The All Star forward may be beyond his golden days in the NBA, but could still be a great mentor to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and the Bobcats.
There was a time in the NBA when you could not have a discussion about the best players in the league and not mention Tracy McGrady. The 6 foot 8 forward out of Mount Zion Christian Academy exploded onto the NBA scene in the early
2000’s. After averaging 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Toronto Raptors in his third year in the NBA, McGrady got his lucky break when he was signed by the Orlando Magic and started for them next season.
It would turn out to be the only break McGrady needed, as he averaged 26.8 points and 7.5 rebounds in his first season for the Magic, cementing his place in the league.
McGrady had eight consecutive seasons for the Magic and later, the Houston Rockets, when he averaged more than 20 points a game for the season. In an era when Kobe Bryant was still establishing himself as one of the best in the
league, Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson were the scoring champs of the NBA. During the 2002-03 NBA season, McGrady averaged an astounding 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He had the rebounding abilities of a forward and the ball handling
and playmaking skills of a point guard.
Unfortunately for him and the NBA, McGrady got himself into injury trouble in the 2008-09 NBA season, playing only 35 games for the Houston Rockets. The next season, he played only 30 games for the Rockets and New York Knicks,
averaging 22.4 minutes and 8.2 points over the season.
McGrady is one of those special NBA players whose career has been shortened with unfortunate injuries, robbing the fans a few more years of the raw talent and impeccable skills of this basketball player. Last year, McGrady played
as a backup for the Atlanta Hawks. He seems to have come to terms with the fact that his days of basketball glory are over, and the only role for him in a team is that of a back up player and a mentor.
And for that very reason, McGrady could be a great signing for the Charlotte Bobcats. The team finished with the worst record in league history last season, and is looking to climb up from next season onwards. They have the number
two pick of this year’s draft in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
The Bobcats have a young roster of up and coming players, which is why McGrady would be a great fit in the team. A few days ago, reports came out that McGrady was all set to practice for the Bobcats. He is the type of player that
would be a good fit for them, providing the veteran leadership to the team as well as grooming and mentoring the rookie, Kidd-Gilchrist.
McGrady may be at the end of his playing career in the NBA, but his experience can help a lot of the younger players in any team, especially the Bobcats.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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