Either Tracy McGrady is too old, or he is just not a good fit for the Hawks. T-Mac is averaging only 18 minutes per game, which is not something he is accustomed to. He has been quietly frustrated about his lack of playing time throughout the entire season, but McGrady finally decided to go public with his complaints after Saturday’s 97-77 loss to the Blazers.
“I’m tired of this (expletive),” McGrady said according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “You can put that in the paper, I don’t give a (expletive).”
McGrady played only 4:39 of Saturday’s game and sat during the entire second half. The Hawks are 19-12 and have had success this season, so it’s obvious the coaching staff doesn’t consider T-Mac to be a valuable asset. Considering this is his 14th season of an injury-plagued career, McGrady shouldn’t be surprised by his limited role. He does, however, think he deserves an explanation.
“If you don’t feel I can help, come tell me that,” he said. “He ain’t told me nothing. I just want to help these guys win, man, which I know I can. But, damn, four minutes? … I like it here. I like the guys. That’s what I love most about it. I like the guys in this locker room. But at the same time, I still can play. No doubt in my mind.”
The Hawks are on their way to the playoffs, but it’s clear that isn’t the most important thing for T-Mac. Maybe his God-given talents are still hindering his practice ability, which has discouraged Atlanta’s coaches from putting him on the floor.
