The Detroit Pistons will have Tracy McGrady for their season opener against the New Jersey Nets Wednesday night. But Pistons fans won’t get to see a whole lot of him on the floor.
McGrady played only eight minutes during the preseason, as he tried to strengthen his surgically repaired left knee. Eventually, he was shut down for the final two weeks, while regaining his conditioning.
As the regular season begins, the Pistons will limit McGrady to 15 minutes per game as he gets back into shape.
When asked how he felt during morning shootaround, McGrady insisted he can still be a big factor with limited playing time.
“I’m feeling good as I’m (going to) be. I’m not 100%, but I feel well enough to go out there. … I can be a big factor.”
“They put minutes on me. I think it’s around 15,” McGrady said. “I’m only playing 15 minutes, so when I’m out there, I’m going as hard as I can go.