"I wanna be celebrated again" - Tracy McGrady on why he played in China
After recovering from another injury late in his career, Tracy McGrady made a bold decision to take his talents to China in a quest to rediscover his elite playing status. After facing challenges that affected his confidence in the NBA, T-Mac saw the CBA as the perfect platform to have a fresh start.
True to form, McGrady joined the Qingdao Eagles with one goal in mind – to immerse himself in his beloved sport and unleash the beast in him once again. Embracing the vibrant culture and passionate hoop fans in China, T-Mac succeeded in his plan and found himself rejuvenated as a player.
"Once I was done with the league, I went to China," McGrady opened up on All The Smoke in 2020. "I had to get that feeling back because I know if I go to China I'm gonna get that love back, that passion back, I know they're gonna break it out. I want to be celebrated again."
T-Mac's remarkable CBA run earned him an NBA contract
During his time in the CBA, McGrady vehemently showcased his exceptional skills and talent on the court. Known for his soft touch, explosive scoring, and versatility, T-Mac quickly became a fan favorite among Chinese basketball enthusiasts, having averaged 25 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 29 games.
His charisma and leadership qualities not only elevated his team's performance but also brought a new level of excitement to the Chinese basketball scene. Little did the former Orlando Magic superstar know, his impressive run in the CB did not go unnoticed.
As it turned out, longtime San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich had kept track of McGrady's CBA stint. And just when T-Mac thought he was out, Pop brought him back in.
"I had to work my a** off to get back healthy like, I worked so hard to get back healthy it took me like a year and a half something years before I was even pain-free after that surgery," McGrady continued. "So, I go to China for four months, sold the whole CBA out. Sold it out and come back home."
"I'm home for two months not working out, just chilling with the fam. I come out of the church, and missed phone call from Pop, I told him, 'Pop, what's going on?' He was like, 'I got some guys that are injured. I need another body, I need you to come down.' I was like, 'Pop, I haven't done anything for two months, bro.' He was like. 'Don't worry about that, we'll get you in shape,'" he revealed.
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T-Mac realized he should've joined the Spurs early on
McGrady knew that he wasn't gonna be a key player for the Spurs. However, he confided that he didn't expect to be sitting on the bench for the majority of his brief time with the team.
Despite not being on the court as much as he had hoped, T-Mac remained positive and uplifted. He chose to focus on the opportunity to add new knowledge about the game from the seasoned franchise.
During practices and games, McGrady paid close attention to what Popovich was instilling in the Spurs. He absorbed every valuable lesson he could by observing the team dynamics and the intricate strategies Coach Pop and his staff were implementing.
In retrospect, McGrady wound up envisioning his prime self seamlessly fitting into the Spurs' system and utilizing his athleticism and scoring prowess to contribute to their success. Ultimately, T-Mac wished he became a Spur early in his career and not when he was already mentally done with the game.
"I wish I played for the Spurs," McGrady once confessed. "I was done (when I got there). I wish I had played for Coach Pop. He gets the best out of his players. I played for a phenomenal coach in Doc, he was a young coach at the time. Jeff Van Gundy was phenomenal. Love Jeff Van Gundy… [but] I wish I played for Pop."
"When I stepped foot into that organization and saw how things were run from the top down, I was like, 'this is how it should be,'” he added. "And you're getting good teaching."
T-Mac never ran short of love from the fans
McGrady may not have enjoyed a lengthy prime career in the NBA, but he undeniably won the hearts of hoops fans across the globe. In fact, he continues to captivate them even to this day, as many are still celebrating his legacy.
Remembered for being an effortless and gracious scoring virtuoso, McGrady had established himself as one of the most prolific scorers the game has ever seen. T-Mac's sexy game and humble demeanor endeared him to fans of all ages.
With one look, it's easy to say that McGrady's impact on the sport transcends time as he has become a beloved figure in the NBA lore whose legacy continues to inspire aspiring athletes and fans alike.
