Some Michael Jordan and Tracy McGrady historical past was launched on Wednesday’s episode of the “Knuckleheads” podcast. McGrady shared a particular story concerning the time he was virtually traded to the Chicago Bulls in change for Scottie Pippen.
Michael Jordan vetoes Tracy McGrady commerce to Bulls
Tracy McGrady stated:
“Chicago wished me SO dangerous, bro … Draft night time, I virtually acquired traded for Scottie. They, uh, the night time earlier than the draft, Jerry Krause known as my agent, acquired me up 12 o’clock at night time, had me go to a secret location to take a bodily. It was about to go down, however MJ made the calls; ‘Yo, if y’all do this I’m retiring’”
Jordan and Scottie Pippen received six championships collectively, so it is sensible why Jordan would wish to maintain Pippen. The 2 have been a pair, and Pippen knew his position alongside Jordan and complemented his greatness properly. A participant like McGrady wants his personal house to shine on the court docket, and Jordan most likely wouldn’t have wished somebody in his highlight on the Bulls.
Michael Jordan was a five-time MVP in 15 seasons.
McGrady entered the NBA straight out of highschool, chosen by the Toronto Raptors with the ninth total decide within the 1997 draft. He turned the face of their staff in his three years as a Raptor. He then blossomed, changing into an All-Star for the primary time after being traded to the Orlando Magic in August 2000.
McGrady recalled how badly the Bulls wished him:
“Then once I was a free agent in ’99-2000, after that season, he got here again once more to attempt to get me, Jerry Krause. Once I inform you he rolled out the pink carpet, bro, I imply, as quickly as I acquired off the airplane, they’d a band, they’d the cheerleaders.”
McGrady ended up going to Orlando, incomes the Most Improved Participant award for the 2000-01 season.
The Corridor of Famer and seven-time All-Star averaged 19.6 factors, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per recreation in 938 video games. Very like Jordan, he performed with an extreme quantity of aptitude. McGrady at all times knew the right way to get in and round the important thing, ending with poise and execution that may excite the group.
To have the ability to see “Air Jordan” and McGrady on the identical staff would have been completely particular. Balking on the value of exchanging Scottie Pippen for McGrady, nonetheless, is an argument that the majority will aspect with Jordan on.
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Jordan and Pippen are arguably the NBA’s most notable duo. Regardless, the mixed aptitude and tenacity of each Jordan and McGrady would have been legendary as properly.