Tracy McGrady went from high school straight into the NBA and played for 16 years, scoring 19,490 points, earning two scoring titles and making seven All-Star appearances, as well as playing on seven All-NBA teams.
McGrady, who played with the San Antonio Spurs, announced his retirement this year after a having a slightly above average career.
Although he had suffered countless injuries, many fans have wondered why McGrady chose to retire, rather than chase a ring with a contender.
In an interview with Hoops World, McGrady explained why he left the league and the stresses that came with playing basketball and having a family.
“I was just drained and tired of the bull**** to be honest with you,” McGrady said. “Not really getting the opportunity to show what I could do, I wasn’t going to put myself through that kind of situation again. Right now, I’m just enjoying my life and enjoying being free. It hasn’t been that way since I was 18 years old; every year grinding it out, getting my body ready for the NBA’s rigorous regular season. I’d be in training camp and preseason right now, but instead I get to relax and be with my kids, just enjoying life.
“My kids love it and I’m really enjoying the opportunity to be around them. My boys are 7 and 4 right now, and my daughters are 10 and 5. Just to be able to go out and get to see them play in their Little League, basketball league and soccer league, it feels so good to be out there and to see that. I love that. They love having me there, seeing them play, and that brings joy to me. Being away and traveling all the time during an NBA season, you don’t get those opportunities so I’m enjoying it.”
