What was your reaction to McGrady’s departure and final season? Did that change how you viewed him?
Palmer: I was bummed he did not want to stay and help out a rebuilding situation in Orlando. But it made sense. The Magic were terrible, Tracy McGrady was already suffering from back issues. I cannot really blame the guy for wanting to move on to a contender so he could try to win before his body gave out on him. My bigger issue was the return Orlando took for him. Just a reminder that Shawn Marion and Joe Johnson for Tracy McGrady was on the table at the time. Orlando settled on Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato. All three were off the team within two years.
Buckley: I just remember being so surprised at the time. My youthful self could not imagine McGrady anywhere else. For a start, his jersey was one of the only ones on sale here [eds. note: Joe lives in the United Kingdom]. But actually looking at the situation, it made sense. And I was glad he went on to have some success with the Rockets. Not enough success, but still.
Rossman-Reich: I was pretty sad. I thought with the No.1 overall pick in the draft, there was still a chance to save things with McGrady. Even though he had said he wanted out if the Magic drafted Dwight Howard (not clearly the best choice over Emeka Okafor), I thought there was a chance Tracy McGrady could get bought into what the Magic were building and have the patience to wait. That seemed naive — especially in light of what was happening with his deteriorated relationship with general manager Jon Weisbrod.
Ultimately, McGrady was tired of waiting for the Magic to get their act together. In retrospect, I cannot blame him. He could have handled some things better with management, but it was time for him to exercise his power. Especially after the team bottomed out so horribly.