#tracymcgrady #tmac

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Tracy McGrady Full Highlights
2000 NBA Playoffs
Eastern Conference First Round
Toronto Raptors vs NY Knicks
Game 3 - April 30, 2000
Air Canada Centre

12 pts, 5a, 4r, 1s / 5-14 fg, 0-3 3pt, 2-2 ft

Selected 9th overall by the Toronto Raptors in 1997, Tracy McGrady became just the 6th player in NBA history drafted straight out of high school. Like the five before him, McGrady experienced minimal opportunity as an 18 year old rookie in a league with an average player age of 27.7 (1997-98). Seeing the court in 64 games, he averaged 7.0 pts in 18 mpg. His sophomore campaign included the arrival of his cousin, UNC’s Vince Carter. An instant sensation, Carter led all rookies in scoring at 18.3 en route to being named 1998-99 Rookie of the Year.

Midway through the 1999-00 season, Tracy earned consistent playing time as a starter. He posted 17.4 pts, 8.3 reb, and 4.2 ast in the team’s final 30 games, starting in every one of them and proving himself to be a valuable playmaker. On the season, T-Mac averaged 15.4 pts and 6.3 reb on 45% while helping the Raptors franchise to their first ever playoff appearance.

In June of 1999, Orlando Magic General Manager John Gabriel made his first move in what would be a historically busy summer, hiring former leaguer Doc Rivers as the team’s new head coach. Though the Magic were on the heals of an excellent 33-17 lockout shortened 50-game season, Gabriel saw the following year’s offseason (2000) as an opportunity to pursue upcoming free agents like Tim Duncan and Grant Hill. Intent on dismantling and revamping, Gabriel moved on 7 trades through the end of August, involving a total of 23 players and 6 future draft picks. Among those shipped out of Orlando were three of their best - Penny Hardaway, Nick Anderson, and Horace Grant.

With tons of cap space cleared, a rookie head coach, and a roster full of role guys and young hopefuls, the 1999-00 Magic were expected by most to be league bottom dwellers. What ultimately transpired differed greatly from these early-season expectations. “Heart and hustle” was the motto. Doc’s methods maximized the talent (or lack of) that he’d been presented. Rivers’ confidence in his squad was undeniable. He managed to get the most out of his players each and every night. 4 of their starters - Darrell Armstrong, Ben Wallace, Bo Outlaw, and John Amaechi - were undrafted. The team’s reserves accounted for 48% of their scoring and led the Association in bench points per game. Placing 9th in the Eastern Conference at 41-41, the Magic missed the playoffs by just one game. Doc was voted Coach of the Year for his efforts. He became the first in NBA history to obtain the award without reaching the postseason. John Gabriel was named Executive of the Year for hiring Rivers, reconstructing the team, and consequently positioning them to strike heavy during summer 2000’s free agency.

Having impressed the basketball world, Orlando was able to grab All-Star point-forward Grant Hill off the free agent market. Joining him was the 21 year old McGrady, ready to make waves as a top-tier perimeter player. Both were acquired via sign-and-trade, both inking 7-year, $92.8M deals.

The most notable recent instance similar to T-Mac’s would probably be James Harden in 2012, who also saw limited playing time in his first few seasons. Like Tracy, Harden didn’t exhibit signs of his true worth until year three when he was named 6th Man of the Year. But who wouldn’t want to maximize their potential as a franchise player given the opportunity? Both guys knew they were capable, both guys knew they’d likely be second (or third) fiddle and unable to fully blossom in their respective situations - Tracy with Vince, and Harden with Durant and Westbrook. Kyrie Irving’s situation in Cleveland held some similarities. Although he and LeBron James had already won a championship together, Irving thought his career going forward would be better served away from LeBron. I’m not sure that’s worked out as expected.

God bless those who read my essay-length description here.

Notes:
2:28 Bill knows a thing or two about injuries
4:34 That half spin
7:37 The Clippers
9:37 Harsh but true

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