McGrady Works Out for Clippers
After going through a physical on Tuesday, veteran forward Tracy McGrady worked out for the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.
Clippers general manager Neil Olshey was very succinct in his description of McGrady’s time with the Clippers. He said: "The workout/visit went well. Tracy will continue to explore his options as will we."
While this means that the Clippers have most likely not made any sort of decisions, it does not change the fact that the Clippers have a glaring hole they need to fill at small forward. The Clippers recently drafted Al-Farouq Aminu eighth overall and signing free agent Ryan Gomes. The Clippers could still use the 31-year-old veteran for a one-year deal given his size advantage over both players and their relative inexperience.
In regards to how the workout came about, Olshey said: "You're talking about one of the greatest offensive talents in our game, and if Tracy is motivated and he's right, and he wants to be with us ... how could you not bring him in and take a look?"
Unfortunately, McGrady is most likely past his former glory days with the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets. He has been marred by various injuries, including ones to his shoulders, knees, and back. Due to injuries, McGrady has played only 65 games over the span of three seasons. He also hasn't managed to shoot above 40 percent from the field since the 2007-08 season.
McGrady spent last season with the New York Knicks, who gladly signed him due to his expiring contract. For the Knicks, McGrady averaged 9.4 points and 3.7 rebounds while playing just over 26 minutes per game.
After the season McGrady told reporters in New York that he would be working out intensely during the offseason to see if he could regain the skill which degenerated during his year-and-a-half off after microfracture knee surgery. McGrady also noted that he wasn’t going to delude himself and would retire if it didn’t feel right.
According to Olshey reports on McGrady stated that he has been training hard in Houston and Orlando throughout the summer and that initial reports about his condition were benevolent.
The Clippers workout and general feedback has also generated interest in McGrady by certain other teams. According to sources, the Chicago Bulls have begun evaluating McGrady’s health and abilities and have even gone as far as contacting one of his representatives following his workout in Los Angeles.
McGrady himself has stated that he would be interested in joining the Clippers or Bulls, as well as the Miami Heat or the Los Angeles Lakers, though he himself has humorously stated via Twitter: “[T]hat could change by the morning [...] this is the NBA.”
Like the Clippers, the Bulls have not made any real commitment in pursuing McGrady, but they are certainly entertaining the notion. Additionally, McGrady is represented by Arn Tellem and has previously been a target of Chicago’s. Tellem is good friends with Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and Chicago was extremely interested in getting McGrady in 2000 prior to his signing with the Magic.
Then-general manager Jerry Krause met McGrady at O'Hare Airport to court him with a three-piece band, cheerleaders and Benny the Bull.
Regardless of where he goes, it seems that McGrady might still have some gas left in the tank and could be a valuable veteran addition to a team. He is by no means the star he used to be, but he is well aware of his limitations. The Clippers or Bulls would be smart to sign McGrady to a single-year veteran minimum deal.
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