Career Timeline of Tracy McGrady: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Tracy McGrady, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Tracy McGrady, nicknamed T-Mac, is a retired American professional basketball player celebrated for his NBA career. A seven-time All-Star and All-NBA selection, he twice won the NBA scoring title and received the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 2001. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017, McGrady is considered one of the best scorers and shooting guards in NBA history.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: NBA Draft and Toronto Raptors Selection

In 1997, Tracy McGrady entered the NBA directly from high school and was selected as the ninth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors, starting his professional basketball career.

1997: Joining Toronto Raptors and Limited Playing Time

In 1997, after being drafted by the Toronto Raptors, Tracy McGrady experienced a difficult rookie season with limited playing time and feelings of loneliness.

1998: McGrady and Carter as teammates on the Raptors

From 1998, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter were teammates with the Raptors.

1999: Emergence of Athletic Duo

By the 1999-2000 season, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter developed a reputation for their athleticism while playing together for the Toronto Raptors.

August 3, 2000: Signing with the Orlando Magic

On August 3, 2000, Tracy McGrady signed with the Orlando Magic as a free agent, aiming for a more significant role and a return to his home state of Florida. He signed a seven-year, $92.8 million contract with the Magic.

2000: Emergence as a Top NBA Player

During the 2000-01 NBA season, Tracy McGrady established himself as one of the league's best players, earning his first All-Star Game appearance and All-NBA Second Team selection.

2000: Playoff Qualification and First-Round Exit

In 2000, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter helped the Toronto Raptors qualify for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, though they were swept by the New York Knicks in the first round.

2000: Departure to Orlando Magic

In 2000, Tracy McGrady left the Toronto Raptors and joined the Orlando Magic, seeking a more prominent role as a prolific scorer.

2000: McGrady and Carter as teammates on the Raptors

Until 2000, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter were teammates with the Raptors.

2001: NBA Most Improved Player Award

In 2001, Tracy McGrady won the NBA Most Improved Player Award, marking a significant achievement in his early career.

2002: McGrady signs partnership with Adidas

In 2002, Tracy McGrady signed a long-term partnership with Adidas, agreeing to an endorsement deal that lasted through his playing career and beyond.

2002: First NBA Scoring Title

In 2002-03, Tracy McGrady won his first NBA scoring title, averaging 32.1 points per game and finishing fourth in MVP voting.

2003: McGrady selected for FIBA Americas Championship

In 2003, Tracy McGrady was selected to the United States national team for the FIBA Americas Championship.

2003: Second Consecutive Scoring Title

In the 2003-04 season, Tracy McGrady won his second consecutive NBA scoring title, despite a tumultuous season for the Orlando Magic.

June 29, 2004: Trade to Houston Rockets

On June 29, 2004, Tracy McGrady, along with other players, was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he looked forward to playing alongside Yao Ming.

2004: Trade to Houston Rockets

In 2004, Tracy McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he teamed up with Yao Ming, aiming to create a strong playoff contender.

2004: US qualifies for the 2004 Olympic Games

In 2004, the U.S. qualified for the Olympic Games after winning against Puerto Rico.

2007: McGrady Visits Darfurian Refugee Camps

In 2007, Tracy McGrady traveled to the Darfurian refugee camps in Chad with John Prendergast and Omer Ismail of the Enough Project.

February 18, 2010: McGrady Traded to the New York Knicks

On February 18, 2010, Tracy McGrady was traded to the New York Knicks as part of a three-team trade involving Houston, New York, and Sacramento.

2010: McGrady's Stats for the 2010-11 Season

In the 2010-11 NBA season, Tracy McGrady averaged 8 points per game.

2010: McGrady Changes Jersey Number to Promote Humanitarian Efforts

Prior to the start of the 2010 season with the Rockets, Tracy McGrady changed his jersey number to No. 3 in order to promote his humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region and a documentary called 3 Points.

January 14, 2011: McGrady Scores Season High Against Raptors

On January 14, 2011, Tracy McGrady scored a season-high 22 points and recorded 5 assists in a 101–95 victory over the Raptors.

January 2, 2012: McGrady performance against Miami Heat

On January 2, 2012, McGrady had a memorable performance against the Miami Heat scoring 13-point fourth quarter to bring Atlanta back to win the game.

October 9, 2012: McGrady Signs with Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles

On October 9, 2012, Tracy McGrady signed a one-year deal with the Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association.

April 16, 2013: McGrady Signs with San Antonio Spurs

On April 16, 2013, Tracy McGrady signed with the San Antonio Spurs, becoming eligible for their playoff roster.

February 4, 2014: McGrady Pursues Professional Baseball Career

On February 4, 2014, Tracy McGrady confirmed his pursuit of a professional baseball career, working with Roger Clemens to become a pitcher for the Sugar Land Skeeters.