It’s possible Tracy McGrady will make his Knicks debut tomorrow against the Thunder, but according to team president Donnie Walsh, that depends on whether all the players in the three-team trade with the Rockets and Kings pass physicals and report to their respective clubs.
McGrady can’t even practice with the Knicks this morning unless all of that has happened. Still, Walsh said he believed McGrady was en route to New York last night. So the seven-time All-Star should at least be in position to practice or play if everything else is taken care of.
As for McGrady’s health and readiness — he has played only six games this season after having microfracture surgery on his left knee last year — Walsh said the Knicks believe he can perform.
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“I had somebody go and look at him and they said he can play,” Walsh said. “You’re not seeing him in an NBA game. But that he looked good. . . . But we’ll see when he gets here.
“He’s a great player and he didn’t lose that. We’ll have to see what his physical condition is. But I’ve been told that he’s playing against guys both in Chicago [and] Houston, and that’s what they’re saying — he’s playing.”
Celebrated trainer Tim Grover, with whom McGrady has been working out in Chicago, also said he is ready to go.
Spanish native Sergio Rodriguez, who came to the Knicks from Sacramento in the McGrady deal, gives coach Mike D’Antoni another point guard option, joining starter Chris Duhon and backup Toney Douglas. The 6-foot-3 Rodriguez, who was a first-round pick of the Suns in 2006, is averaging six points and 3.1 assists in 13.3 minutes.
“He’s got quickness, he can get in the lane,” Walsh said of the 23-year-old. “And having seen him play at Portland, I didn’t know if he can shoot but he can shoot the ball. So I think it’s good that we got him in this trade.”
Walsh then chuckled.
“I like getting him,” he said. “If for no other reason than [Danilo Gallinari] and him can hang around together.”