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NEWS ARCHIVE THE SEASON IS OVER, NOW WHAT? $IGN TMAC We analyze Tmac's 3 most likely destinations
Toronto: Why? He's comfortable here, Butch Carter has been a father to Tracy, Cousin Vince, Vince + Tracy= Scary. If Tracy McGrady looks into the future, staying in Toronto would be a good thing; him and Vince are proving to be a deadly one-two punch that may soon be unstoppable. Another reason for him to stay in T.O is his loyalty towards Butch Carter, to whom Tracy says he owes a lot of his developed game to. Toronto can also pay the most $$$$ Why Not? He hates the cold weather, He doesnt want to play second fiddle to Vince, he wants more endorsements. Basically if he leaves Toronto it's because he wants more. Orlando: Why? Sunny weather, Coach of the Year Doc Rivers, Tracy's home state, the starting place of his boyhood idol, Penny Hardaway. Many journalists have Tmac ready and packed for the Sunny State of Florida because to them it all makes sense. Why not? Orlando has tons of cap room, and in addition to McGrady would re-sign another bigger name ( Tim Duncan? Grant Hill? Eddie Jones?) This would simply eliminate Tmac's chances at being the man in Orlando, making him second fiddle once again. So...if you're going to play Robin, mind as well let your cousin be Batman, right? Chicago: Why? To be the man, To perform in one of the top markets in the United States, Endorsement deals, The challenge of filling in the shoes of #23. Although Tracy said earlier that Chicago was not a destination, many seem to think it is. Why Not? Its friggin cold in Chicago, Can Tracy take the impact of winning 45 games this season, and then going to Chicago and playing for the lottery? He's only 21, He may cry for his mommy, Losing isn't fun.
Final Decision: Orlando has everything Tracy McGrady wants, Toronto has his heart. Does he leave father-figure Butch and Cousin Vinny for the sunny skies of Orlando? We'll just wait and see. RAPTORS CLINCH WINNING SEASON, TMAC TO CHICAGO A DONE DEAL? BULL - The magic number for the Toronto Raptors went down to 2 last night, after they beat the Chicago Bulls 98-79 in front of a sold out crowd at the United Center. While most of the attention was placed on Tracy McGrady, Dee Brown stepped it up for the Raptors drilling 3 point shot after 3 point shot. McGrady was hounded by reporters both pre and post game, asking about his future, and the possibility of coming to Chicago. Tracy has reiterated time and time again that he has yet to make up his mind, despite what some journalists say. In an interview with Hoopsworld Radio, Tmac even stated that he wasn't building a house in Orlando, he was just merely buying a new one to imrpove his living arrangement (since his hometown is 30 mins from Orlando). Notes: NBC has dropped the April 16th game vs Chicago, the game has been picked up by CTV and will air at 3:00pm EST
BAD NIGHT FOR McGRADY AND THE RAPTORS AS DICE ROLLS IN T.O. - It would've come sooner or later for Tracy McGrady, a bad a game. Tracy does have a valid excuse though, he has been hampered by the flu this past week. The same cannot be said for the Toronto Raptors, who once again almost came back from a deficit they dug themselves too deep into. The Raptors lost to the Denver Nuggets 95-91 at the ACC Friday Night, with Antonio Mcdyess leading the way for the Nuggs with 24 points. Vince Carter was cold in the first half with only 4, but went madd for 27 in the 2nd half, which wasnt enough for the Raptor comeback. Tracy McGrady finished with 3 points on 1 of 9 shooting, OUCH. Notes: The Raptors play the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
CARTER DUNKS HIMSELF INTO HISTORY - Vince Carter put on a show that not many will forget. The resurrection of the Slam Dunk Contest was highlighted by Carter's dazzling display of aerial acrobatics. Vince pulled off some dunks that none of us have seen before, including a through-the-legs slam after catching it in mid-air, or a 360 windmill; both dunks getting him perfect scores. After Vince's first dunk it was evident that there would be no point in continuing, but as they say, the show must goes on. Vince continued to entertain the crowd in Oakland, as well as his fellow all stars who couldn't believe what they were seeing. Tracy McGrady put in a great performance, but a blown dunk in the final round put him at 3rd place behind runner-up Steve Francis. It was a great opportunity for Tracy to showcase his athleticism and ability, and he took advantage of the opportunity by impressing many with his dunks. But tonight was Vince's night, the true king of Dunk. Notes: Video Clips of Tracy McGrady's dunks from the contest can be found in the videos section, in avi format. / Tracy McGrady hurt his wrist while performing one of his dunks, and had an ice pack on it, he could not extend his fingers all the way.
JORDAN LURING TMAC TO D.C? - Michael Jordan may be trying to steal Tracy McGrady from Toronto. Although the Wizards do not have much money to offer Tracy (most could be a 3 year, 9 million dollar deal) Jordan has the power of giving Tracy an endorsement to his clothing line, which could possibly even out to be worth the maximum. Jordan sees Tracy as a young Scottie Pippen, and wants to bring him to the Wizards. It is obvious that Vince Carter will receive most of the big name endorsements up here in Toronto, so will this drive Tracy to D.C? Can endorsement deals win over a Coach's father-type bond, a close cousin friendship, and a winning team? More as we get it. ****NBA.COM SLAM DUNK PREVIEW**** Email me at joe@j0e.us with some dunks that you would like to see performed and I'll post them on the site!
- TMAC to the RACK presents its NBA.COM Slam Dunk Preview. 6 competitors make up the competition with Toronto Raptors Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter leading the way. They are joined by Jerry Stackhouse, Larry Hughes, Steve Francis and Ricky Davis (replaces Antawn Jamison). Lets meet the competitors with a mini dunk scouting report on each of them:
Tracy McGrady, Toronto Raptors: Well, you can call me biased, but I don't think there are many people who will disagree with me when I say that Tracy will give Vince a run for his money. McGrady combines height with tremendous athleticism and has built up a reputation as one of the best dunkers in the NBA. Look for the dream matchup when Tracy and Vince square off in the Finals, we will witness some dunks we can only dream of. If you're the kinda person who doesnt wanna pick the favorite, pick Tracy, he's your best bet. Our Odds: 3/1
Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors: Vince is the clear-cut favorite in this competition. His ability to perform hair-raising dunks during game situations puts him a level ahead of everyone else. Vince has great body-control while in mid-air, his hangtime, creativity, and athleticism give him a startling advantage over the rest. Expect Vince to pull off some sh*t that we've never seen before, get your VCR's ready, Vinsanity has took over the land. Our Odds: 2/1
Ricky Davis, Charlotte Hornets: Even after recent knee surgery, Davis brings to the table incredible leaping ability. Replacing hometown favorite Antawn Jamison in this competition, Davis could be coming out with something to prove, he's our sleeper of the competition. Our Odds: 15/1
Steve Francis, Houston Rockets: The Spud Webb of this years competition, Francis can definitely get up there with the rest of them. Boasting one of the best verticals in the NBA, Francis has the advantage of making his dunks look more impressive because of his height. Francis should be a fan favorite in this competition second to Vince Carter, and we're picking him to get to the Finals. Our Odds: 4/1
Larry Hughes, Philadelphia 76ers: Here is another player with something to prove. Larry has said that he plans to use this competition has a platform to showcase his skills, as the trade deadline approaches. Larry is very athletic and there's no doubt he can dunk the basketball. Larry's soft physique will limit his power dunks, so we'll mostly see finesse dunks from him. Our Odds: 9/1
Jerry Stackhouse, Detroit Pistons: Jerry has a very good chance of taking this thing. While many may overlook him for his fellow North Carolina Tar Heel alumnus, Stackhouse is a tremendous finisher and could surprise a lot of people in Oakland. He combines power and finesse which could be just what the doctor ordered. Our Odds: 6/1
Tracy continues to shine, but Raptors get decked by Spurs. - Tracy McGrady continued his recent strong play last night in San Antonio. He came off the bench and scored 21 points, along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists, all in 29 mins. The Raptors however could not stop Tim Duncan and the defending champion Spurs, losing 112-95. The Raptors came out blazing starting out 6/6 from the field but than missed 8 of their next 13 shots and didnt pick it up for the rest of the night. Duncan had a monster game scoring 32 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and dishing out 7 dimes. The loss ended the Raptors mini 2 game win streak vs the Spurs, and ended the team's current 4 game winning streak. The Raptors head to MIlwaukee as they renew their rivalry with their friends from Wisconsin; the last time these two teams met, 3 players were ejected and the Raptors lost in a blowout.
T-mac staying put, Butch says - Toronto Raptors head coach Butch Carter put an end to Tracy McGrady rumours as he took a stand, saying that the Raptors WILL NOT trade the 20 year old swingman. As time goes on, it makes more and more sense that Tracy should re-sign here. (1) His relationship with Butch Carter has become somewhat of a father-son bond. (2) The team is winning, and Tracy's role has grown much larger, he believes that this team needs him, and vice versa. (3) Cousin Vinny (4) Orlando has just traded for Ron Mercer, who says he wants to stay in Orlando, is there room for both of them in DisneyWorld? I don't think so; Unless there is a startling turn of events, I believe that Tracy McGrady will be back in a Raptor uniform next year, he'll be back a better player, a very wealthy one.
Notes: The Toronto Raptors are in San Antonio tonight to face the defending champion Spurs. The Raptors have taken the last two meetings. / Vince Carter was this year's leading vote getter for the all-star game
Tmac for Mash? - Peter Vescey of the New York Post reported a rumoured deal between the Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat. The deal would involve Tracy McGrady and Alvin Williams, sent to the Heat in return for Jamal Mashburn and Anthony Carter. Mashburn would provide a solid shooter on the starting lineup, something the Raptors have lacked this season. With the aid of a solid shooter on the floor, teams will be more reluctant to double-team Vince Carter, making the Raptors a very dangerous team. Anthony Carter played well in filling in for injured Tim Hardaway, but has yet to prove he is a solid point guard. In my opinion, I do not think GM Glen Grunwald will trade McGrady before the deadline, unless Tracy makes it known that he has no intention in re-signing with the Raptors.
Notes: Tonight's Game between the Wizards and Raptors may be postponed due to heavy snowfall in Washington. The Wizards did not fly out of D.C last night / Michael Jordan will not be in attendance / The Raptors signed Antonio Lang to another 10-day Contract / Dell Curry may suit up for the Raptors tonight but will play limited minutes, he is still nursing a injured heel.
With Vince a non-factor, Tracy powers Raptors to victory. - The Toronto Raptors ended a 3 game losing streak Sunday afternoon with a 94-77 victory over the red-hot Seattle Supersonics. Vince Carter pulled a hamstring early, returned to the game, but got into foul trouble in the 3rd and never returned, he finished with 13 points. Tracy McGrady stepped up big for the Raptors producing 17 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists in 34 mins of play off the bench. Tracy also received help with great games from Kevin Willis, Antonio Davis, and Charles Oakley. Next game is Wednesday vs the Washington Wizards ( 7 pm EST tipoff, Sportsnet) Notes: Dont forget to catch Tracy on "Off the Record" Monday at 6:00 pm EST on TSN.
(1-21-00)McGrady: "I know what I am going to do after this season...Nobody else knows." - Tracy McGrady spoke to the Toronto Sun yesterday about his future with the Raptors. What will determine where he ends up? "I am going to make my decision based on where my heart takes me." What exactly does that mean Tracy? Does your heart want to be the only star in town, a town with no winters? or does your heart want to continue leading this team with the aid of your cousin, on the verge of something special? Noone knows but Tracy McGrady. What we can count on though is the dramatic unfolding of this whole situation in the coming months. Raptors fans, brace yourselves, these could be the last games we will ever see Tracy play in the Purple and White.
(1-20-00)McGrady back on the block? - The Toronto Sun reports that the Raptors may be looking to deal Tracy McGrady. Despite Glen Grunwald's reluctance to trade Tracy, a bad January for the Raptors has called for some roster shakeup. Team officials league-wide have stated that the Raptors are now taking teams' best offers for the 3rd year swingman, now in the final year of a 3 year contract. Names like Mookie Blaylock, Glen Rice and Larry Hughes have been tossed around, but there have been no major trade talks between the Raptors and another NBA team concerning McGrady. To read the full article, click here.
(1-19-00)Tracy & Vince to participate in Slam Dunk competition during All Star Weekend in Golden State. - Tracy McGrady and cousin Vince Carter will take their high wire act to California during the 2000 NBA All Star Weekend in Golden State. Both have been picked to participate in the slam dunk competition. Other competitors include; Larry Hughes, Steve Francis, Antawn Jamison and Jerry Stackhouse. (1-18-00) Mcgrady, Carter, and Davis to appear on "Off the Record" Monday January 24th. - Tracy McGrady will appear on the popular TSN show "Off The Record", hosted by Michael Landsberg. WIth him on the show will be fellow teammates Vince Carter and Antonio Davis. You can catch the broadcast on Monday January 24th at 6:30 pm EST on TSN.
(1-17-00) McGrady questionable for game vs Hornets. Oakley suspended. - Tracy McGrady is still feeling the effects of a Kevin Willis elbow from Saturday Night's game in Milwaukee. Tracy is questionable for tonight's game, still feeling a little woozy after taking the hit to the head. Charles Oakley will not play tonight for the Raptors, he has been suspended by the league for one game due to an infraction he had with the ref in Saturday Night's game vs the Bucks. Also: The Hornets will have a pre game ceremony tonight to honor the late Bobby Phills.
(1-16-00)McGrady rumours heating up. - Many player movement scenarios are popping into NBA articles all across America, with Tracy McGrady finding his name in a few of them. Not awhile back, Peter Vescey reported the Sixers and Raptors were talking Hughes for McGrady, both those talks have calmed; now we're hearing things like Tracy on his way to Miami for Mash and Point Guard Anthony Carter. But none of these rumours strike fear into the minds of Raptors Fans, because GM Glen Grunwald has insisted that he will not move the 3rd year swingman, and re-signing Tracy is top priority. The Orlando Sentinel however released an interesting article, stating that Tracy has made Orlando his top destination for next year. - - "And Toronto guard/forward Tracy McGrady said last week that working out a deal in Orlando -- where he already has a home -- would be his top choice" - - Click here to read full article
(1-15-00) Raptors get roughed up by Bucks, McGrady plays only 1 min after being elbowed. - Antonio Davis and Charles Oakley were ejected in last nights game, as the Raptors lost to the Bucks 118-97. Davis was ejected for fighting with JR Reid, and Oakley for arguing a very questionable flagrant foul call. Tracy McGrady entered the game in the 2nd quarter but a minute later was forced out after being elbowed by his own teammate Kevin Willis. Tracy was taken to a local Milwaukee hospital, tests done on his head came out negative. He flew with the team to Charlotte.
(1-14-00) Tracy scores 15 points, grabs 5 rebounds in big win vs Bucks. - Vince Carter scored a career-high 47 points as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Milwaukee Bucks for the first time this season, 115-110. Carter was on fire from the start scoring 17 first quarter points. Later in the game, electrified the ACC crowd with one of the best windmill dunks ever. Tracy McGrady provided a huge boost off the bench, making a timely steal off Sam Cassel which led to a basket plus the foul. The Raptors complete the second half of the home and home with the Bucks tonight at the Bradley Center (8:30 TIP, Sportsnet)
(1-13-00) Athletedirect.com launches Tracy McGrady section! - Athletedirect.com, a website which features journals by famous athletes, launched a section dedicated to Tracy McGrady. Tracy will submit journals monthly to keep in touch with his fans about whats going on in his life, on and off the court. Fans may also ask Tracy questions through message boards. Other well-known athletes who are apart of this website: Kobe Bryant, Ken Griffey Jr, and Marvin Harrison.
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