The team source said D'Antoni feels McGrady has too far to go in his comeback to be counted on next season as an important piece of a rotation the coach expects to be massively improved.

If the Knicks sign a wing player with a maximum contract, either LeBron James or Joe Johnson, re-signing McGrady as a rotation player, even at the $1.9 million veteran minimum's salary, seems highly doubtful because of his injury risk.

D'Antoni denied he has ruled out McGrady for next season, saying it is too early to predict next season's roster with too many unknown factors because of their massive amount of cap space. D'Antoni acknowledged McGrady is not a priority, however. When McGrady joined the club in February, D'Antoni expected him to be their best player.
D'Antoni and Walsh have not discussed the final evaluation of McGrady, and the Knicks president said McGrady is on their radar for 2010-2011 at the right price.
"Maybe he can't be the guy, but I think he can be one of the top guys on a team," Walsh said earlier this week. "At least by what he's saying, [he can accept it], and I believe what he's saying. The way he's come into the locker room, everything's been very good."

McGrady still carries himself like a superstar and talks like a superstar, telling The Post Wednesday he will be a "great player" again. By contrast, McGrady also has said he would love to remain a Knick if they sign two max guys and be a role player. "It takes a while to get back. I agree with them, and I don't have it now," McGrady said, referring to the skeptics. "That's why it's a great sign for me to know I will be back to being explosive, to being the type of player I was. I came back quicker than a lot of people expected. It's a great sign to where I was, to where I am now, to how my body feels and knee feels."

When asked if it sounds like he's putting lots of pressure on himself, McGrady said, "I'm not putting pressure on myself. I know I'll be there again. I'll be a great player. I'll be able to have an influence on a team, on a game."

The Knicks have given McGrady everything he wants -- a chance to audition for the NBA. They even allowed his personal bodyguard, Harveaire Berrien, to travel with the club and be in their locker room -- a privilege reserved for the game's elite.

Source: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/not_big_on_mac_qGbcJbQ7Fymv3am3RACuPN

D'Antoni needs to stop being so flaky even though I agree McGrady is pretty much DONE.

Grant Hill spent many seasons not seeing the floor which saved his body. McGrady wasn't so lucky.

That said, if T-Pain is willing to come back for the veterans minimum, you have to do that. I dont care what anybody says.

Another unnecessary and stupid ass quote from our unprofessional coach, btw.

TMS wrote:lol... personal bodyguards in the lockerroom... we need to bring Gilbert Arenas in this summer, at least then there'll be a reason to have bodyguards in the lockerroom.

add in kmart... imagine the pranks and battles those 2 would have.

That pic never gets old

It really is curious the way McGrady gave 1 solid first performance, and then has become really a scrub. That doesn't make any sense.

And here is the kicker - and this goes to the judgement on Walsh & whoever looked at McGrady before we made the deal:

I bet Walsh had other deals that cost less that still dumped Jefferies. But, he was looking to make that move to help save the season, and hence paid more to bring in a former superstar.

Part of this pressure, undoubtedly from Dolan. But Walsh is showing a very poor eye for basketball talent - almost the exact opposite of Isiah.

When we strike out on Lebron, Wade, Amare & Bosh, is Walsh really going to go blow everything on Joe Johnson? And heaven forbid we actually sign 2 of those top prizes- because even those two will need some supporting cast- and Walsh & MDA have yet to find a diamond in the rough while here in NYC.

I think the jest is MDA thinks it will take too long and does not want to hinge the team on his return.

Isn't that smart? I thought this was a good thing.

I have no idea how long he will take to return. But logic says he can be a good player over time and patience.

Grant was no ego monster douche bag having to reform to a role player. He gets it.

nixluva wrote:This is why people hate the media in NY. No real need for a story to be true or not, just stir up the dirt and watch the fun begin.

with 6 different news papers they gotta write something, they can't all focus on one story unless it's a major one.