T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

[jfsolo]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/ian_thomsen/11/09/mcgrady.inside.nba/index.html

Its like Indiana Jones said, "Its not the years it the mileage" Will any of the High School to NBA guys still be in the league at 35? I know these guys want to get paid, but there's something to be said for hanging around college for few years and not taking that extra few years of hard wear and tear on a still developing frame.

I know injuries are playing a large role in it, but these guys are too young to be losing a step already.

[23]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

Not if they're carrying teams alone and playing 40+ minutes per game.

Eventually, Wade will also slow down due to the beating he takes driving in the lane all of the time.

MJ lost some of his insane athleticism although he was still an anomaly, but developed his fadewaway jumper.

Kobe 2 years without Shaq, one season injured, one full season that ended with knee surgery.

Of course after your first decade in the league logging alot of minutes on the floor your body will start to change. Its natural.

Much moreso in big men, but as long as these guys are smart, they'll be okay.

[CMH]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

Tracy has lost a step because of everything KDRE said.

It's also because he has an injury history.

Kevin Garnett jumped straight to the pros and no one is talking about him losing a step.

In shorter words, it has nothing to do with jumping from high school and more to do with the physical beat down these guys face every game.

[SoMiss2000]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

when you lose a step, you play smarter and you compensate. MJ was still dominant even when he came back after the baseball hiatus. O

[Flyboy]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

when you lose a step, you play smarter and you compensate.

Hence why T-Mac does not mind being the #2 man in Houston behind Yao just as long as the team is winning.

[SPTO]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

At least T-Mac admits it.

As others have said it's all about the minutes and the wear and tear the body takes from banging on the floor. The truly exceptional players will learn to compensate for losing a step or two and expand their game.

[Muzyk23]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

Everytime there is a T-Mac topic, he gets mad respect for everything, but, to be honest, what has he accomplished in this league so far? nothing is the answer. In my opinion the guy is done. Reminds me of Penny a little. Great players, but done nothing.

[Pujols91]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

Everytime there is a T-Mac topic, he gets mad respect for everything, but, to be honest, what has he accomplished in this league so far? nothing is the answer. In my opinion the guy is done. Reminds me of Penny a little. Great players, but done nothing.

That came outta nowhere.

Anyway it was a pretty interesting read. There's no doubt in my mind though that TMAC will find a way around it, get smarter and have the same impact he did before, just by doing it in different ways.

[3rdAnswer]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

Hence why T-Mac does not mind being the #2 man in Houston behind Yao just as long as the team is winning.

I didn't realize that was the case for Mac. The team should be really good with all of those role players.

[X*Cell]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

Everytime there is a T-Mac topic, he gets mad respect for everything, but, to be honest, what has he accomplished in this league so far? nothing is the answer. In my opinion the guy is done. Reminds me of Penny a little. Great players, but done nothing.

That came outta nowhere.

I don't know man... I kind of agree with Muzyk23... When MJ lost a step, he was better and smarter than T-Mac is. T-Mac can score, and there is no question about it, but that doesn't make him a Michael Jordan. That makes him a Grant Hill, or a Mark Aguirre. Both players either lost a step, or were slowed due to injuries, and although their numbers didn't look bad (far from it), they weren't MJ's.

I see T-Mac having Mark Aguirre's numbers throughout his career.

[BigTigLSU]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

In dont think anyone was calling TMac Jordan..... I think someone actually stated Jordan is a special case.... The point people are making was that any player that plays alot of years in the league start to compensate for thier loss of physical ability with the mental ability. You cant help but to learn purely based off the experience of years playing.

Look at the Glove... he is no where near his prime but he can step in a play starter minutes for the Heat till JWill comes back because he has learned to listen to his body and knows what he can do when its needed... While contributing other ways until his number is called to be his old self even its only for a 5 min stretch.

[utexas]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

Whatever step he has lost, he is young enough to gain a little of it back and adjust his game.

[WilliamWilliamson]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

That's why the guys who don't rely on athleticism early in their careers are able to adjust so much easier and remain at the top for a longer time.

Look at guys like Tim Duncan, Sam Cassell, and some others. I think some of the younger guys will do the same thing, guys like Joe Johnson, they'll be on top for a long time.

[23]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

Everytime there is a T-Mac topic, he gets mad respect for everything, but, to be honest, what has he accomplished in this league so far? nothing is the answer. In my opinion the guy is done. Reminds me of Penny a little. Great players, but done nothing.

[Muzyk23]

Re: T-Mac: "I'm a step slower"

Dre, you have become very senstive lately. Be easy.