Tracy McGrady
The T-Mac era brought gravity-defying scoring and unforgettable comebacks to the Toyota Center.
Tracy McGrady is one of the most electrifying figures in Houston Rockets history, a seven-time NBA All-Star who defined the franchise's identity during the mid-2000s. Arriving via trade from Orlando in 2004, he formed an iconic partnership with All-Star center Yao Ming. Together, they created one of the most watched duos in basketball history, carrying the hopes of a city desperate for another championship after the Hakeem Olajuwon era. McGrady is regarded as one of the greatest scorers and shooting guards in NBA history, and his time in Houston produced some of the most memorable moments in the league.
- Affiliation
- Houston Rockets (2004–2010)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
On June 29, 2004, McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines were traded to the Houston Rockets as part of a seven-player deal that sent Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato to the Magic. In response to the trade, McGrady stated that he was happy with the situation and expressed excitement over the prospect of playing alongside Rocket All-Star center Yao Ming. Shortly after arriving in Houston, McGrady signed a three-year, $63 million contract extension with the team. The Rockets struggled to begin the 2004–05 season, posting a losing record of 16–17 through their first 33 games. On December 9, McGrady had one of the most memorable performances of his career, scoring 13 points in the final 35 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs including a last-second three-pointer to secure a comeback victory. The sequence included four consecutive three-pointers.
In Their Own Story
The arena hums with a nervous energy, the kind that only exists in the final minute of a December game. The clock ticks down, seconds bleeding away. Tracy stands at the top of the key, eyes locked on the rim, sweat glistening under the harsh arena lights. He catches the pass, rises with impossible fluidity, and releases a three-pointer. Time seems to suspend as the ball arcs through the air; for a heartbeat, the entire city holds its breath. This was December 9, 2004, against the San Antonio Spurs. McGrady scored 13 points in the final 35 seconds, including four consecutive three-pointers and a last-second three to secure a comeback victory. It remains one of the most memorable performances of his career.
Reader's Guide
Tracy McGrady's era at the Houston Rockets spanned from 2004 to 2010, serving as the franchise's primary offensive engine during a transitional period. His playing style was defined by elite scoring versatility, exceptional ball-handling for his size, and an uncanny ability to generate offense in isolation. During his time in Houston, McGrady achieved significant individual accolades, including multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA Team honors. He paired with center Yao Ming to help the Rockets become a perennial playoff team. His final seasons in the NBA were plagued by injuries, and he retired in 2013 following brief stints with the Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the San Antonio Spurs. His legacy is that of a generational talent who brought global attention to the Rockets alongside Yao Ming.
Did You Know?
- McGrady was traded to the Rockets on June 29, 2004, in a seven-player deal that sent Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato to the Magic.
- Shortly after arriving in Houston, McGrady signed a three-year, $63 million contract extension with the team.
- On December 9, 2004, McGrady scored 13 points in the final 35 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs, including four consecutive three-pointers and a last-second three to secure a comeback victory.
- McGrady paired with center Yao Ming to help the Rockets become a perennial playoff team.
- McGrady is a seven-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2017.