Former NBA scoring champ Tracy McGrady announces retirement

Seven-time NBA all-star Tracy McGrady announced his retirement from the NBA on Monday during an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.�

The announcement probably wasn’t much of a surprise to most people. The two-time league scoring champ played in China most of last season before joining the San Antonio Spurs for a playoff run that didn’t end until a loss to the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

McGrady played a total of 31 minutes in six games for the Spurs, scoring no points and pulling in eight rebounds. The previous season with Atlanta he averaged 16.1 minutes and 5.3 points; the year before that with Detroit, 23.4 minutes and eight points.

It’s all a far cry from the near 40 minutes a game he averaged when leading the league with an average of 32.1 points in 2002-03 and 28 points in 2003-04, but McGrady still feels he has more to offer.

Oddly enough, that’s why he’s retiring after 15 NBA seasons.

“I still have a lot to give, but I can’t allow myself to settle,� McGrady said, “The last three years have mentally ejected me from the game. So if I can’t be engaged and feel that I can play the role that I feel I can play, then it’s� time to retire from the NBA.

Still, McGrady, who didn’t rule out a return to playing overseas, wasn’t bitter at all when making his announcement.

“It’s been 16 years playing the game I love and dreamed about,� he said. “I think I’ve had a great run and it’s come to an end.�

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