Moranis, you made it up that he didn't want to work hard for Pitino. He never said that. He was getting advice from his advisors not to go to Boston. He made the right call. Pitino was much more of a mess than McGrady.
Boston worked out fine for Antoine, Pierce, and a whole bunch of other players that were brought here by Pitino.
I'm sure they had different advice from their advisors. I think it showed courage for McGrady to turn down a bad opportunity. I think most young players would try to go as high in the draft as possible, regardless of their long term prospects.
I don't think Boston actually worked out for Antoine or Mercer, but that's just my opinion. I never thought that team that went to the ECF vs the Nets was any good. That squad would have lost 4 games in a row by double digits to the Lakers in the Finals.
I don't understand any reflex to defend Pitino's stay in Boston. He created a toxic situation as a coach, and he perpetuated instability as a GM. He set the franchise back.