Knicks pass on Iverson

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Rockets should call McGrady's bluff

If you think about any argument with the benefit of hindsight, you will quickly realize there are three sides - yours, the opposition's and the "right side," which usually lies somewhere in between the polar opposites you might be debating.

Compromise is generally a good thing. When you are battling your wife, it's always a good idea to sacrifice a point now and again, especially if you don't want to find yourself sleeping on the couch. When debating health care, it would be nice if our politicians were a little more practiced in the art of give-and-take.

But, when it comes to the Houston Rockets and Tracy McGrady, I'm advocating that Rockets general manager Daryl Morey play the stubborn card.

McGrady makes season debut

Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady made his season debut Tuesday night in a 107-96 win against the Detroit Pistons.

McGrady, who hadn't played since last February due to microfracture surgery on his left knee, came into the game with just under eight minutes remaining in the first quarter. He received a standing ovation upon entering the game to replace Chase Budinger.

"It really sent chills to my body, knowing that they appreciate what I've done in the past and that they're glad to see me back on the basketball court," said McGrady. "It felt good."

AP Source: McGrady seeking trade

A person with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press that Tracy McGrady 's representatives asked the Houston Rockets to trade him.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday night because neither side has made an official comment.

The seven-time All-Star has been asking for more playing time as he tries to come back from offseason microfracture surgery on his left knee. He left the team and returned to Houston over the weekend.

Pistons optimistic despite their record

They head into their final handful of games with a losing record, and they are looking at opening the playoffs in either Cleveland, Boston or Orlando.

Although Detroit's run of postseason success certainly seems over, don't expect the Pistons to admit it.

"I'm crazy enough to believe that we have a chance to beat anyone in the league whenever we're healthy and playing well," coach Michael Curry said.

Iverson wants Grizzlies to win

Allen Iverson sees no reason to apologize for a week of barbed comments when his only concern is helping the Memphis Grizzlies win, preferably from the starting lineup.

Standing before his Staples Center locker with bemused frustration on his face Friday night, Iverson downplayed the various controversies caused by his comments during a tumultuous first week in a Memphis uniform.

Iverson returned from a torn right hamstring on Monday and immediately said he didn't like coming off the bench. He also insists nobody told him the Grizzlies were in rebuilding mode after a 24-58 season.