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Monday November 20, 2006 3:30 PM


McGrady's unselfish play is boosting Rockets


Houston forward is leading team in assists through 10 games


Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer

HOUSTON -- Tracy McGrady isn't sure how anyone could have labeled him as a selfish player in the past.

"I've never been that way," McGrady said. "I might be one of the most unselfish players in the league."

He's certainly proving it this season.

With Yao Ming emerging on the offensive end as Houston's primary scoring option, the Rockets' All-Star swingman has become the team's unquestioned playmaker.

McGrady, who has never averaged more than six assists in a season, is leading the Rockets in assists through 10 games.

He has recorded at least seven assists on five occassions, a mark that he reached in only eight games in 2005-06.

Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy is hardly surprised to see McGrady creating for his teammates.

"He's as good of a playmaker as there is in the league," Van Gundy said. "When he starts to the basket, he's as good as anyone. He has great vision, has great decision-making skills and he's a very good passer."

Despite making only 41.3 percent of his shots from the field and an uncharacteristic 28.3 percent from three-point range, McGrady has beaten teams with his passing.

The Rockets' swingman, who is averaging 6.1 assists per game, had five consecutive assists in Houston's win over Miami by drawing the defense inside with a drive and kicking the ball out to a three-point shooter.

While his shot has shown signs of coming around in the past two games, he hasn't stopped looking for his teammates.

He has become more aggressive on the offensive end in recent games which is only opening up the perimeter more.

"He creates so many shots for everybody else," Rockets forward Shane Battier said. "He commands so much attention that other teams literally sit and stare at him. He does a great job of distributing the basketball. I wish he'd shoot more, but it's a great sign for everyone else that he -- and Yao -- are two of your most unselfish players."

McGrady showed as much against New York earlier this season.

Despite missing eight of 12 shots from the field and scoring only 13 points, McGrady had eight assists in Houston's 103-94 win over the Knicks.

Yao had a huge night in that game by dominating New York's front line for 35 points and 17 rebounds.

McGrady wouldn't mind playing such a role for the remainder of the season.

"If he keeps playing the ways he's playing and my teammates keep shooting the ball the way they are, I don't have to average 25 points," McGrady said. "I'm spreading the love around. I'm going to continue to pass the ball around if those guys continue to make shots."