Sam Smith (so take it with a truckload of salt):
Now, most of the injured are returning, though the uncertainty remains McGrady, and you can’t run a team like that. The question is whether anyone would take a shot at McGrady, though just 29 and certainly capable of a few more big seasons. He is a star like attraction, but he prefers half court play as he’s slowed down and slows the team. Houston wants to play faster than he does, as well. And the Rockets believe they can make a run now and have to while Yao remains healthy. And perhaps McGrady can be that final piece, a role player who can help a team on the edge or just provide veteran experience or a player with some cachet who has just two years remaining on his deal.
Perhaps that’s Cleveland’s final move for the expiring deals of Wally Szczerbiak and Eric Snow.
The one thing that makes McGrady viable (even with all his baggage) is that his contract expires after the 2009-10 season. I’m not totally sold on it, but having T-Mac and LeBorn patrol the wing ain’t a bad option.