In 2000, McGrady signed with the Orlando Magic, where he truly began to flourish as a player. His scoring ability, combined with his athleticism and versatility, allowed him to become one of the league's top offensive threats. During his time with the Magic, McGrady won the NBA's Most Improved Player Award in 2001 and led the league in scoring for two consecutive seasons (2002-2003 and 2003-2004). His 62-point game against the Washington Wizards in 2004 remains one of the highest-scoring performances in NBA history.
McGrady's tenure with the Magic was also marked by his ability to perform in clutch situations, often taking over games with his scoring prowess. However, despite his individual success, the team struggled to advance deep into the playoffs, which led to his trade to the Houston Rockets in 2004.
In Houston, McGrady teamed up with Yao Ming, forming a dynamic duo that was expected to lead the Rockets to championship contention. While the pair showed flashes of brilliance, injuries plagued both players, limiting their time on the court together. Nevertheless, McGrady continued to deliver memorable performances, including his legendary 13 points in 33 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs in 2004, a feat that remains etched in NBA lore.
Throughout his career, McGrady was selected to seven NBA All-Star Games and earned All-NBA honors seven times. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his playmaking skills, made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Despite battling injuries in the latter part of his career, McGrady remained a respected figure in the league.
After his stint with the Rockets, McGrady played for several other teams, including the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks. He also had a brief stint with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he continued to showcase his scoring ability.
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