January 22
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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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."
December 17
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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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"
December 8
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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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."
December 18
Detroit News
columnist Vincent Goodwill
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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.""