McGrady says he's "far ahead of schedule"

[Andrew]

Link

Houston Rockets forward Tracy McGrady said Monday he's "far ahead of schedule" in his recovery from knee surgery and wants to show that he's still got a few good years left in him.

The seven-time All-Star underwent a risky microfracture procedure on his left knee on Feb. 24, and doctors said his recovery could take up to 12 months. McGrady said he hasn't set a date for his return, but he can already run and jump several weeks ahead of doctors' expectations.

"It's only seven months out, post-op," McGrady said at the Rockets' media day Monday. "It's not time to really rush it back. Confidence-wise, running, cutting, jumping -- I have that right now."

McGrady acknowledged that he probably shouldn't have played at all last season and said he won't come back before doctors say he can.

"I don't want to rush anything," he said. "When I feel like I can go every day without having to play a night and then sit out, until I feel that way, I'm not going to play."

Encouraging news for Rockets fans and sounds like he's taking a smart approach to his return. Having only just turned 30 earlier this year, if he's healthy I certainly believe he's capable of having a few more very good years in the league. It remains to be seen and who knows where he'll have those years if can stay healthy, but I don't think we could rule out a return to Houston...for not quite as big a salary.

[Modifly]

And you can go here to watch the video clip where he said all of that during yesterday's media day. For some reason I cant find the specific link for Tracy's video, so you'll have to click on it from the menu yourself once you're on that page.

http://www.nba.com/rockets/video/originals/

[hova-]

Well although I have never been a special fan of T-Mac I really hope he can come back an play without injuries and pain. This guy is still capable of being a 25 ppg scorer being a threat with his inside out game. He had his best years with the Magic for sure, but he is still a premiere player when hes injury free.

[Al Ka Pwn]

Cool. The more good players, the better.

[NovU]

After all, it's contract year once again for T-mac. I think we all want to see him getting 8 digit contract once again.

Assuming that everyone knows Rocket's success this season heavily relies on how well T-mac plays, motivation should be there for him to work harder than ever.

[Akon]

I can't believe in him at all~

You have seen,he can't achieve what he said many times!

[Modifly]

Have you even follow his progress this time to be able to say that?

[Andrew]

I can't believe in him at all~

You have seen,he can't achieve what he said many times!

Only because his body has continually let him down. It's not for a lack of desire or interest in achieving his goals; he's not the first athlete to get derailed by injuries year-in, year-out and he won't be the last. Hopefully this time, his surgery will be successful and his subsequent rehabilitation will put him in a position where he has a shot at getting back to where he was at some years back.

[AMenace]

That's good news. Hopefully McGrady will be back soon!