I'll never forget the first time I saw Tracy McGrady play basketball. It was in the late 90s, and he was just a rookie with the Toronto Raptors. Even then, it was clear that he was something special. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill was unlike anything I had ever seen before.
McGrady was born and raised in Auburndale, Florida, where he quickly made a name for himself as a basketball prodigy. He attended Auburndale High School, where he led his team to a state championship and was named a McDonald's All-American. McGrady was also named the National Player of the Year by USA Today.
Despite his impressive high school career, McGrady was not heavily recruited by major colleges. He ultimately decided to attend Mount Zion Christian Academy in Durham, North Carolina, for his senior year. At Mount Zion, McGrady continued to dominate the competition, averaging 27.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. He was once again named a McDonald's All-American and was also named Mr. Basketball USA.
McGrady's impressive high school career led him to declare for the 1997 NBA Draft. He was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors.
McGrady's rookie season with the Raptors was somewhat underwhelming. He averaged just 7.0 points per game and struggled to find his place on a team that already featured his cousin, Vince Carter. However, McGrady's potential was undeniable, and he began to show flashes of his brilliance in his second season.
In the 2000-01 season, McGrady's career took off. He averaged 26.8 points per game and led the league in scoring. He was also named to his first All-Star team and was named the NBA's Most Improved Player.
After three seasons with the Raptors, McGrady signed with the Orlando Magic as a free agent in the summer of 2000. In Orlando, McGrady blossomed into a true superstar. He led the league in scoring in both the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team in both of those seasons.
McGrady's time in Orlando was also marked by some disappointing playoff exits. The Magic never made it past the first round of the playoffs during McGrady's tenure, and he was often criticized for his lack of playoff success.
In 2004, McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets. In Houston, McGrady teamed up with another superstar, Yao Ming. The Rockets had high hopes for the duo, but they were never able to achieve much success together. McGrady's career was also hampered by injuries during his time in Houston.
After five seasons with the Rockets, McGrady was traded to the New York Knicks in 2010. He played just one season with the Knicks before retiring from the NBA in 2013.
McGrady's NBA career was ultimately a bit of a mixed bag. He achieved a great deal of individual success, but he never won an NBA championship. However, there is no doubt that McGrady was one of the most talented and exciting players of his generation.
I was always amazed by McGrady's ability to score the basketball. He could shoot from anywhere on the court, and he was also a gifted slasher. McGrady was also a very good rebounder and passer for his size.
One of my favorite memories of McGrady was his performance in Game 1 of the 2003 Eastern Conference First Round against the Detroit Pistons. McGrady scored 43 points in that game, including 21 in the fourth quarter. The Magic lost the game in overtime, but McGrady's performance was one for the ages.
McGrady was also known for his sportsmanship. He was always respectful of his opponents and the game of basketball.
In 2017, McGrady was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This was a well-deserved honor for one of the greatest players in NBA history.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to watch Tracy McGrady play basketball. He was a truly special player who brought a lot of joy to fans all over the world.
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