NEW YORK – McGrady gave Madison Square Garden a glimpse of hope. Smiles were spread across everyone’s faces, despite the loss. Cameras and reporters flocked towards McGrady after the game. McGrady sure wasn’t prepared for this response since it’s been so long. He felt like a new star again.
Our interview session was quite short but informative as we managed to squeeze through the horde of New York reporters. We had to squeeze a few balls to get through the pile, and we finally got our microphone in McGrady’s Face.
He was quite candid with the interview, but after another reporter asked, “What are your goals with this team this season?” McGrady simply answered, “well I intend to take this team to the playoffs.” We all chuckled, but we found out he was serious when he continued saying, “this team hasn’t smelled the playoffs since ’03, and i’m sure their thirst for the postseason hungers greatly. That’s why I am here.” I then asked, are you going to get the Knicks past the first round?” Tmac then looked at me like i was crazy and said “you mean to the second round?? that’s asking for too much!”
Tmac has had many accomplishments but one that stands out about him is the main quip by his critics saying he hasn’t ever gotten his team past the first round.
Another reporter commented, asking Tmac how he expects to win a championship if he cant get past round one, but TMac interjected saying if the Knicks fail to win a championship, we can put the blame on him. I chimed back saying, that was not necessary and that we’re not trying to point fingers or blame McGrady but my words fell on deaf ears. TMac continued asking if we realize how much it would mean to New York to actually make the playoffs. “This team is the perfect fit for me, nobody is thinking championship right now, but 2010 free agency season! whoever the Knicks get off free agency, maybe they can help our team do that whole championship thing, whatever it is. I’m the playoff guy!”
McGrady did calm down though and said lets just focus on the now, and worry about the future when it comes, but for now I’m going to get this team to the playoffs! If we do get past the first round though, I may have to sit out the rest of the upcoming series. “My body isn’t used to playing that much basketball a year.”
