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What some may consider as the most underachieving shooting guard ever to play the game, Tracy McGrady has officially retired from the NBA at the age of 34.
McGrady had most of his success in his earlier years with the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, where in the 2002-03 season with Orlando he averaged 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, the best of his career. He also averaged over 30 points in four straight playoff appearances from 2000-04 with both Orlando and Houston, but sadly he only reached the second round of the playoffs twice in his career, once as a starter.
Tracy entered the league straight out of high school when he was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 1997. And he proved to be amongst the elite, making seven All-Star game appearances, seven All-NBA teams, was a two-time scoring champion and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2001. He still holds Orlando Magic franchise records for most points scored in a single game (62), most points in a playoff game (46) and most threes in a half (8). However, in a career riddled with injuries, it seems as though this spectacular player could never reach his fullest potential.
McGrady has dealt with treacherous back spasms and microfracture knee surgery that have caused him to miss numerous games throughout his career.
These injuries are the roots of his dwindling career. In his last season with the San Antonio Spurs, he averaged 5.3 points, three rebounds and 2.1 assists in 16.1 minutes of play per game. This is disheartening considering his career averages of nearly 20 points to accompany 5.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 32.1 minutes of play per game.
“It’s been 16 years playing the game I love. I’ve had a great run, but it’s time for it to come to an end,” McGrady said on ESPN’s “First Take.”
Although Tracy has retired from the NBA, he has not ruled out the idea of playing overseas.
“Officially retired from the NBA. Door’s still open,” said McGrady.
T-Mac was a joy to watch on the court as he provided us with some extraordinary plays to remember. I wish him the very best and will look back on his time spent in the NBA with fond memories.
