The only issue I would have is the timing of this announcement. Tiki Barber also announced he's retiring from football, and that's their decision, but why make it public in the middle of a season? It becomes a distraction, because the media circus is going to run with this headline and the expectations to win NOW, just elevated to a new level. This is supposed to be a team sport, and TMac making a decision that is best for him, is an act of selfishness IMO. These decisions should be done during the offseason or in private. Maybe he did let his teammates and organization know his intentions, and maybe that decision led to Houston trading for Shane Battier to win now. But if he just made the announcement last night on TNT, then I find it selfish on Tracy's part.
I don't think McGrady meant for it to be a big official announcement. We're talking about three years down the road. That shouldn't have any impact on what the team is doing now. Whether or not he eventually retires is going to depend on the level he's playing at when the time comes. There's no reason for it to be a distraction. And it's not the first time he hinted at this. In the Chronicle (last week?), he said that he'll play out the contract and afterwards it's really up in the air what he'll be doing. Also, I don't think he ever explicitly said he's definitely retiring after the three years. This is all much ado about nothing.
<div class="quote_poster">Blurr#7 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">He did say it, I'm still pissed......you don't hear AI,Kobe,KG or any other superstar say things like that!!! What a little BI#$*!!!</div> Why are you quoting me on this? There isn't much to be angered about. This is a fantastic thing, we're not committed to signing him on three years from now. What he said wasn't final, and he just said "Who knows what I'll be doing in four years?" It's not like he's quitting on the team, he's honoring his contract. Three years from now he won't even be the same player, why would we splash out $20 million a year if he's not going to help us? This isn't even a big issue for us, three years is three years, we have drafts and trades to go through then.
<div class="quote_poster">Mag Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Why are you quoting me on this? There isn't much to be angered about. This is a fantastic thing, we're not committed to signing him on three years from now. What he said wasn't final, and he just said "Who knows what I'll be doing in four years?" It's not like he's quitting on the team, he's honoring his contract. Three years from now he won't even be the same player, why would we splash out $20 million a year if he's not going to help us? This isn't even a big issue for us, three years is three years, we have drafts and trades to go through then.</div> Well he said after his contract was over on TNT. The reason I feel aggaravated is because I've for a long time have questioned his desire to win a championship and that statement say's alot. You don't make those comments!! Already thinking about retiring and the season just started. He just doesn't have "IT" the heart, the will or desire.
Sadly, you may be right Blurr..it seems like T-mac doesn't have the drive to want to win a championship and make stamp on NBA history. Its not right to say things like that when you're in a middle of a season. I love T-mac and I don't want him to end up like all those great players who've had great careers except they never won a championship but if he wants to just fade away like this, its his choice :C is there anyway we could contact T-mac? Perhaps motivate him? hahaha what a pathetic idea huh. btw im also worried..if he's already talking retirement,won't he end up saying the same thing he did about his Orlando days once he retires? 'There were days that I did slack off..' sigh. Don't T-mac. Please dont :C
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">The only issue I would have is the timing of this announcement. Tiki Barber also announced he's retiring from football, and that's their decision, but why make it public in the middle of a season?</div> Tiki's decision was unintentional. He was talking to his brother Ronde about his plans after he retired next year and a reporter overheard him. The reporter asked if he could clarify and Barber decided to just come clean instead of having to face weekly rumours and questions about his retirement. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting igotask8board:</div><div class="quote_post">^Funny way to think of it Chutney. Why would you say that when T-Mac still has 3 years left on his contract?</div> Yea, I am definitely looking ahead too much. But think of it hypothetically. If the Rockets continue to reach and get eliminated around the 2nd round for the next 3 years what could be said about the trade?
