Author: Monojit Mandal
In the early 2000s, the NBA experienced an era dominated by the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Although Shaquille O’Neal was arguably the best big man, Kobe Bryant emerged as the main all-rounder, winning over fans and experts alike. However, another excellent player, Tracy McGrady, emerged as a serious rival for that championship, sparking heated controversy among fans and pundits alike.
Tracy McGrady, who resembled Bryant in stature and skill set, had a fantastic career during those years. Although many considered Bryant to be the best player of all time, McGrady was always in second place, and the debates were endless. Reflecting on previous conversations, McGrady recently spoke to Patrick Beverley and admitted that he may have lost a quality that could have taken him to the top of the league (as reported by Lakers Daily).
Although McGrady’s talent on the court was evident, the lack of an NBA title on his CV gave the naysayers a talking point. He was also criticized for not giving his all at important moments in matches. It was only last season, when he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs at a lower position, that he won his first playoff series.
Unlike his opponent, Kobe Bryant, renowned for his unparalleled dedication to his craft, McGrady didn’t prioritize the careful maintenance of his body. As a result, illnesses, particularly persistent back problems, began to plague him in his mid-20s, resulting in a decrease in his performance. At the age of 30, McGrady was averaging single-digit points, a far cry from Bryant’s high scoring numbers.
McGrady and Grant Hill have become a formidable duo for the Orlando Magic, delighting fans with their connection on the court. McGrady led the league in scoring in 2002-03, averaging 32.1 points per game, as well as 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.
McGrady’s line of work took him to several teams, including the Houston Rockets, the New York Knicks, the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks, where he continued to showcase his basketball achievements. He finally retired from the NBA in 2013, leaving behind a career that cemented his place as one of the greatest of all time.
Tracy McGrady was inducted into the Naismith-Memorial-Basketball-Hall-of-Fame in 2017 in recognition of his great career.