McGrady targets former GM Weisbrod
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-10-24 11:26

Tracy McGrady insists Orlando Magic general manager John Weisbrod was transferring blame by saying players failed to take responsibility for an abysmal season.

McGrady — traded to the Houston Rockets in June — discussed the frustrating season before an exhibition game in Orlando Saturday night. He sat out the game, though, as coach Jeff Van Gundy wanted to rest him and look at other shooting guards and small forwards.

The Magic finished 21-61, with a team-record 19 straight early losses. Weisbrod expressed concern over a lack of effort by the players. He took a parting shot at the two-time scoring champion after the trade, implying McGrady wasn't capable of leading a winning team.

"When you say things like (Weisbrod) said, that's just covering (yourself)," McGrady said. "I hated losing, but it just got to the point where we were losing so much, you kind of get used to it.

"Going into games, it was like 'Oh, we're going to lose, so let's just get it over with.' That's how the mentality was with a lot of guys, not just me."

McGrady understood why he wasn't playing Saturday and joked he probably would've hurt himself because he was so amped up. Still, he couldn't hide his disappointment.

"I had a high going," McGrady said. "(Van Gundy) ruined my high."

Added Van Gundy: "I know the timing isn't great for the Orlando fans. I do feel for them."

Juwan Howard was traded to the Rockets along with McGrady, Tyronn Lue and Reece Gaines for Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato.

Howard, who also sat out the exhibition game, said he did not appreciate Weisbrod's comments about last year's team.

"What he said was a slap in the face to all of us," Howard said. "I respect his opinion, but I disagree with it. Johnny Davis was with me at training camp, during the exhibition season and all 82 games, and he knows I cared big time."

Davis became head coach after Doc Rivers was fired three weeks into the season.

"Last year was last year, and it doesn't do anyone any good to revisit it," Davis said. "You learn from it and move on. I think fondly of Tracy. I hope he's happy, and I wish him the best."

The Magic and Rockets meet during the regular season in Orlando on Jan. 20, and in Houston on Jan. 24.

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