Tracy McGrady, one of the most electrifying scorers in NBA history, could have been a Kentucky Wildcat. Before becoming a seven-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, McGrady had strong interest in playing college basketball in Lexington.
In the late 1990s, McGrady was a rising star out of Mount Zion Christian Academy in North Carolina. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the country. Top college programs were lining up to recruit him, but Kentucky stood out as one of his favorite options.
McGrady reportedly admired the Wildcats’ style of play and the chance to compete under then-head coach Rick Pitino. The Kentucky program was at the peak of its powers, fresh off multiple Final Four appearances and national championships. The idea of wearing the iconic blue and white was a dream scenario for the young phenom.
However, that dream was short-lived. As McGrady’s profile skyrocketed, so did the interest from shoe companies. Adidas, recognizing his potential to be a future superstar, approached him with a lucrative endorsement deal. The offer came with a condition—he would bypass college altogether and declare for the NBA Draft straight out of high school.
The financial security and life-changing nature of the Adidas offer proved too great to ignore. For a teenager from humble beginnings, the choice between waiting in college or stepping immediately into professional basketball became clearer. McGrady ultimately signed with Adidas, sealing his path directly to the NBA.
In 1997, McGrady entered the NBA Draft and was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors. The decision set him on a trajectory toward becoming one of the league’s most dominant offensive weapons, known for his smooth shooting stroke, explosive athleticism, and ability to score from anywhere on the court.
While Kentucky fans can only imagine what McGrady could have accomplished in Lexington, his choice reflects a turning point in basketball history. It was one of several high-profile cases in the late ’90s of elite high school players skipping college for the pros, joining the likes of Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett.
McGrady has since spoken about his admiration for Kentucky and what it might have been like to play in front of the passionate Big Blue Nation. Many believe that if he had chosen the college route, Kentucky could have been nearly unstoppable during that era, adding his talent to an already stacked roster.
Still, the decision paid off handsomely for McGrady. Over a 15-year NBA career, he became a two-time scoring champion, earned seven All-Star selections, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. His Adidas partnership also remained a key part of his brand throughout his playing days.
For Kentucky fans, the story serves as a “what if” moment in program history. The idea of Tracy McGrady lighting up Rupp Arena will forever remain in the realm of imagination, but it’s a testament to the Wildcats’ enduring pull that even NBA legends once dreamed of wearing their jersey.
And while McGrady’s path skipped the college stage, his brief flirtation with Kentucky remains a fascinating footnote in the rich tapestry of basketball lore—proof that sometimes, history is just one decision away from being completely rewritten.
