made four three-pointers in the fourth quarter in Tuesday night's victory over the Hawks. He finished with 16 points. After Thursday's practice, McGrady simply said "yes" when asked if he felt able to play 30 minutes. But he added: "Coach's got his hands full ... trying to play me 30 minutes. We got so many guys at the same position." With Rip Hamilton, Ben Gordon and Tayshaun Prince, minutes are tough."

Pistons' Tracy McGrady favors getting rid of league's age limit

December 11

Detroit Free Press

"Tracy McGrady seems to have an opinion on every subject. So it's no surprise that he would have something to say about the news this week that the NBA labor union was seeking to end the league's rule against high school players jumping to the NBA, through the collective bargaining process. "I'm biased to that, so you know my opinion is based on me agreeing with what the union is trying to do," McGrady said before the Pistons' morning shoot-around Friday at the Target Center. "They never should have changed it." This news strikes home with McGrady, 31, because he was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 1997 after establishing himself as the No. 1 high school player in the country."

McGrady gets a mixed chorus

December 8

Houston Chronicle

"With a little less than four minutes remaining in the first quarter Tuesday night, a light but steady chorus of boos greeted former Rockets star Tracy McGrady as he took the court at Toyota Center. McGrady still calls the Houston area home. But wearing the Detroit Pistons' blue uniform instead of the Rockets' white jersey, he quickly realized he wouldn't be welcomed back with the thunderous ovations he often received during his best playing days in town. The former All-Star didn't receive nearly the villain's welcome LeBron James got last week in the Miami Heat star's return to Cleveland, but McGrady wasn't embraced either. Some applause, however, could clearly be heard as he entered the"

Just a ho-hum homecoming in Houston for Pistons' Tracy McGrady

December 8

Detroit Free Press

"Local media members rushed in after the Pistons' morning shoot-around Tuesday, just as soon as spokesman Kevin Grigg gave the OK. For a guy only averaging only 16 minutes per game, Tracy McGrady sure can draw a crowd. McGrady has been one of the most requested Pistons all season on the road -- which isn't surprising considering his one-time star status in the league. So while his son played with strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander nearby on the Toyota Center floor, McGrady sat courtside and answered questions. And his message? Returning to the place where the 13-year veteran spent 5 1/2 seasons wasn't that big a deal, since he has seen this script before in returns to Toronto and"

No ill will toward T-Mac

December 7

Houston Chronicle

"As Shane Battier left Monday's practice with a stomach flu, teammates could not let him leave the floor without their own diagnosis. They did not quite accuse him of the first case of McGrady-itis suffered in years, but they did suggest that Battier needed to get ready for Tracy McGrady's first game in Toyota Center since the Rockets traded him to New York last February. "We teased him on that," Chuck Hayes said. "We were saying 'Go get your rest. Mac's having his homecoming tomorrow.' " Last season, when the Pistons and Rockets were locked in a tight game at Toyota Center, McGrady was greeted with a standing ovation when he came off the Rockets' bench for the first time that season for an"

T-Mac making a comeback

December 1

Orlando Sentinel

columnist Brian Schmitz

"Tracy McGrady was sweating through his workout clothes two hours before Tuesday night's game against the Magic at Amway Center. His pre-game routine was once headphones, horseplay and a nap. "I never used to do this," he said, a smile crossing his face. "Now I'm old." Warming up his body and a repaired knee is a concession to age and vulnerability. There have been miles accrued and hard roads traveled since T-Mac broke into the NBA as an 18-year-old high-school wonder out of Auburndale in 1997. McGrady sat in a chair that would later become the bench for the Detroit Pistons, his third team since his bitter split from Orlando six years ago. It was here he blossomed into a superstar and a"

Tracy McGrady says he's at his best when he runs the offense

December 1

Detroit Free Press

"Tracy McGrady's comments this weekend about the pairing of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade with the Heat became national news. He said the superstars are having trouble playing together because they have similar games. But McGrady could have been talking about himself when he said both of the players need the ball in their hands to be effective. McGrady's best moments as a Piston have come when he is running the offense through pick-and-roll situations or isolations -- the stuff Wade and James used to reach superstar status. A prime example was McGrady's 13-point second quarter in Sunday's overtime loss to the Knicks. "That's just the type of player that I am," McGrady said before Tuesday"

Pistons fans see Tracy McGrady of old in loss

November 29

Detroit Free Press

"For 12 minutes, Pistons fans got to see the old Tracy McGrady. In the second quarter of Sunday's game against his old team, the New York Knicks, he was unstoppable. He played the entire second quarter, scoring 13 points on an assortment of jump shots, lay-ups, feeds from his teammates and drives to the basket. His first-half line was impressive: 13 points, 6 of 7 field goals made, a three-point play after being fouled by Wilson Chandler, three rebounds and, showing his unselfishness, two assists. "I felt pretty good today," said McGrady after the 125-116 double-overtime loss at the Palace. "I felt like I had a rhythm once I got the ball in my hands. That's just my game, having the ball and"

Tracy McGrady looks strong on court for Pistons

November 29

Detroit News

"Tracy McGrady is often asked how he's feeling after playing extended minutes. He simply smiles and says "I'm fine, I'm fine." In nearly 29 minutes Sunday, McGrady put together his best game of the year: 13 points, six rebounds and three assists. So he must be feeling pretty good, despite the Pistons' 125-116 double-overtime loss to the Knicks a The Palace. McGrady scored all his points in the second quarter, and appeared to look like the "T-Mac" of old. He knocked down jumpers and burned the Knicks on a back door cut for three-point play. It was the kind of effort that gives McGrady some extra motivation as his new team faces Orlando, one of his old teams, on Tuesday in Florida. "I"

T-Mac: Heat mix 'terrible'

November 29

New York Post

"In perhaps the harshest critique yet of Miami's Dream Team, Tracy McGrady said yesterday the chemistry between LeBron James and Dwayne Wade is "terrible" and James should have gone to Chicago. The always outspoken McGrady, the ex-Knick who faced his old team yesterday and scored 13 first-half points, wonders if the 9-8 Heat are going to be big winners. McGrady's Pistons face the Heat Wednesday. "[LeBron] and D-Wade don't complement each other," McGrady said before the Knicks' 125-116 double-overtime victory. "Him and D-Wade and [Chris] Bosh don't complement each other. They're so much the same type of players, LeBron and D-Wade. That's why they're having trouble in the half-court. They"

Pistons' Tracy McGrady envisions return to high-scoring ways

November 22

Detroit News

"The three-day training camp ended Sunday night for Tracy McGrady. He worked with strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander on drills to strengthen his knee and reduce pain in a twisted ankle. And McGrady also invested time in his head, specifically his mental approach, to help overcome the awkward transition from franchise star to role player. McGrady might finally be pain free after lingering effects from a 2009 knee surgery, but his game hasn't recovered. He finished with four points, two rebounds, and two blocked shots in 18 minutes Sunday during the Pistons 115-110 overtime victory over the Wizards."

Pistons' Tracy McGrady plays key role in big comeback attempt

November 17

Detroit Free Press

"Pistons coach John Kuester is getting more comfortable with playing Tracy McGrady. McGrady's playing time is gradually increasing, and he goes into tonight's home game against the Lakers coming off a season high in minutes played -- 26 -- in Monday night's 101-97 loss to the Warriors. McGrady was a main cog for a team that almost overcame a 32-point deficit. "It felt good; it felt weird," McGrady said after his six-point, five-rebound performance. "It definitely felt weird considering I hadn't been out there in quite some time. "Getting that feeling back of closing out games ... granted I'm in a different position of what I used to be. I used to have the ball in my hands and making plays"

Tracy McGrady speaks up in Pistons meeting

November 13

Detroit Free Press

"Tracy McGrady hasn't approached the level of play that made him a seven-time All-Star. No 360-degree dunks, no 30-point outbursts. But if there's a bright spot among the Pistons' 2-6 start, it has been McGrady's leadership. And though he's still working his game into shape, McGrady can offer the wisdom of 14 years in the league to a young team. He admitted after Friday morning's shoot-around before the game against the Clippers that he was reluctant to accept a leadership role considering the presence of veterans Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace."

Tracy McGrady says knee is suddenly feeling better

November 8

Detroit Free Press

"It's a good bet this will be a season of highs and lows for swingman Tracy McGrady. A low came last week during the Celtics game, when he thought for a moment his career might be over. Then there were the two consecutive games where he was a catalyst for the Pistons -- including their first win of the season Friday night, when he started at point guard in place of Rodney Stuckey, who was out because of a disciplinary measure. Then came Sunday, when he didn't play in the second half of the Pistons' 102-97 victory over Golden State after scoring one point in 9 first-half minutes. But McGrady, 31, is happy to be playing after he felt something in his surgically repaired left knee during"

Back-to-back games impact Pistons' veterans

October 31

Detroit Free Press

"Ben Wallace played only 20 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Friday night's loss. Tracy McGrady had a 6-minute cameo in the first half. Folks could be wondering about the lack of playing time for the veterans, but all you had to do is look at the schedule to see the main reason for their lack of playing time in the second half. The Pistons had to hit the road for Saturday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. If you think back to last season, Wallace would at times have a low-minute total in either game of a back-to-back to preserve his legs. And that's the plan again for Wallace, 36. As for McGrady, 31, he is limited to around 15 minutes per game as he is still working his"

Tracy McGrady says he'll be a factor despite limited time tonight

October 27

Detroit News

"New Piston Tracy McGrady looked as relaxed as ever at the team's shoot-around, proud to proclaim he'll be suiting up Wednesday night against New Jersey. Don't expect to see him long, though. He'll play a maximum of 15 minutes, as he eases his way back to playing regularly — and as the coaches figure out the best way to use him. McGrady has been fighting through tired legs in the preseason. "I'm not 100 percent, but I feel well enough to where I can be a big factor," McGrady said. "When I'm out there, I'm going as hard as I can go.""

Pistons' Tracy McGrady impresses coach at practice

October 25

Detroit Free Press

"Pistons coach John Kuester wanted to see what Tracy McGrady had in a spirited five-on-five practice today. The outcome: Kuester was impressed and McGrady energized by his showing. Following the hit-out, Kuester said he was delighted with McGrady's progress with the season opener against New Jersey on Wednesday. McGrady, who signed a one-year deal with the Pistons in the off-season, has seen limited action with his new club, playing 8 minutes at Miami in the first exhibition game and being restricted at practice since. "Tracy did a nice job," said Kuester of the seven-time All-Star who needed microfracture surgery on his left knee in February 2009. "We were able to have a good practice and"

Tracy McGrady practices as Pistons' opener looms

October 25

Detroit News

"Tracy McGrady, true to his word, participated in a Pistons practice for the first time in nearly three weeks Sunday. McGrady, who hasn't played since the exhibition opener against Miami, had said he would be ready for the regular-season opener, even if he didn't practice. Pistons coach John Kuester said he wouldn't play the seven-time all-star without seeing him go through real practices. So there McGrady was, no longer on the sideline working with strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander, but on the floor, playing with and learning how to fit in with his teammates. He said he felt like the skinny rookie with braces who played for the Toronto Raptors in 1999, when he was drafted out"

Tracy McGrady ready to show Pistons what he can do

October 23

Detroit News

"There's no one more anxious for the Pistons' regular season to begin than Tracy McGrady. McGrady hasn't played since the exhibition opener against Miami. Since then, he's circled Oct. 27, the season opener against New Jersey, as his return date. But before the Pistons' final preseason game against Memphis, coach John Kuester said he needs to see McGrady practice five-on-five before putting him out there. "It would be ideal, but if not, I've been in this league long enough to play basketball," McGrady said. "My next practice, I'm out there." McGrady has been missing the explosion that made him a seven-time All-Star during the last decade. He's been working exclusively with strength and"

John Kuester noncommittal on status of Tracy McGrady

October 15

Michigan Live

"Detroit Pistons coach John Kuester was noncommittal when asked about the status of Tracy McGrady, who has not played in the past three preseason games and doesn't expect to play in the next four. "He's working extremely hard with Arnie," Kuester said, referring to strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander. Kuester was asked whether he would be comfortable using McGrady in the season opener -- Oct. 27 at New Jersey -- if McGrady does not play in any more in the preseason. "Arnie will talk about Tracy's status down the road," Kuester said. "Right now, he's just working to get right. That's all I can say right now. We'll make a judgment as time goes on.""