McGradyism: How I learned to stop worrying and love Edward Said
by Only_A_Lad on Nov 24, 2009 3:59 PM CST
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Print(Note: I wrote this a few hours ago, and I'm not really sure I should post it. I'm afraid that it probably misstates what many people are really saying about this topic, but on the other hand it's something that I really do feel is going on, in a way)
Since virtually nothing else is being written about the Rockets today, I might as well go ahead and just concentrate on this crap (not that we haven't done this enough already) in lieu of a real links post.
T-Mac practiced with the team yesterday, and Rockets.com's Jason Friedman continues to provide one of the few non-bullshit voices out there:
"Obviously, being out for so long, it takes awhile to get in NBA playing shape and gain the rhythm and moving with consistency in this game. I could play right now but who knows where my rhythm would be? That takes time, I don’t care how great of a player you are. If you’ve been out for a long time, it takes time. You have to play in games to gain your rhythm."
Rick Adelman was busy dealing with weirder things (h/t Clutchfans), so Elston Turner ran practice:
"He’s a competitor," said Rockets’ Assistant Coach Elston Turner. "What athlete, what former All-Star, wouldn’t want to play? He’s gone through a major surgery and he is coming back and it’s a process to get him back on the court full time. But when you’re building a team, there’s chemistry that develops so when he does come back we would like him to be back - instead of in a week, out a week. He went though through the workout today, he started and he finished but it’s still a process and we have to bring him back slowly.
"I do know that our regular guys have been going at it since the end of September. So if you look at in terms of a timetable, this is basically Tracy’s training camp as far as catching up and being ready. It’s good to see him. Everybody would like him back, he’s an All-Star but we want him back like the All-Star Tracy McGrady."
Okay, so McGrady says he wants to play but understands why he'll probably have to wait, and the coaches say he'll probably have to wait but understand why he wants to play. Easy, right? Whew, I'm glad all that's over. Seriously, this whole saga has been so filled with stupid crap and interpre- oh wait, I forgot, nobody can take anything at face value, because we're all a bunch of 14-year-old girls.
Clutch, of ClutchFans fame, believes that the Rockets' disavowal of any acrimony between Adelman and McGrady is merely a lie, stating:
Source tells ClutchFans that Adelman has no interest in playing T-Mac. Zero. Says: "This isn't going to end well"
Of course, those same sources also have, in the course of a year, informed all of us that the Rockets were trading for Amar'e Stoudemire, or that Vince Carter and Baron Davis were on the table. This is no knock on Clutch, it's just that I've long felt that the "rumor mill" is exactly that: it's an industry. Someone makes an offhand comment, "sources" inform reporters of that comment (now stated as fact), and reporters craft articles treating their sources' comments as organizational objectives. It's the same thing Danny Ainge talked about recently:
"In the media, there are people that are more concerned with breaking news than writing truth and writing real history," Ainge said Wednesday on WEEI when he was asked about the trade rumor. "It’s a competition of who breaks the story first and I have a feeling that there are people with motives trying to get their player traded from another team. That’s how this story got out." At the same time, all we've heard from Morey and Les Alexander has been that the Rockets' focus is getting McGrady healthy and ready to contribute, because an "all-star" caliber player is "obviously" going to help them on the court. And yet I watch the Basketball Jones this morning, and what do I hear? Tas and Skeets talking about how the Rockets are worried about McGrady ruining the team "chemistry," and that the team's pronouncements on their reasons for wanting McGrady to sit out are "obviously" just words. Where do these ideas come from? The answer is simple: McGradyism. "What's McGradyism?" you may ask. Put simply, McGradyism is the attempt to foist our own preconceived narratives and categories on reality (a related concept would be "Scrappyism"). These discourses are created from a position of power - that of the professional sports journalist or high-profile blogger - and inform and create the way sports fans view their favorite teams and players. McGrady - because he is McGrady and the McGradyist understands who and what McGrady is - is evil, coniving, and lazy. He is the serpent in the garden by which we define and create the separate category of the "Yao" or "Battier" - the "team player" versus the "Me-Mac." This is the discourse of power utilized by the McGradyist. Meanwhile, an allied discourse - the McGrady versus the "team" - is created to further define McGrady as "chemistry-destroying." The "team" and "McGrady" have diametrically opposed desires and interests as a necessary part of their mutually antagonistic existence. This division is sharp, and McGrady cannot possibly cross over into the category of "team." What a McGradyist does is look at the information provided - whether by another journalist or by direct observation - and reinterpret it in the context of these discourses. Any information that falls outside of the self-confirming nature of the discourse is disregarded. If McGrady and the team appear to be allied, then this is merely a mask for their "obvious" antagonistic relationship. The problem with McGradyism is its essentialist nature. McGrady is - by nature - opposed to the team. The team - again, by nature - is opposed to McGrady. These are, in the McGradyist view, obvious, "common sense" divisions: just as McGrady is opposed to the team, so black is opposed to white, or a dog is opposed to a cat. This means that even the most innocuous statements by McGrady will be reinterpreted in the context of the discourse as a team-opposed act, and vice-versa. To counteract McGradyism, the fan must take a more historicist view of the information. Instead of buying into the discourse, stop reinterpreting what is said simply because the team "obviously" wants McGrady to stay away or because McGrady "obviously" hates the Rockets. Take texts at their word unless there is good reason to do otherwise, and avoid throwing them into the discourse. A perfectly consistent history can be constructed without relying upon the discourse. McGrady was injured. He now feels like he can play, but the team disagrees. There is a great deal of tension between the two sides for a variety of reasons. The Rockets want McGrady back, but only if he is able to contribute at a level that will help the team win more games. If a trade is presented, the Rockets will consider it (that's pretty much what Morey said all summer), but nothing has been presented as of yet that would be better than simply letting McGrady's contract expire. There, clean, simple, and not full of needless crap about how both sides hate one another because of some essential nature.
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Well written. I’d still like to know what these “sources” were in the Woj article; to be honest, in my estimation, Woj has a checkered history when it comes to the quality and/or veracity of some articles. I suspect Woj qualifies as one of the journalists Ainge describes: being more eager to break a story than to determine its substance.
Personally, I’d love for McGrady to take his time rehabbing, and come back at something approximating his ‘04-’05 level. It was reading the Chronicle’s article on 13-in-35 on December 10th, 2004 that changed me from a casual Rockets fan into a passionately devoted follower. The infamous bannister dunk on Shawn Bradley clinched it.
Hmm
As discourse attacking other discourse I think this works pretty well.
I would argue that no one commenting here, or in the media, does so from a real position of power. No internet bloggers, commenter, or media outlets can change the course of events here if the primary entities involved do not wish it.
So to me the “orientalism” treatment breaks down at that point (as I think it does intrinsically -I see the “power” relationship described as largely a canard. I also think Said does exactly what he takes others to task for doing, and uses the “power” dynamic to justify doing so.)
What I would say is this:
Taking everything presented at face value is indeed easier. But acting, and yes, thinking, that there is no possibility of motives and agendas beyond what is stated strikes me as, at best, an incomplete analysis. The idea that things may be exactly as presented doesn’t negate the exercise of considering alternatives.
Acting as though every word masks another agenda, and that nothing can be taken at face value strikes me as equally silly.
If we have the interest and desire (which many may not, and nothing wrong with that in such trivial case) to understand events and match actions with words, then we must use our own discernment to parse these things, knowing that we will likely never have confirmation of our views, negative or positive.
Go on, try to beat them. Try to score on them. Stay in front of those guards. Try to tap out an offensive rebound on that Lilliputian front line. They're so awful, you're so good ... go on. Beat ‘em. - Kelly Dwyer on The Rockets
moar navel gazing
As discourse attacking other discourse I think this works pretty well.
Well, of course. Part of Foucault’s point about discourses and social construction was that we can’t escape this process, either. It’s just something we do. However, unlike Foucault, I think there really is an objective world (see, I’m not a postmodernist, I just like some of their work), so our goal should be to make that discourse describe the world as it really is, and we should always be knowledgeable of the fact that the discourse frequently doesn’t describe anything real and be ready to abandon it.
I would argue that no one commenting here, or in the media, does so from a real position of power
I’m not talking about “power” in the sense we typically use it. I’m using it in the sense that Said and Foucault used it – the power to create categories and knowledge.
And that’s exactly what sportswriters (and, to a much lesser extent, those of us writing for outlets like this) do. We take information, we sift through it, and we have the power to name, divide, and classify. That’s power. It’s not the power to determine the course of the Rockets’ front office (directly or effectively, anyways), but it’s the power to, on some level, create the stage upon which fans play out their arguments and stories.
I’d say that the positions of greatest power, in this sense, are writers for “traditional” media outlets like ESPN or the Chronicle, but announcers like Worrell and Drexler play an equally important role. These people have the ability to guide discussion by virtue of their authority and access.
And when we divide the world – Said was, of course, talking about dividing the world between “East” and “West,” but here I’m talking about dividing it between “McGrady” and “the team,” and (more broadly) between “selfish players” and “team players” – that forms a self-confirming discourse.
. But acting, and yes, thinking, that there is no possibility of motives and agendas beyond what is stated strikes me as, at best, an incomplete analysis. The idea that things may be exactly as presented doesn’t negate the exercise of considering alternatives.
Absolutely. But we need to be able to support allegations of duplicity with more than just “common sense.” That’s the issue I have with much of the commentary going on right now.
See, what really set this off for me was TBJ’s video this morning. Skeets and Melas were talking about this “controversy,” and Melas made made some comment about how McGrady “obviously” wanted to be traded, while Skeets said the Rockets “obviously” didn’t want McGrady to play. Where does this come from? I’ve read practically everything out there about this since February, and the only place it seems to be coming from are the occasional trade rumor and the commentator’s own head.
That’s the insidious thing about the discourse – after you’ve delineated the world and set up the categories, these distinctions become “common sense,” when really they’ve appeared ex nihlio.
I'm fairly convinced we're on the same side here. ;)
In my navel-gazing piece I discussed the situation as an analysis of guesswork, supposition and few facts, with little possibility of finding a correct answer. I don’t think we’re far apart.
Honestly, I think the situation is quite fluid, with several possible outcomes being almost equally likely. To me, the best outcome is to get a healthy, productive and happy TMac back. I don’t believe the Rockets or McGrady have foreclosed the possibility, because from either of their standpoints that’s a maximal outcome. (You don’t know how close I came to a “game theory” analysis of this situation, just to represent that sort of philosophy.
Go on, try to beat them. Try to score on them. Stay in front of those guards. Try to tap out an offensive rebound on that Lilliputian front line. They're so awful, you're so good ... go on. Beat ‘em. - Kelly Dwyer on The Rockets
By the way, I enjoyed reading this.
Also, everyone should click that link. It’s just…weird, in a uniquely Portland way. I also think the case is going to fail.
This post did get me me thinking. Not, you know, taking the flower at the airport and getting in your nice white van, but considering.
Go on, try to beat them. Try to score on them. Stay in front of those guards. Try to tap out an offensive rebound on that Lilliputian front line. They're so awful, you're so good ... go on. Beat ‘em. - Kelly Dwyer on The Rockets
good god.
thats pretty much the entire family then with dwi’s no?
trade thought
since the wizards aren’t playing good and the team is having chemistry problems between caron butler and arenas… let’s say they decide 2 go a different direction and unload a big contract…. caron butler and randy foye to the rockets 4 t-mac, brooks, and jermaine taylor… if the wizards bite the rockets not only have a chance to make a run in the playoffs they can also contend next yr. with yao back… if morey could pull this trade he would be gm of the year… line-up
foye/lowry
butler/budinger
ariza/battier
scola/landry/dorsey/cook
hayes/andersen/yao out 4 yr.
Nah, don't want foye for brooks...
And we already have a loaded Front Court…the only significant front court addition we would need would be A True Center which we may or may not need.
would you do this trade???
in order to get caron butler in a rockets uniform we would probably also take on jamison’s contract which i dont mind because when both healthy there really good ..jamison is putting up almost 25 ppg and almost 10 rebounds now if the wizards keep losing come trade deadline they might wanna unload contracts.. rockets trade t-mac/scola/brooks/david andersen/ for butler/jamison/foye/ … why do this?? this is why i would… there is no guarantee we can get a joe johnson or chris bosh… i would play it safe and contend with this team if this trade happens… line-up
foye/lowry
butler/budinger/taylor
ariza/battier/
jamison/landry/cook expires after season
hayes/dorsey/yao out 4 yr..
anything is possible so im just throwing it out there as a fan heck next yr. i would go after camby to back-up yao and this team would really be a force to be reckon with.. were already a good team now lets hope morey can work his magic and make us a dynasty!!!
Great post!
its really good to see that thr are still some sane rockets fans arnd.. its absolute chaos at CF everytime a story breaks out..
good read
Yes, the article and the comments are quite refreshing.
Especially when clutchfans has gone absolutely insane with the latest rumors floating around.
Seriously, what happened to that place? It used to be loaded with legit insider postings and consistent, intelligent discussion. Sadly, it has devolved into a HS style groupthink commune, where the sane cannot be heard above the din.
Also, OAL absolutely nailed it, when he pointed out the absurdity of the “McGradyist”. I still can’t understand where their blind conviction originates…
by Senses Working Overtime on Nov 25, 2009 9:59 AM CST up reply actions
Just one more reason to love Said
I really like this article and the site in general. I just have not seen the animosity from anybody that keeps getting reported. TMAC seems frustrated and impatient to play rather than angry or evil.
Adelman seems focused on coaching the team with what he’s got and taking each development as it comes. Not really personal to McGrady. He made the same sorts of statements last year when it was Carl Landry.
Morey just keeps saying the same thing in hopes that someone will actually believe it.
Of course, let me put a disclaimer on my standpoint. It is my fantasy that the Rockets keep playing like they are, and get themselves in the playoff hunt. Meanwhile, at any time that is appropriate for all concerned, TMAC comes back with a vengeance to rehab his rep and his contract. He is healthy, they are a fight for every play team, and we see a deep playoff run.
Every time I read an article or listen to Adelman or the team talk about what they are lacking, a closer in close games. I think, damn we have one of the best sitting on our own bench.
Again, thanks for the level head. I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one watching the chaos theory and wondering.
Some thoughts on McGrady and the Rockets
I honestly believe that the Rockets do want McGrady back,but they don’t have a particular timetable and would prefer suiting up McGrady a little further into the season for reasons that have nothing to do w/McGrady. Meanwhile,McGrady wants a definite date to aim for. Thus the drama of last week,Tracy trying to force the Rockets to set a firm date and the Rockets responding w/the it’s a process routine and refusing to set a date.
For Adelman these games w/out McGrady are crucial for the team 3 ways.
1)Developing a team identity,getting the team used to playing a certain way,no matter who’s in the line-up.
How often in the past did we see the rest of the Rockets standing around watching McGrady do his thing,then w/no McGrady completely flounder. Adelman wants the team to have an ingrained default mode that they play no matter what.
Another large part is individual/team accountability. When McGrady plays all too often it’s all about Tracy. Lose and it’s his jacking up 3s,not hitting FTS,not driving,not interested,whatever. Win and it’s him imposing his will,him being a superstar,him setting up whoever was hot,whatever. Adelman wants the team to accept collective responsibility for wins and losses,that they can’t rely on Tracy(or Yao next yr)game in and game out.
This is the chemistry Ademan and the staff are referring to. Not the guys getting along w/each other,but trusting each other to do the right thing on-and off-the court.
2)Young Point Guards. Brooks and Lowry are still fairly young and Adelman is teaching them how to run the team. But last yr Brooks and Lowry defered far too much to Artest,Brooks especially. Adelman prob sees these games w/out McGrady as the chance for his young PGs to grow and gain the self-confidance they need to run the team.
3)Next yr. Odds are McGrady won’t be back next yr. Even if the Rockets wanted him back,some team that’s desperate could make a long-term offer the Rockets couldn’t justify. These games w/out mcGrady are invaluable for both developing and evaluating the young players. The more games w/out McGrady’s distorting effect,the better.
When the surgery first occurred and thru much of the Summer the “unofficial” word was McGrady was expected back around Christmas/New Years. I believe that the Rocktets working plan was to develope the kids and hope to stay close to .500 thru the end of Dec,then get a big boost from McGrady at beginning of Jan,just when the season starts to wear on young players. If he’s recovered enough,make a Playoff push and get the young players invaluable Playoff experience.
For now the more they can keep above .500 w/out McGrady,the better. The team cements it’s identity,the young players grow into their roles and the greater the chance McGrady can last the season when he starts playing.
All involved prob believe McGrady could play now and be pretty good for a few minutes. But not for extended minutes and no one knows if he could play the next game,then the next game,and the game after that and…
The Rockets are content to let McGrady continue rehabbing,while McGrady believes he’s ready for the next step-to get on the court. McGrady wants a firm date and the Rockets are playing it by ear. So there will prob be a another flare-up or two before he gets on the court.
And I have little doubt Adelman is his heart of hearts is enjoying having success running his system w/out any stars. This is his last coaching gig and I’m sure he doesn’t mind having this team validate his coaching beliefs.
Not to mention:
“If you believe you’re playing well because you’re getting laid, or because you’re not getting laid, or because you wear women’s underwear, then you ARE! And you should know that!”
-Crash Davis
nice thoughts. agreed 100%
and to top it all, Houston Rockets will become a lethal and very dangerous team capable of beating elite teams in this league..would you imagine anyone has his own solid roles,almost ZERO WASTE (except COOK damn!) plus a healthy, re-juvinated T-MAC. Very much a WINNER!
A+ if I was your professor
Oh wait, that wasn’t a term paper?
Just kidding. I’m just so f’ing tired of all of this. There’s just so much politics to this situation, I feel like I’m losing my mind. We, the Rockets, are in such a difficult situation (rebuilding, Yao/Tmac out, trade deadline, Free Agent market, etc.). I actually feel sorry for Morey, Alexander, and Adelman. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes right now.
What am I thankful this year? Our FO is smart, and has their head on their shoulders. Good luck fellas.
someone
is a philosophy major… haha. I am too, and really enjoyed reading this post (refreshing to see someone try to infuse academia and basketball).
Wafer . . . again. (Marv Albert, HOU v. CLE Feb 2009)
-one of the FEW at Toyota Center who has the Wafer jersey
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