Word was moving quickly yesterday after an ESPN report, that Tracy McGrady might sign with the Chicago Bulls for next season. McGrady was one of the ‘Big Three’ that we discussed were on the verge of either signing or retiring this summer. The Bulls have definite interest, provided McGrady is healthy and is willing to come off the bench as a role player. Now although ESPN is basically talking like it’s a done deal. Those are two pretty big “if’s”. Actually i’d say they are gigantic.
The Bulls are prepared to sign Tracy McGrady if he proves to be sufficiently healthy in a workout Monday and can convince the team he is willing to accept a bench role, one source familiar with Chicago’s thinking said Sunday.
“Nothing is done until it’s done, but I expect the Bulls to sign McGrady later this week,” the source said.
Another unknown is what kind of contract McGrady can command from the Bulls. But McGrady has said money and years are not priorities after earning nearly $23 million last season with Houston and New York.
Although he has expressed interest in snagging one of the spots on Miami’s bench in support of the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh triumvirate and he auditioned for the Los Angeles Clippers last week, Chicago is undeniably where McGrady has been hoping to wind up.
McGrady made his desires evident in several recent messages on his Twitter feed, including his pronouncements Saturday that he has “unfinished business” with the Bulls and that it “could be fate this time round” with Chicago after drawing serious interest from the Bulls in the 1997 draft and again during free agency in 2000. {via}
Instead of asking if he’s healthy, the more appropriate question from the Bulls should probably be: ‘Is T-Mac broken beyond repair?’. Why? Because the man has never been healthy. From constant back problems, to knee and ankle injuries, Tracy McGrady has been the Mr. Glass of the NBA All-Stars for many years now. He’s one of the least durable players around.
Granted he no longer plays the slashing, high flying style of game of his younger years, but I still wouldn’t put too much faith in McGrady playing a full 75+ games in a season if I were the Bulls. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be effective in limited minutes helping to spread the floor with his jumpshot. Which brings us to the second question the Bulls are asking. Is McGrady willing to accept a roster spot coming off the bench? My guess is, McGrady will say all the right things leading up to, and at the time of signing, but for a player who could score buckets with the best of them all-time in the NBA, he will likely not be truly happy without at least 25-30 minutes a night.
But who knows, McGrady could surprise us all. He may have finally gotten the time off to rest his body he’s needed to get right. He also may realize he’s closing in on retirement and be willing to accept a lesser role for a team that desparately needs bench production and depth.
Is McGrady the answer the Bulls have been looking for?
