Tracy trash talks Vince. McGrady issues challenge to former teammate Carter
By Doug Smith Toronto Star Sports Reporter

There are those within the Raptors family who think the spectre of playing second fiddle to Vince Carter is what really drove Tracy McGrady out of Toronto. Their case has been strengthened. In an article in the Aug. 21 edition of ESPN The Magazine, McGrady, his family and his closest advisers lend credence to the opinion by taking very public shots at Carter.
``In Toronto, it was Vince this, Vince that,'' the magazine quotes McGrady's mom, Melanise Williford, as saying. ``I got sick of it.'' McGrady, who cited unspecified problems with the team's front office and a feeling he had gone through three tortuous seasons with Toronto as reasons for leaving for the Orlando Magic, issues a challenge to Carter.
``All I can tell you is I'm going to guard Vince next year,'' McGrady said. ``I know all his moves, so he better watch out.'' Carter, in Toronto for his kids camp which winds up today and his fantasy camp for adults which runs this weekend, was surprised by the statements. ``I don't know anything about that, I just don't know,'' he said with a shake of his head.
McGrady often had to play a supporting role to Carter with the Raptors last season, even after he ascended to the starting lineup. Carter rescued a handful of games at the buzzer or in the fourth quarter as the Raptors posted a best-ever 45-37 record and finished sixth in the Eastern Conference.
The chance to be The Man in Orlando, even though the Magic also signed Grant Hill, is something McGrady is relishing.
``It's my time now,'' McGrady is quoted as saying. ``It's time now I get some shots at the end of a game. It's time I bring my team back when we're down. Get the ball in my hands and see what I can do. Call my number.''
While much has been made of the blood relationship between Carter and McGrady - it is distant - family members and advisers say it was overblown.
``It's not like they're first or second cousins, it's way down there,'' McGrady's mom is quoted as saying. ``But if they want to call themselves `Cuz' they can go ahead.''
Sonny Vaccaro, a long-time McGrady handler who works with the adidas shoe company, shot down the theory Carter and his client were tight. ``I don't think he and Vince are that close,'' he said in the magazine article.
``They respect each other, but it wasn't like their families shared chicken and picnics growing up.''