McGrady will have surgery, is out for the year

The season has been a major disappointment for Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets. It might have just gotten worse.

The forward told ESPN.com's Stephen A. Smith on Tuesday that his troublesome left knee will end his season and that he will undergo microfracture surgery.

McGrady's name had come up earlier Tuesday in reported trade discussions between the Rockets and New Jersey Nets. The Nets were leery of McGrady's contract and health in discussions involving Nets forward Vince Carter.

McGrady had arthroscopic surgery on the knee last May and has been slow to recover. The seven-time All-Star missed much of January trying to get the knee back in shape and had an MRI last week to try to discover why it was still bothering him.

"The last couple of games, I've regressed," McGrady said during halftime of last Wednesday's game. "I've felt pain."

McGrady's numbers are down across the board this season. He is the Rockets' third-leading scorer at 15.6 points per game and is averaging 4.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per contest. He is shooting a career-worst 39 percent from the field.

After trading for Ron Artest in the offseason to create a triple threat with McGrady and Yao Ming, the Rockets were expected to challenge for one of the top spots in the Western Conference. But all three players have missed time due to injuries and Houston sits in fifth in the conference, with only two games separating them from the eighth and final spot.

Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire is an example of the tough road that comes with microfracture surgery. His procedure ultimately cost him all but three games of the 2005-06 season. He returned the next season, however, to play in 82 games and regained his All-Star form.

source : http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3914888

This report isn't confirmed yet, but it has a high chance of being true and that is truly disappointing for everone. Hopefully this surgery wont give him the same kind of aftermath he have been experiencing this season, but will completely fix his troublesome left knee and will help him recover to his usual all star form and have a brighter 2009-2010 season.


EDITED : It's official. He WILL have surgery and WILL be out for the rest of the season.

Last edited by Modifly on Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.

oh, no i can't believe this....

but, hope the rockets will pass 1st round of this year's playoff

Houston Rockets FTW !!!!!!!

So much for all the preseason expectations. Depending on how he heals it could be a career rejuvenating move for McGrady. History has shown whenever you're talking microfracture surgery you're talking about a serious procedure that itself could put an end to a career very swiftly but with all the problems he's had, McGrady is probably running out of options. Obviously he's older than Amar'e but it goes to show that a player can enjoy a successful return from such surgery.

it's not like he was contributing much lately anyways. I hope he will still get back to a decent level after the operation. I always enjoyed watching him play. when he was on form I mean.

I'd venture a guess and say McGrady is pretty much done for his career. I seriously doubt he'll come back like Amare, he'll probably end up like Allan Houston ... He is turning 30 in May, his contract is up after the 2010 season. If he plays again before that he'd have to play at all star level (which I doubt he can do ... he hasn't been an All star in years) to get much in terms of money. So I'd say he calls it quits ... which actually should be better for Houston, as the McGrady-Yao combo never really worked.

oh, no i can't believe this....

really? because everyone else can.

I seriously wish that he can at least return to 70% of his old form. He was still putting up 20 points a game last season and it's quite surprising how much offseason microfracture surgery have cost him. He would probably be better off leaving it as it was last season, but only McGrady knows. No matter what I'm still a Houston fan and a T-MAC fan, too. Hopefully he can still resurrect his career and pick up right where he left off.

T-Mac's career is somewhat going to be like Grant Hill's, I assume.

After such series of big injuries and surgeries to deal with, I don't think he can ever be super star caliber player. The Rockets would have been in better shoes if traded T-Mac earlier when his value was high.

As Yao and Artest's fan, I feel sorry for them. Chance of the Rockets passing first round just got slimmer.

And it is official : http://www.nba.com/2009/news/02/18/tmac ... index.html

They should've traded him for Carter

What a turd. Is there still time for the Rockets to get out of the way for a full team like the Jazz to get in?

T-Mac's career is somewhat going to be like Grant Hill's, I assume.

Hill's career was derailed a lot sooner though, and he has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence with a couple of solid seasons since his successful comeback in 2005.

I'd venture a guess and say McGrady is pretty much done for his career. I seriously doubt he'll come back like Amare, he'll probably end up like Allan Houston ... He is turning 30 in May, his contract is up after the 2010 season. If he plays again before that he'd have to play at all star level (which I doubt he can do ... he hasn't been an All star in years) to get much in terms of money. So I'd say he calls it quits ... which actually should be better for Houston, as the McGrady-Yao combo never really worked.

I wouldn't call it a sure thing but the odds may favour that outcome all the same.

here's an update
it's from his official website
http://www.t-mac.com/tmac/blogDetail/1561

First Week Down

Hey everyone.

My first week of rehab went great. I am rehabbing for 2 hours a day, 6 days a week. This stage of the rehabilitation process will last for 8 weeks. I’m making sure to listen very carefully to my doctors to make sure that I am doing everything correctly so that we maximize the effectiveness. Right now I am walking with a brace and crutches, but at least I am able to get around a little bit. It’s not that uncomfortable and my body is feeling ok.

This surgery was the best decision for me, even though I want to be out there playing, I couldn’t do what I do through the pain. I am doing what needs to be done so I can come back and be the player I know I am.

I have been watching my team play every game and they are doing great. I am so proud of all the guys. Everyone is working together, doing their role, and flat out getting it done. These are my guys and they have talent, but more than that they have a lot of heart. I can’t wait to see how far they can go, and will be there cheering them on the whole way.

I’ll continue to keep you all in the loop with my progress. As I have said before, reading your posts has been extremely humbling. I knew that my fans supported me when I was on the court, but you are all still hanging out waiting for my return, and it’s because of you that I keep trying my hardest to get back on the court.

Peace,

- Tracy

Recover Well Tracy ... Miss you

Cheers, all the best for everyone.