The Athletic NBA Daily

Episode: Predicting the NBA season with Tracy McGrady
Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Esfandiar Baraheni
Guest: Tracy McGrady, Hall of Famer & NBC Studio Analyst

Overview

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, host Esfandiar Baraheni sits down with Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady to preview the upcoming NBA season. The conversation covers McGrady’s transition into TV analysis with NBC, his take on rising young stars, bold season predictions, deep dives on his former teams, and thoughts on evolving NBA culture. The episode concludes with a lively rapid-fire Q&A that highlights McGrady’s opinions and personality.

Tracy McGrady’s Return to Basketball in the Studio (03:12–05:34)

• Life After Retirement
  • McGrady shares how partnering with Vince Carter and Carmelo Anthony as NBC analysts rejuvenated his passion after retiring at 33.
  • “When you retire from the game of basketball, you always look for challenges and things to keep you going... I found it. This is so fun.” — Tracy McGrady (03:46)
• Nostalgia and NBC's Role
  • The NBA on NBC profoundly shaped McGrady as a young player. Returning as an analyst is a “full circle” moment.
  • “It’s just like that nostalgic feeling... 35 years removed from my middle school, it still resonates with me today.” — Tracy McGrady (04:30)

Young Standouts & NBA's Next Generation (06:02–08:08)

• Top Rookies & Young Players
  • Shouts out Cooper ("he's going to be a stud") and Ace Bailey for confidence and skill.
  • But the most awe-inspiring: Victor Wembanyama.
• Victor Wembanyama Hype
  • McGrady is blown away, likening Wembanyama to legends. Emphasizes his two-way impact and unprecedented skills for his height.
  • “He’s mixing everybody’s game into his own... Like beasting boys now with that shoulder and sitting on a rim like Shaq. He’s coming down like KD pulling up for that three...” — Tracy McGrady (06:44)
  • Hosts remark on Wemby’s continued growth in both skills and height, calling this a once-in-a-generation treat.

Eastern Conference Predictions & Cavaliers Optimism (08:08–09:58)

• Cleveland Cavaliers as Contenders

  • Praises Evan Mobley’s defense and sees him making an offensive leap, possibly entering MVP contention.
  • Suggests the Cavs’ success depends on Donovan Mitchell’s ability to balance scoring with playmaking and team involvement.
  • “Offensively is where I think they have to be a little bit better and not so much rely on Donovan Mitchell.” — Tracy McGrady (08:26)

• Why Not the Knicks?

  • Respects New York’s toughness but questions fit with a new coach and system (Mike Brown).
  • Points out challenges with adjusting from isolation-heavy play to Brown’s ball-movement style.
  • “If it doesn’t flow well, then what do we have from the players? Probably get some griping, you know, because you’re not winning ball games.” — Tracy McGrady (09:58)

Former Teams in Focus

Houston Rockets: Ceiling & Point Guard Concerns (11:04–13:06)

• Rockets add Kevin Durant to a young core.
• McGrady projects them as a “second round team” unless they find a true facilitator:
  • “When it comes to a playoff game and you don’t have the security blanket in terms of... getting guys organized, that’s going to be a problem.” — Tracy McGrady (11:31)
• Praises Alperen Sengun’s potential; flags loss of Fred VanVleet and reliance on Amen Thompson as risks.

Orlando Magic: On the Brink (17:13–19:04)

• High on Paolo Banchero’s MVP abilities: “He was in the MVP running [before injury] last year.” — Tracy McGrady (17:30)
• Franz Wagner’s driving, Bane’s shooting praised; calls Jalen Suggs’ health the “key to success.”

Toronto Raptors: Managing Egos (19:46–20:53)

• Labelled as “slept on” but feels outcome hinges on coexistence of stars Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett.
• “It’s all about coming together, dropping your egos at the door.” — Tracy McGrady (19:46)

Other Major Stories

Russell Westbrook Joins Kings (20:53–23:12)

• McGrady advises Russ to maintain his passion; respects his work ethic and leadership.
• “Wouldn’t you want to have a player on your team that... gives you that passion, that rubs off on your young guys?” — Tracy McGrady (21:37)
• Stresses importance of honest communication with a player of Westbrook’s stature.

Revamping All-Star Weekend (23:12–24:45)

• McGrady is leading the push for a one-on-one NBA tournament: “I just, I don’t know, I don’t think it’s gonna happen, but I think we all want to see it.” (23:35)
• Advocates for return to East vs. West and wearing team jerseys: “We just need to get back to just doing it the old school way, man. Just east versus West.” (24:12)

Basketball Culture and Player Development (25:05–27:39)

• Modern Player Similarity

  • Observes that today’s stars are less unique, owing to universal trainer culture.
  • “A lot of these guys play the same... there’s no originality. I just like to see more of who you are as a basketball player.” — Tracy McGrady (25:05)

• Over-coaching from Youth

  • Critiques young players starting with trainers too early and missing developmental freedom:
  • “Let the kids have fun... put them in a YMCA... just let them play.” — Tracy McGrady (26:12)

• Imagination & Influence

  • Emphasizes that past generations learned by watching full games and experimenting — now, kids just watch highlights.

Rapid Fire with Tracy McGrady (27:47–29:49)

• Hardest to Guard in Today’s NBA
  • “Wemby.” (28:04)
• Who Can Score 13 in 35 Seconds Today?
  • “Luca can do it.” (28:18)
• 1-on-1 Winner (McGrady, Carter, Anthony)
  • “Melo right now because Melo is still hooping.” (28:27)
• 2026 NBA Champion
  • “Denver Nuggets.” (28:41)
• 2026 MVP
  • “Jokic.” (28:48)
• Next Raptor Jersey Retirement
  • “DeMar DeRozan. No question.” (28:55)
• Who is the GOAT?
  • “There’s a bunch of goats... Ghosts, actually.” (29:03)
• Paolo vs. Franz
  • Compliments both but leans on Paolo’s overall game; Franz is a better downhill driver. (29:14)
• Prime Tracy vs. Prime Harden
  • “Oh, no, I’m six nine, bro. I can shoot that thing.” — Tracy McGrady (29:41)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Sit back and watch Greatness.” — Tracy McGrady on Wembanyama (06:44)
• “We’re so fortunate to have that guy... we get to witness this for a very long time.” — Tracy McGrady on Wemby, discussing the Spurs’ support (07:47)
• “It’s all about coming together, dropping your egos at the door.” — (19:46)
• “Just let Russ be Russ and he’ll impact the game in the way that he wants.” — Esperahini summarizing McGrady’s sentiment (23:12)
• “Let the kids have fun... just let them play.” — (26:12)
• “There’s a bunch of goats... Ghosts, actually.” — (29:03)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 03:12 — McGrady reflects on analyst career with NBC/Vince Carter/Carmelo
• 06:02 — Standouts from preseason; Wembanyama discussion
• 08:26 — Case for Cleveland Cavaliers, Mobley’s leap
• 09:58 — Knicks assessment, impact of coaching change
• 11:31 — Houston Rockets’ playoff ceiling and roster assessment
• 17:30 — Orlando Magic’s leap potential, Franz and Paolo breakdown
• 19:46 — Toronto Raptors’ egos and coexistence
• 21:37 — Westbrook’s journey and advice from McGrady
• 23:35 — All-Star Weekend, 1-vs-1 tournament hope
• 25:05 — On today’s players and the impact of training culture
• 27:47 — Rapid fire round (greatest moments, picks, and favorites)

Summary Final Note:
This episode is a wide-ranging, highly engaging mix of analysis, nostalgia, and personality. McGrady’s insights cover not just player evaluation and predictions, but big-picture cultural shifts in basketball. His passion for the game shines through, making the conversation both informative and entertaining for fans keeping an eye on the upcoming season.