UPDATE: ESPN has informed us that Tracy McGrady will maintain his role as a NBA analyst while he works with the Magic, and has a new deal with the network. Much like David Ross works with the Chicago Cubs and Magic Johnson had a role with the Lakers while providing analysis with ESPN, the network will make sure to mention McGrady’s involvement with the Magic when he’s on the air, especially if Orlando is a topic of discussion.
[Original story follows]
Tracy McGrady is making the jump from NBA television analyst to a former team’s front office. As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, McGrady is joining the Orlando Magic as a special assistant to CEO Alex Martins.
McGrady, 38, joined ESPN as a studio analyst in 2016, appearing regularly on The Jump. He was also part of the Wednesday edition of NBA Countdown, in addition to providing analysis and commentary across network platforms, including SportsCenter.
According to the Sentinel‘s Mike Bianchi and Josh Robbins, McGrady’s responsibilities will include marketing and promoting the team’s Lakeland Magic G League franchise. But he’ll also have a role with the parent club, working with Orlando’s players and coaches, and likely assisting in recruiting free agents to the team.
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In his four seasons with Orlando, McGrady set franchise records for most points in a game (62), highest career scoring average (28.1 per game), most points in a season (32.1 in the 2002-03 campaign), and most field goal attempts (1,813), points (2,407), and free throws (576) made in a season, in addition to team-high marks for most minutes played in a season and per game. He originally signed with the Magic as a free agent in 2000, returning to the area where he grew up and joining Grant Hill as new additions to the team.
McGrady also played for the Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks during his NBA career.
His stint as a player in Orlando ended on strained terms, reportedly due to clashes with then-general manager John Weisbrod during a season in which coach Doc Rivers was fired. After the 2003-04 season, McGrady was traded to Houston in a seven-player deal that included Juwan Howard and Tyronn Lue going to the Rockets, and the Magic receiving Steve Francis, Kelvin Cato and Cuttino Mobley in return.
“I am thrilled to be back where I truly made a name for myself — with the Orlando Magic,” McGrady said in an official release from the Magic. “The DeVos family and the entire organization have always done everything in a first-class manner and I am excited to be able to help them with whatever they may need.”
