20 Iconic Athletes That Were Unfortunately Made of Glass

Tracy McGrady

Image Source: Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports

Playing in an era that featured legendary guards like Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Allen Iverson, and Ray Allen, it could be argued McGrady was the most talented of the lot. He had everything. At 6-foot-9, McGrady could handle the ball like a guard but had the length of wing. At his peak, he was virtually unguardable on the offensive end, and was an underrated defensive player to boot.

His best year came in 2003 as a 23-year-old. McGrady averaged 32.1 points per game, and made the All-NBA First Team alongside Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett.

By the time he was 30, he was averaging just 8 points per game. For context purposes, Stephen Curry just finished his age-30 season, and averaged just under 28 points per game. McGrady never once played all 82 games in a season, and was essentially forced to retire due to the multiple injuries he sustained to his back by the age of 32.