History of Tracy McGrady in Timeline

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 earned two NBA scoring titles and the 2001 Most Improved Player Award. McGrady was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017 and is considered among the NBA's best scorers and shooting guards.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 24, 1979: Tracy McGrady's Birth

On May 24, 1979, Tracy Lamar McGrady Jr., nicknamed T-Mac, was born. He would go on to become a professional basketball player in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Drafted by the Toronto Raptors

In 1997, Tracy McGrady entered the NBA and was selected as the ninth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the NBA draft.

1997: Played at the Roundball Classic

In 1997, Tracy McGrady played at the Roundball Classic, scoring 13 points, showcasing his talent before entering the NBA draft.

1997: Drafted by the Toronto Raptors and Limited Playing Time

In 1997, Tracy McGrady was drafted by the Toronto Raptors and received limited playing time during the 1997-98 season, averaging only 13 minutes per game.

1998: Raptors Drafted Vince Carter

In 1998, the Toronto Raptors drafted Vince Carter, who is Tracy McGrady's second cousin once removed. McGrady and Carter became very close.

1999: Rise to Prominence with Vince Carter

By the 1999-2000 season, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter had developed a reputation for their athleticism.

August 3, 2000: Signed with Orlando Magic

On August 3, 2000, Tracy McGrady signed with the Orlando Magic through a sign-and-trade deal, receiving a seven-year, $92.8 million contract.

2000: Emergence as one of the NBA's Best

During the 2000-01 season, Tracy McGrady emerged as one of the best players in the NBA and earned his first All-Star Game appearance.

2000: Signed with the Orlando Magic

In 2000, Tracy McGrady left the Toronto Raptors and signed with the Orlando Magic, becoming a prolific scorer in the league.

2000: Playoffs Qualification and Tenure-High Score

In 2000, Tracy McGrady scored a tenure-high 28 points against the Pistons. Behind the play of McGrady and Carter, the Toronto Raptors qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

2001: All-NBA First Team Selection

For the 2001-02 season, Tracy McGrady earned his second All-NBA Team selection, this time to the All-NBA First Team.

2001: NBA Most Improved Player Award

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

March 8, 2002: Season High Game vs Washington Wizards

On March 8, 2002, Tracy McGrady scored a season high 50 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 99-96 win over the Washington Wizards.

2002: Partnership with Adidas

In 2002, Tracy McGrady signed a long-term partnership with Adidas, including an endorsement deal and a signature line of shoes.

2002: Won First Scoring Title

In 2002-03, Tracy McGrady won his first scoring title, averaging 32.1 points per game.

2003: McGrady won his second consecutive scoring title.

In the 2003-04 season, Tracy McGrady won his second consecutive scoring title, averaging 28 points per game, and scored a career-high 62 points in a game versus the Washington Wizards.

June 29, 2004: Traded to Houston Rockets

On June 29, 2004, Tracy McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets as part of a seven-player deal and signed a three-year, $63 million contract extension.

2004: Traded to the Houston Rockets

In 2004, Tracy McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he teamed up with Yao Ming.

2004: Memorable performance against the Spurs

In December 2004, Tracy McGrady had a memorable performance scoring 13 points in the final 35 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs.

December 27, 2005: Birth of First Son

On December 27, 2005, Tracy McGrady's first son, Laymen Lamar, was born during a home game in Houston, leading McGrady to leave at halftime.

2005: Draft Pick Sent to Raptors

In 2000, as part of the sign-and-trade deal that sent Tracy McGrady to the Orlando Magic, a future 2005 first-round draft pick was sent to the Toronto Raptors.

2005: Played in All-Star Game Despite Injury

In 2005, despite health concerns due to back spasms, Tracy McGrady played in the All-Star Game in Houston, scoring 36 points in 27 minutes.

2006: Health Issues and Playoff Loss

Early in the 2006-07 season, Tracy McGrady missed seven games due to back spasms. The Rockets lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Utah Jazz.

2007: Rockets went on 22-game winning streak

In 2007-08, the Rockets went on a 22-game winning streak, despite missing Yao Ming. Houston finished the season as the West's fifth seed, earning them a rematch with the Jazz in the first round.

2008: Arthroscopic Surgery and Injury

Following Houston's loss to Utah, Tracy McGrady underwent arthroscopic surgery on both his left shoulder and left knee in 2008. He missed 18 games early in the 2008-09 season.

February 18, 2010: 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.

January 14, 2011: 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: Memorable Performance Against Miami Heat

On January 2, 2012, Tracy McGrady had a memorable performance against the Miami Heat, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter to lead Atlanta to victory.

October 9, 2012: Signed 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: Signed with San Antonio Spurs

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

2013: Retirement from the NBA

In 2013, after playing with the Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles of the CBA and the San Antonio Spurs, Tracy McGrady retired from the NBA.

February 4, 2014: Confirmed Pursuit of Professional Baseball

On February 4, 2014, Tracy McGrady confirmed he was pursuing his dream of becoming a professional baseball player, working with Roger Clemens as a pitcher for the Sugar Land Skeeters.

July 2014: Played Baseball for the Sugar Land Skeeters

From April to July 2014, Tracy McGrady played professional baseball, pitching for the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

2017: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2017, Tracy McGrady was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to basketball.

August 2021: Launched SOLEcial App

In August 2021, Tracy McGrady launched an app called SOLEcial, designed to sell autographed shoes, trading cards, and other memorabilia directly to buyers.