Basketball Star Tracy McGrady Regrets Leaving Toronto in the Year 2000 Free AgencyFrenzy
In a recent interview, basketball legend Tracy McGrady expressed his regrets about leaving the Toronto Raptors during the summer of 2000. McGrady, who began his career with the Raptors, reminisced about his time in Toronto and the impact his decision to join the Orlando Magic had on his career.
During his tenure with the Raptors (1997-2000), McGrady demonstrated promising potential, averaging 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in his final season with the team. His impact was significant enough to earn him a third-place finish in the Sixth Man of the Year voting[1][3].
McGrady's move to Orlando coincided with his rise to stardom. He became a seven-time NBA All-Star, won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2001, and twice led the league in scoring. The Magic hoped to build a strong team around him, acquiring Grant Hill, although Hill's injuries limited their partnership[2].
In contrast, the Raptors were a growing franchise but did not have the same level of competitive success as they might have had with a fully matured McGrady. Had he stayed in Toronto, McGrady might have continued to develop but without the same spotlight or offensive role he enjoyed in Orlando.
McGrady's decision to join Orlando was influenced by factors such as the desire to be the first option on a team, not the third option, as he would have been in Orlando[3]. Tim Duncan's decision not to join Orlando in 2000 was also a factor in McGrady's decision[4].
In a hypothetical scenario where McGrady remained with the Raptors, it is speculative to predict exact outcomes. However, it is worth considering that with the Raptors, McGrady and the team could have contended for a championship. The Raptors, without McGrady, reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2001, losing in a game 7 against the 76ers[5].
McGrady's heart still remains in Toronto, and he expressed his love for the city and its fans, despite the boos he received upon his return[3]. He joined former teammates Vince and Charles Oakley on the show "Off the Record" to discuss the 2001 Raptors series[6].
The Bulls showed McGrady attention and love during his visit, but he ultimately did not sign with them. A Rockets employee tried to make a trade for McGrady during his rookie season, but no deal was reached[7]. Eddie Jones and other players felt the same way about joining the Bulls[8].
In summary, McGrady's move to Orlando positioned him as a franchise centerpiece, which greatly boosted his career achievements and legacy. Staying with Toronto might have meant McGrady's rise to stardom would have been slower or less prominent initially, given the Raptors’ team status in the early 2000s. While McGrady was talented enough to excel anywhere, his decision to join Orlando likely accelerated and amplified his career trajectory compared to staying with Toronto[1][3].
[1] https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcgraat01.html [2] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29229526/grant-hill-tracy-mcgrady-orlando-magic-2000 [3] https://www.si.com/nba/2021/05/25/tracy-mcgrady-regrets-leaving-toronto-raptors-2000 [4] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29229526/grant-hill-tracy-mcgrady-orlando-magic-2000 [5] https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2001-nba_playoffs-toronto.html [6] https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/raptors/tracy-mcgrady-remembers-2001-raptors-series-off-record/ [7] https://www.si.com/nba/2021/05/25/tracy-mcgrady-regrets-leaving-toronto-raptors-2000 [8] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29229526/grant-hill-tracy-mcgrady-orlando-magic-2000
- Tracy McGrady's tenure with the NBA's Toronto Raptors (1997-2000) demonstrated his promising potential, as he averaged 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in his final season with the team.
- McGrady's decision to join the Orlando Magic in 2000 coincided with his rise to NBA stardom, garnering him multiple accolades, including seven NBA All-Star appearances, the 2001 NBA Most Improved Player Award, and two scoring titles.
- Had McGrady opted to stay with the Raptors, they might not have achieved the same level of competitive success, but McGrady's development could have continued without the same spotlight or offensive role he enjoyed in Orlando.
- In a hypothetical scenario where McGrady remained with the Raptors, it is possible that the team and McGrady himself could have contended for an NBA championship, as they reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the 76ers in 2001.
- Despite leaving the Raptors and the subsequent boost to his career achievements with the Magic, McGrady maintains a deep affection for Toronto and its fans, often expressing his love for the city and its people.
- Basketball highlights and clips of McGrady's career, both with the Raptors and later with the Magic, continue to captivate fans and fellow players alike, showcasing his extraordinary skills and stellar NBA career.
