Orlando Magic 35th Anniversary: 35 best players in Magic history
4. Tracy McGrady (2001-04)
By Matthew Costello
Tracy McGrady is absolutely an Orlando Magic Legend and probably the best pure scorer the franchise has ever seen. If you were a kid growing up in the Orlando area in the early 2000s – owning a pair of T-Mac’s signature Adidas shoes was an instant rep enhancer.
McGrady had it all during his time in Central Florida: smooth handles, a deadly jumper, elite athleticism, and the confidence to get clutch buckets whenever the situation called for it.
McGrady averaged an ungodly 28.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists,1.5 steals and 1.0
blocks per game in 295 appearances during his four-year Magic tenure. Despite a limited time in Orlando (he doe snot even crack the top 10 in games played), McGrady was able to put up numbers that assure he will be one of the franchise’s best for years to come.
In the regular season, he ranks fourth in the organization in points, ninth in rebounds and assists, seventh in steals and first in points per game (28.1). In fact, the only other Magic player in franchise history to average more than 20 points per contest was NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neil (27.2 per game).
Really the only blemish on McGrady’s Magic resume unfortunately comes from his lack of
postseason success. While the Magic do not have the most illustrious postseason history, it is
fair to say McGrady’s were disappointing considering he is one of the best players the organization
has ever had dawn their jersey.
He led the Magic to the playoffs in three of four seasons but each time lost in the first round.
The 2003 playoffs were the most heartbreaking for Magic fans and probably McGrady as
well.
After going up 3-1 against the Detroit Pistons, McGrady uttered that infamously premature
phrase, “It feels good to get into the second round.” The league had just switched the first round from best-of-5 to best-of-7.
Orlando never would advance as the Pistons won three straight to knock Orlando out of the Playoffs and ultimately end McGrady’s postseason career with the Magic.
Regardless of what was not accomplished, McGrady is rightfully a fan-favorite player in the
team’s history. His No. 1 jersey can still be seen in abundance during any game at the Amway Center.
He was one of the few players who truly made being a Magic fan cool and holds a special place in the hearts and minds of every Magic fan. His time in Orlando was special and it is safe to say he will remain a staple in the top 5 of any “All-Time Greatest Orlando Magic Players” for years to come.