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Tracy McGrady Creates The Perfect NBA Player Using LeBron And Kobe, Didn't Use Jordan For Any Skill
Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

Tracy McGrady recently crafted the perfect NBA player by combining the skills of various basketball legends. Notably, McGrady opted to exclude Michael Jordan from his creation, instead focusing on the attributes of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, among others.

Body - LeBron James 

Mentality - Kobe Bryant 

Shooting - Stephen Curry 

Handles - Kyrie Irving 

Passing - LeBron James 

Athleticism - Vince Carter 

Defense - Ron Artest 

Basketball IQ - LeBron James 

"In today's game, this player that I've created would average 45 points. He gets to the basket when he wants to, he shoots from anywhere on the basketball court."

For the mentality aspect, McGrady turned to the late Kobe Bryant, renowned for his relentless work ethic and fierce competitiveness. Bryant's Mamba Mentality epitomized dedication and determination, qualities that McGrady deemed essential for his ideal player.

When it comes to shooting, McGrady selected the unparalleled Stephen Curry, whose long-range accuracy and ability to change the game with his three-point shooting revolutionized the NBA. Curry's shooting prowess transcends conventional boundaries, making him a natural choice for McGrady's composite player.

Kyrie Irving's handles earned him a spot in McGrady's blueprint, highlighting the importance of elite ball-handling skills in today's game. Irving's mesmerizing dribble moves and ability to navigate through defenses with finesse perfectly complement the other attributes McGrady envisioned for his ideal player.

For passing, McGrady didn't look beyond LeBron James, acknowledging James' exceptional court vision and playmaking ability. James' knack for finding teammates in the right spots and orchestrating the offense with precision makes him an invaluable asset in any basketball scenario.

Vince Carter's athleticism made him the obvious choice for this category, with McGrady recognizing Carter's jaw-dropping dunks and explosive leaping ability as unmatched in NBA history.

Ron Artest, known for his tenacious defense and physicality on the court, was selected by McGrady to bolster the defensive aspect of his perfect player. Artest's ability to disrupt opponents and lock down elite scorers adds a crucial defensive dimension to McGrady's creation.

Finally, McGrady assigned the attribute of basketball IQ to LeBron James once again, underscoring James' unparalleled understanding of the game and ability to make the right decisions in critical moments.

In today's NBA, McGrady believes that the player he has crafted would dominate, averaging an impressive 45 points per game. With a combination of scoring, playmaking, shooting, handles, athleticism, and defense, McGrady's perfect player embodies the best qualities of basketball's greatest legends, poised to excel in any era of the game.

Tracy McGrady Believes He Would Be A Max Player Today 

Tracy McGrady, a former NBA superstar known for his scoring prowess and offensive dominance during the 2000s, recently expressed his belief that he would command a maximum contract if he played in today's NBA. McGrady's confidence stems from his prolific career, which included seven All-Star selections and two scoring titles.

"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."

Reflecting on his peak performance during the 2002-03 season with the Orlando Magic, McGrady averaged an impressive 32.1 points per game while maintaining efficient shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc. With such impressive statistics and accolades to his name, McGrady feels justified in his assertion that he would warrant a max contract in today's league.

Throughout his 16-year NBA career, McGrady amassed a substantial fortune, earning a total of $163 million in salary. Despite enduring injury setbacks and experiencing fluctuations in his playing time, McGrady's talent and contributions to various teams earned him significant financial compensation.

McGrady's most lucrative contracts came early in his career, notably a seven-year, $93 million deal with the Toronto Raptors in 2000, followed by a $63 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets in 2004. However, when compared to the astronomical salaries of today's NBA superstars, McGrady's earnings pale in comparison.

For instance, Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown recently signed a historic five-year contract extension worth $304 million, dwarfing the earnings of players from McGrady's era. Such monumental contracts underscore the exponential growth of player salaries and the financial landscape of the modern NBA.

While McGrady's assertion that he would be a max player in today's league is speculative, the stark contrast in earning potential between his era and the present highlights the evolution of player compensation and the lucrative opportunities available to today's NBA stars.

Tracy McGrady Would Have Been A Beast In Today's Game

Tracy McGrady, with his combination of size, skill, and athleticism, would undoubtedly have been a force to be reckoned with in today's NBA. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall with a versatile skill set, McGrady possessed the ability to score from anywhere on the court, dominate the boards, and facilitate for his teammates. Imagining McGrady in today's game evokes visions of a dynamic and prolific player capable of thriving in various roles on the court.

In terms of scoring, McGrady's offensive repertoire would translate seamlessly to the modern NBA. With his smooth shooting stroke, ability to create his own shot, and athleticism to finish at the rim, McGrady would likely average around 32-34 points per game. His versatility as a scorer would allow him to excel in isolation situations, off-ball movement, and as a primary scoring option for his team.

On the glass, McGrady's combination of size, athleticism, and instincts would make him a formidable rebounder. Given his ability to crash the boards on both ends of the floor, McGrady could be expected to grab around 6-8 rebounds per game, providing his team with crucial second-chance opportunities and defensive stability.

As a playmaker, McGrady's court vision and passing ability were often overlooked during his playing days. However, in today's game, where ball movement and playmaking are highly valued, McGrady would showcase his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. With his basketball IQ and passing skills, McGrady could average around 6-8 assists per game, serving as a primary playmaker for his team's offense.

Defensively, McGrady's length, athleticism, and defensive instincts would allow him to excel as a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. He would contribute to his team's defensive scheme by contesting shots, generating steals, and providing weak-side help defense. McGrady's defensive impact could be reflected in his averages of around 1.5-2 steals and 0.5-1 blocks per game.

In addition to his on-court prowess, Tracy McGrady's impact in today's NBA would extend to his off-court value as well. Given the league's emphasis on star power, marketability, and revenue generation, McGrady's status as a transcendent talent would undoubtedly translate into a lucrative contract, potentially securing him a supermax contract or even one of the biggest contracts in NBA history.

Overall, Tracy McGrady would have been a dominant force in today's NBA, showcasing his scoring prowess, rebounding ability, playmaking skills, and defensive versatility. With his impact on both ends of the floor, McGrady would undoubtedly leave a significant mark on the modern game.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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