"It's like I owned the game" - Why Tracy McGrady felt he was at his best during the 2002/03 season
Tracy McGrady became a true superstar when he played for the Orlando Magic. He ascended into a 26.8 points per game scorer in the 2000/01 season after averaging only 15.4 for the Toronto Raptors in the season before.
However, T-Mac feels he hit his stride and found his best form in the 2002/03 season. That was a stellar campaign, averaging a career-high 32.1 points per game and winning the scoring title over fellow shooting guard superstar Kobe Bryant, who averaged 30.0.
“2003. It was like I owned the game. As a basketball player, it becomes a time in your career when you have mastered and figured it out, and the game slows down, start seeing things differently,” T-Mac said on his Instagram account. “2003, that mentality, I felt like no one can stop me.”
T-Mac vs. Kobe was a legitimate debate
In the early 2000s, McGrady and Bryant were the two best shooting guards in the league. They were legitimately unstoppable, as they could create their shots, but they also worked within their team’s systems. However, T-Mac was arguably better than his close friend.
Of course, Bean became a much better player as their careers continued, but Tracy deserves his flowers because he went toe-to-toe with Bryant. Even the Lakers legend himself has said that he struggled against T-Mac.
Even after retiring, their friendship endured, with their competitive spirit often popping up in conversations. Their mutual respect and refusal to concede superiority made for a fantastic relationship marked by superb competition.
T-Mac deserves more recognition as a true superstar
While McGrady didn’t have the most illustrious career compared to some of his peers, it’s undeniable that he was such a good player. He was one of the most unique players, as he was considerably taller than most shooting guards, but he was quick and looked smoother than any other player.
The best modern-day comparison is Paul George, another taller wing who makes it look easy. However, he does not have the same takeover gene inside McGrady. The former Orlando Magic superstar became the most dangerous scorer in the league and cemented his place as a superstar alongside Kobe, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tim Duncan.
If T-Mac played today, he would be one of the best players in the league. Even he believes he would get a maximum contract if he was still in his prime today.
“Whatever the biggest contract there is. Whatever the max is. I mean, s**t, give me the max, bro. I was a max player in my day. I think I’ll be a max player in today’s game,” T-Mac said on his Instagram.
