Tracy McGrady, a retired professional basketball player from the United States, boasts a net worth of $70 million. Over his illustrious NBA career, McGrady earned over $160 million in salaries. In his final years, his annual salary peaked at $23 million. The 7-time NBA All-Star achieved remarkable milestones, including leading the league in scoring during the 2003-2004 season. He also made history in 2004 by becoming the fourth player in just 12 years to score more than 60 points in a single game.
A Star Is Born: McGrady’s Early Years
Born on May 24, 1979, in Bartow, Florida, Tracy Lamar McGrady Jr. was raised by his mother, Melanise Willford, with support from his grandmother, Roberta. McGrady’s athletic journey began in his high school years, where he played both basketball and baseball at Auburndale High School. After transferring to Mount Zion Christian Academy in Durham, North Carolina, for his senior year, McGrady considered attending the University of Kentucky but ultimately decided to enter the NBA Draft. His high school performance, including being named Mr. Basketball USA and McDonald’s All-American, cemented his status as a top prospect.
NBA Draft and Early Career Struggles
Tracy McGrady was selected as the 9th pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 1997 NBA Draft. His rookie year was challenging, as he played only limited minutes, averaging just 13 per game under coach Darrell Walker. However, his fortunes changed when Butch Carter took over as coach midway through the season and increased McGrady’s playing time. The new coach also urged McGrady to improve his work ethic, which he did.
Building Chemistry with Vince Carter
The 1998-1999 season brought a major shift for McGrady when his cousin, Vince Carter, was drafted by the Raptors. The two formed a dynamic duo, thrilling fans with their athleticism and unforgettable performances, including memorable moments at the Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend. Together, they led the Raptors to a 45-37 record, securing the team’s first-ever playoff berth. Unfortunately, Toronto’s postseason run was short-lived, as they were swept in the first round by the New York Knicks.
A New Home in Orlando
After the 2000-2001 season, McGrady left the Raptors as a free agent and signed a lucrative six-year, $67.5 million contract with the Orlando Magic. His return to Florida proved to be a turning point in his career, as he embraced a larger leadership role and became the team’s primary scorer. In the 2002-2003 NBA season, McGrady won his first scoring title and set a playoff record for the Magic with 43 points in a game against the Detroit Pistons, though Orlando ultimately lost in seven games.
Challenges in Orlando and a Trade to Houston
Despite his personal success, the 2003-2004 season was a turbulent one for McGrady and the Magic. Coach Doc Rivers was fired following a poor start to the season, and McGrady’s relationship with General Manager John Weisbrod became strained. Orlando struggled with injuries, finishing with the worst record in the Eastern Conference, even though McGrady claimed his second consecutive scoring title.
In June 2004, McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets as part of a major seven-player deal. McGrady was thrilled to join a team with promising center Yao Ming, and he hoped to form a formidable partnership. However, the Rockets experienced early struggles, with a 16-17 record through the first 33 games of the season.
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Historic Performance in Houston
McGrady’s tenure with the Rockets featured numerous memorable moments, none more iconic than his performance on December 9, 2004. In a game against the San Antonio Spurs, McGrady scored 13 points in the final 35 seconds to lead the Rockets to a miraculous comeback victory. That season, McGrady averaged 25.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.
Injuries and Decline in Houston
In the following seasons, McGrady’s performance was hindered by a series of injuries, particularly back problems that limited his ability to play consistently. During the 2005-2006 season, he appeared in only 47 games, battling frequent injuries. Despite his health struggles, McGrady put on a memorable performance at the 2006 All-Star Game, scoring 36 points in front of his home crowd in Houston. Unfortunately, the Rockets’ playoff hopes were dashed, and they failed to qualify for the postseason that year.
As McGrady’s injuries continued to take a toll on his game, the Rockets traded him to the New York Knicks in 2010. He later joined the Detroit Pistons for the 2010-2011 season, but his time with Detroit was marked by a diminished role, averaging just 8 points per game. In 2011, McGrady signed with the Atlanta Hawks, where he continued to struggle with injuries, recording a career-low 5.3 points per game during the 2011-2012 season.
A Final Stint in China and the NBA
McGrady’s career took an unexpected turn in 2012 when he signed with the Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association. During his one season in China, McGrady averaged 25 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, showcasing that he still had a great deal of skill. In April 2013, McGrady signed with the San Antonio Spurs for the final stretch of his NBA career, joining a team that would advance to the 2013 NBA Finals. However, the Spurs lost in seven games to the Miami Heat, and McGrady officially announced his retirement from the NBA in August 2013.
Life After Basketball: Business Ventures and Media Career
After retiring from basketball, McGrady shifted his focus to business ventures. He invested in companies like Dasdak, a tech startup based in Washington, D.C., and Blue-04, a water company in Florida. Additionally, McGrady became an initial investor in the Biloxi Shuckers, a Minor League Baseball team. McGrady also started working as an NBA analyst for ESPN in 2016, offering his insights on the game he played at the highest level for over a decade.
Tracy McGrady is married to CleRenda Harris, and together they have three children, including their son, Laymen Lamar. In 2007, McGrady traveled to refugee camps in Darfur as part of the Enough Project. He worked to connect American schools with those in the Darfurian camps, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and awareness. McGrady’s philanthropic efforts extended beyond his playing days, as he used his platform to help raise awareness for various causes.
Tracy McGrady’s legacy in the NBA is defined not only by his exceptional on-court skills but also by his ability to overcome challenges throughout his career. Despite dealing with injuries that ultimately shortened his prime years, McGrady became one of the most electrifying players of his era. Today, his wealth, business endeavors, and media career ensure that his impact continues far beyond his playing days.
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