Atlanta Hawks: Tracy McGrady fumes over playing time
Portland–Hawks forward Tracy McGrady’s private frustrations over his playing time finally boiled over after he played just 4:39 during the 97-77 loss to the Blazers late Saturday.
“I’m tired of this [bleep],” McGrady said. “You can put that in the paper, I don’t give a [bleep].”
McGrady didn’t play after halftime against the Blazers. He didn’t dress for Atlanta’s 101-99 victory at Phoenix Wednesday but said it was his decision to rest for the second game of a back-to-back. Against the Blazers, McGrady never returned after Marvin Williams replaced him with 7:21 left in the first half.
McGrady has played in 26 of 32 games this season for an average of 18 minutes before Saturday’s game. Last season with Detroit McGrady averaged 23 minutes in 72 games.
McGrady said Hawks coach Larry Drew hasn’t offered him an explanation when he doesn’t play him many minutes.
“If you don’t feel I can help, come tell me that,” McGrady said. “He ain’t told me nothing. I just want to help these guys win, man, which I know I can. But, damn, four minutes?”
McGrady made his comments after Drew’s postgame news conference. Earlier this week Drew, speaking generally about the limited amount of minutes available for his many veteran players, said he thinks it’s important to offer them an explanation when they don’t play much.
McGrady said he’s previously approached Drew about the topic but doesn’t plan on doing so again.
“I have before but I’m only going to do that one time,” McGrady said.
Drew has said he’s mindful of saving McGrady’s body from wear and tear. McGrady was a two-time scoring champion before a series of injuries that includes a herniated disk in his back. He suffered back spasms on Jan. 11 and sat out three games.
McGrady said that when he suits up, that means he’s ready to play.
“My body feels great,” McGrady said. “If it didn’t, I wouldn’t play.”
Under CBA rules, McGrady would be eligible for a trade on March 1. He didn’t go so far as to say he wants out of Atlanta but said he wants to play a bigger role for the Hawks.
“Hopefully, I’m here,” he said. “I like it here. I like the guys. That’s what I love most about it. I like the guys in this locker room. But at the same time, I still can play. No doubt in my mind.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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171 comments Add your comment
Sautee
February 19th, 2012
10:33 am
Rusty,
You may have had a point. I just don’t like the idea of T-Mac “shutting it down” in a selfish manner. I would hope that his back truly was the reason for not playing that game we talked about.
If not, c’est la vie. Another selfish athlete. Whooda thunk it.
DHD
February 19th, 2012
10:34 am
The NBA started?
Hawk Fan
February 19th, 2012
11:05 am
This is a good thing. It’s best these issues are getting addressed while we’re still in Feb versus March or April. Still time retool.
MattP
February 19th, 2012
11:22 am
Here is the reason I said I don’t see McGrady coming back next season. I saw this coming because he said many times that he is ready for more minutes and they don’t give it to him.
The Starting Lineup: Stephen Jackson, Tracy McGrady Unhappy. Marc Gasol Very Happy. | NBA 24/7 365
February 19th, 2012
11:26 am
[...] had enough of this sh!t. No, seriously, that’s pretty much exactly what he said. Via the AJC… “I’m tired of this [bleep],” McGrady said. “You can put that in the paper, I don’t [...]
K.W.
February 19th, 2012
11:34 am
I tried to give LD a chance, but what I’ve seen lately just has me smh. The one thing that annoys me with LD, is he always takes out the guy with the hot hand. I really don’t think LD trusts his bench. I’m pretty sure T-Mac isn’t the only one frustrated with LD.
Mitch
February 19th, 2012
11:36 am
This is pretty funny. If this was a BIG market team this would be ALL over ESPN and causing a huge controversy, but since it is just our Hawks this is really not that big of a deal.
skyhawk1
February 19th, 2012
11:40 am
Sources that I can’t disclose right now tell me that the Hawks are shopping Mcgrady. They want either Kobe or Wade and won’t take anything less.
D man
February 19th, 2012
11:40 am
Who cares about this team destined to lose in the first or second round of the playoffs. Bring on the Braves…
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 19th, 2012
11:43 am
This is pretty funny. If this was a BIG market team this would be ALL over ESPN and causing a huge controversy, but since it is just our Hawks this is really not that big of a deal.
***
Also probably has something to do with the fact that T-Mac is a has-been and is not that relevant of a player anymore (amazing how 3 or so years can make a difference). I wish the guy would shoot the damn ball more
Section 303
February 19th, 2012
11:53 am
I have really enjoyed watching T-Mac play this year. He has been a good edition to the team. But, he is wrong on this one. The whole point of bringing him here was so be could help in the postseason. He won’t be able to do that playing a bunch of regular season minutes and getting hurt, which is what will happen if LD gives him too much time.
T-Mac needs to look “Big Picture”. It’s about the postseason, not a Saturday night game in February. Starting to understand why he is ways booed when returning to past stomping grounds. Looks like he is a pain in the ass to deal with. Bringing this to the media is a bush league thing to do.
DawgNole
February 19th, 2012
11:54 am
D man
February 19th, 2012
11:40 am
Who cares about this team destined to lose in the first or second round of the playoffs. Bring on the Braves…
____________________
The Braves?! How’s that any different than what you’re looking at now? They’re just another team “destined to lose in the first or second round of the playoffs”–if they even make it that far.
NT1914
February 19th, 2012
11:56 am
If he doesn’t play now come playoffs he’s not going to be ready to log 30-40 minutes a night man. Be serious.
Realist
February 19th, 2012
11:58 am
Here’s the thing Hawks fans…..the owners don’t care about getting better like we do. They truly don’t. They aren’t planning on making any moves of any note. Their number one priority is staying under the salary cap. Period. There isn’t gonna be any shopping of anyone on this team. They aren’t going to acquire a big name coach if it costs money. They are going to get into the playoffs, maybe get to the second round. They’ll the spin that as success. Other teams see that we have no real trade assets so we aren’t gonna get anything going on the trade front. For those of you saying “trade this piece for that piece,” man do I wish we had a front office that thought like this. When they made joe johnson a max offer again, that ensured losing for years to come. The hawks hands are now financially tied. I wish the Hawks cared about winning as much as you guys do but they don’t.
Brandon
February 19th, 2012
12:02 pm
Hey “D Man” at least the Hawks can make the playoffs. The Braves haven’t won a series in damn near ten years.
DawgNole
February 19th, 2012
12:04 pm
That’s a pretty accurate summary, Realist. And those sorry owners, by their actions, continue to make a major contribution toward helping the city maintain its ongstanding “Losersville” image.
DawgNole
February 19th, 2012
12:05 pm
Make that longstanding.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 19th, 2012
12:08 pm
blevenson at ucg dot com
Email our owner
Realist
February 19th, 2012
12:12 pm
Agreed DawgNole. I feel like this town is pretty much Loserville. Don’t believe in being jinxed but damn, it’s like their is a curse on this town. The pro sports loyalty is pathetic but reality is there are very few people from here and it’s a warm weather town with lots to do. And you ever notice that the one Pro Sports Championship won in this town came by beating a Cleveland team, which is the only bigger Loserville than Atlanta? Kind of funny yet true.
Crazy_88
February 19th, 2012
12:14 pm
I have no problem with Tracy voicing his displeasure with his playing time. This isn’t about Tracy being selfish or wanting more attention. Its about the Hawks losing games and the coach not using him effectively.
For the most part Tracy hasn’t sat out the second of a back to back or the third game of a back to back. Phoenix is the only game he sat out in that regard. He’s had 3 games rest and LD playing him 4 min is some b.s.
The Hawks got Tracy to help them make a stronger playoff push but If the team is steadily losing games there will be no post season push and I think Tracy see’s that.
Tracy is like a vintage sports car. He doesn’t have the ignition to just go 0-60 mph in 3 seconds but If you slowly climb in the acceleration he will be at 60 mph in 20 seconds…
LD should be running ” point forward ” he should be put in situations to score the ball on curls..elbow..and in the post.
You can tell when LD coaches desperate because he leaves his starters in wayyyy too long..he starts trying to mix and match bench players that have no synergy on the court and he gives Vlad 20 + minutes because he’s hoping he will rain a bunch of 3’s..
What’s disturbing about watching the Hawks is that when they start getting blown out by 10, 15, 20 pts..its usually in the late first quarter and it snowballs from there..we all can see it happening…but LD see’s it and does nothing in the regard of a in game adjustment or lineup reshuffle..
There is no offensive discipline on this team IMO and that’s probably because the offense sets that LD runs are primarily just a bunch of ISO’s…I rarely see any backdoor cuts…backdoor screens…there is no motion offense on this team…a lot of b.s dribble drives…tough fadeaway shots…and missed layups…and the starters are the primary culprits..
Crazy_88
February 19th, 2012
12:26 pm
” Realist ” you are preaching to the choir.. and I said it a month ago..that mgmt is not invested in trying to win or taking 1 step forward in making this team into a championship contender this yr.
For those of you who think they threw in the towel when Horford got insured…no sir…they knew they weren’t going to try and win when the season was announced a go.
Tracy didn’t sign with Atlanta because he needs the $$$ dude is PAID. He came to ATL because he wanted to further prove that he can still play and help a team win big. If he wanted to just ride the bench playing spot minutes he would’ve signed with Chicago which he probably regrets because in Chicago his minutes and role would’ve been smaller but with all the injuries (Rose, Deng, Hamilton ) he would’ve gotten 20 + minutes because they need help off their bench.
ron
February 19th, 2012
12:27 pm
The hawks knew they were getting a head case when they signed this “Butt Hole.” He played a major role in the insurgent against the Detroit head coach last season. He’s had problems in Houston and Orlando which lead to both teams departing ways with him. Why should the Hawks be any different.Trade? What can you get for him? Come to terms on a buy-out or whatever and release or waive him, see if any teams will claim him.Professional teams are exercising restraint in bringing in head cases. Ask T.O.
not a Drew fan
February 19th, 2012
12:35 pm
The Hawks have won games this year despite of Larry Drews inability to coach in game time situations. McGrady def has a beef. McGrady is well past his prime, but he has enough game to get 12 – 14 minutes a game. Sure, he is not dominating on defense, but the guy knows more (and is capable of) about the offensive game than Drew ever did or does now.
Alan
February 19th, 2012
12:59 pm
TYPICAL THUG! I wish they would just do away with the NBA.
Jays Brain
February 19th, 2012
1:01 pm
How old is Mcgrady, 16?
Act like a damn man instead of a punk Mcgrady. When you become a coach(LOL) then you can determine who plays and when.
Now coach Drew and Atlanta Spirit, you guys man up and tell T-Mac that!
Rick James
February 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
@ron
The hawks knew they were getting a head case when they signed this “Butt Hole.” He played a major role in the insurgent against the Detroit head coach last season. He’s had problems in Houston and Orlando which lead to both teams departing ways with him. Why should the Hawks be any different.Trade? What can you get for him? Come to terms on a buy-out or whatever and release or waive him, see if any teams will claim him.Professional teams are exercising restraint in bringing in head cases. Ask T.O.
————————————————————————————————————————————-
This is what always amazes me about sports fans in Atlanta and why our teams will never win anything.Some fans only want guys who do as they are told and shut up.Any player with an edge,who speaks out or questions decisions is always villafied by some fans.We are all allowed to question things on our jobs that concern us.Why is it cant a pro athelete do the same thing without being called names.Again your attitude is why teams in Atlanta only sign poster boys and will never win anything.Tracy McGrady obviously wants to play and earn his paycheck instead of sitting on the bench waving towels with Jerry Stackhouse and stealing money.
Bravesfan79
February 19th, 2012
1:11 pm
I want tmac on the floor… period! Hes got a great 3pt stroke, and still has moves around the basket. I thought drew was saving him for the playoffs is why he was not getting much time.
Bravesfan79
February 19th, 2012
1:13 pm
Anyone who dosent like what Tmac brings to a team is a moron! Dude can still play (better than marvin ever could), and he brings leadership and heart. Those Houston teams with tmac, mutombo, and yao are still my favorite team ever to play with on NBA 2k.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 19th, 2012
1:16 pm
T-Mac should chill out. He already plays for the best sports team in Atlanta, and we’re winning the championship this season. Buy season tickets and see for yourself.
Bravesfan79
February 19th, 2012
1:18 pm
Anyone that thinks Atlanta is “looserville” should move to detroit. Or maybe even NY, since the Nets and Knicks are so awsome and have won so many titles recently.
TMACfan
February 19th, 2012
1:20 pm
If you guys are saying that McGrady did the wrong thing, then you haven’t watched TMAC through out his career. The dude wants to win, quite frankly, LD keeps getting out coached against better teams with a record of .500 or better.
TMACfan
February 19th, 2012
1:23 pm
Can anyone explain our terrible record against winning teams??
The only reason I see is LD.
tbone
February 19th, 2012
1:40 pm
“He ain’t told me nothing. I just want to help these guys win, man, which I know I can. But, damn, four minutes?”
I love double negatives.
steve a smith
February 19th, 2012
1:47 pm
I am a MAJOR T-Mac fan now. Now call out that scrub Marvin Williams.
steve a smith
February 19th, 2012
1:52 pm
Time to be “Righteous” Drew is forced to play Marvin because of salary and Marvin clearly does not deserve to start. Ivan or T-Mac should be starting and the entire team knows it!!!!!
Drewcat
February 19th, 2012
1:54 pm
GET A DAMN BIG MAN SUND…(and i ain’t talkin no Dampier either!!!)
Wink
February 19th, 2012
1:55 pm
TMac just want to play. He does not need the money. He chose the Hawks over Chicago, probably because he saw an opportunity to play major minutes and help a team win. We have no marquee talent and were in need of leadership which he could provide.
Also, managament must agree with that because they know he chose them and was playing great off the bench and closing out games in the 4th quarter earlier in the season. The fact that Stackhouse is on the bench tells me they felt veteran leadership was necessary.
Now if you understand that, why would it surprise you that these two guys long standing veterans would say something. Do you expect Josh, Teague, or Joe to say something to rock the boat. They made their statement before preseason to add a big man and management laughed and ignored them. So if I came to help you win, you agreed that I could help, I am near the my career, you wanted leadership and I don’t need
your money, then I should speak up because you are violating our agreement in some form. Additionally, he spoke to Drew in private about the situation and nothing was done about it…what does it matter then that he goes public and say you can print that. All the backlash goes to management, you can listen, you can trade him, you can release him…really does not matter to TMac because he can get a job in the league.
Drew should listen, TMac has been more of a facilitator than a two time scoring champion ball hog. He is attempting to fit in and be the player that makes everyone else better. In those four minutes he played he had a wide open three at the top of the key, but made a skip pass to Joe in the corner, who promptly hit the side of the rim…a ball hog would have taken that shot. He has to play to be effective, just like bringing Hinrich back you felt the need to play him to get him back in shape at the expense of the production that was coming from the bench..;Pargo, Green, Tracy!
Everyone can see Drew is messing up the minutes…it took a player to go public because this forum has no impact on Drew!!!
northcyde
February 19th, 2012
2:00 pm
Mr Ma. I agree.
Don’t know WTF you typed, but I agree.
nick p.
February 19th, 2012
2:12 pm
for the life of me why we took marvin over chris paul or deron williams is still a wtf moment, but tracy should be loggingmarvinminutes and marvin should be logging tracy minutes, its not like this core of hawks line up has not had time to prove thair abilities, its been the same lame team for four to five years now, so play mcgrady more and see if it can be better!
jerry
February 19th, 2012
2:13 pm
Look at the orlando game when tmac was given meaningfull minutes. he created ton of shots and had 15 points in around 18 minutes. mostly operating in the high post. since that game he has been given limited minutes.
right call
February 19th, 2012
2:25 pm
WHEN YOUR TEAM IS LOSING THE GREAT TEACHERS MAKE ADJUSTMENT MY BAG THE HAWKS DON’T HAVE ONE, THEY HAVE A SUBSTITUTE. T-MAC KEEP YOUR HEAD UP TELL JERRY THE SAME THING
northcyde
February 19th, 2012
2:26 pm
Section 303, I can’t tell you how much I disagree with your 11:53 am post.
T-Mac is a former SUPERSTAR in this league. He can effectively play 3 positions, especially when the Hawks go zone. If he’s not hurt, there’s really no reason why Drew shouldn’t be playing him more. His skilkset is way too valuable to be wasting on the bench.
But the main reason why I disagree is because the Hawks NEED a top 2 seed to advance in the playoffs. If they’re not playing to get a #2 seed, we’re going to be talking about another 2nd round loss, possibly even a 1st round loss.
People think that benching Marvin solves our problems. Nope. The problem is that Drew doesn’t know his personnel. I mean, you can bench Marvin for T-Mac, but the personnel issues will still persist as long as Drew doesn’t understand who needs to be playing in certain situations.
Maybe T-Mac is our best backup PG, not Hinrich or Pargo. Why can’t T-Mac get time at all 3 perimeter positions to really help the Hawks?
Saving McGrady for the playoffs, and the Hawks are a 7th seed, would be a recipe for disaster.
I said a week ago that Drew needs to cut this lineup down to an 8 + 1 man rotation, with Willie, T-Mac, and Ivan getting the regular rotation minutes off the bench, with Kirk/Pargo or Vlad ( and now Dampier ) getting no minutes or spot minutes.
But the tendency of Drew since he’s been the head coach is to make offensive minded substitutiond in order to correct problems.
Drew has to know his personnel better. There is a reason why no one wanted a guy like Vlad. So why is he getting 6th man minutes lately?
steve a smith
February 19th, 2012
2:26 pm
Rick Sund may be attempting to “DUPE” another team into trading for “starvin Marvin” however, i do not anyone taking the BAIT on this one.
steve a smith
February 19th, 2012
2:32 pm
No more draft picks for washed-up players over 30.
ali
February 19th, 2012
2:35 pm
Jerry is spot on. When Tracy has been given meaningful minutes he has more then deliverd. Look at the at the Indy game where he shut Granger down on defense and on offense was critical in the 4th.The same with the Magic game. I would also be furios if Rad whom is a scrub is getting my minutes.
steve a smith
February 19th, 2012
2:57 pm
We should have traded for J. R. Smith 1 year ago. Huge mistake.
Joe
February 19th, 2012
3:10 pm
Where is Ericka? Isnt the 10 day contract over? We need a center!
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
February 19th, 2012
3:17 pm
“Anyone that thinks Atlanta is “looserville” should move to detroit”
Yeah, they’re looser in Detroit. Lotta losers in Atlanta.
northcyde
February 19th, 2012
3:21 pm
How I would distribute the minutes:
PG: Teague ( 34 ) – T-Mac ( 7 ) – Hinrich/Pargo ( 7 )
G: JJ ( 24 ) – Green ( 16 ) – T-Mac ( 6 )
F: Marvin ( 24 ) – JJ ( 12 ) – T-Mac ( 12 )
PF: Smith ( 36 ) – Ivan ( 8 ) – Marvin ( 4 )
C: Zaza ( 32 ) – Ivan ( 8 ) – Dampier ( 8 )
Total minutes:
JJ – 36
Smith – 36
Teague – 34
Zaza – 32
Marvin – 28
T-Mac – 25
Green – 16
Ivan – 16
And Damp + Kirk/Pargo playing less than 10 minutes a game.
It’s about knowing your personnel. Green is an instant offense type scorer. Ivan is one of the best offensive rebounders on the team. And T-Mac may be the most versatile player on the team. Why wouldn’t you as a coach give those guys consistent minutes every night?
You completely remove Vlad from the rotation because he doesn’t do anything more special or better than any of our other forwards. He’s not a playmaker or a guy who can score off the dribble like T-Mac. He isn’t a better rebounder than Ivan, especially on the offensive glass. And he doesn’t shoot the three ball any better than Marvin. And his defense overall isn’t a significant game changer.
He’s arguably the most redundant player on the team. So why is he getting major minutes over guys who can impact the game in specific areas?
Know your personnel Drew.
Ripdog
February 19th, 2012
3:25 pm
T-Mac really can contribute more minutes. I’ve been to a couple of games and he’s still a very productive player when he’s on the court. If he wants more minutes, give it to him.