"It really took a toll on me" - T-Mac on how his Orlando stint might have shortened his career

Tracy McGrady rose to superstardom during his stint with the Orlando Magic . He led the team to multiple playoff appearances while snagging individual accolades.

Over 40 minutes per game

However, behind the glory, not everything was going so smoothly. McGrady didn't have a fellow superstar to lift the franchise to the next level, and T-Mac's body was pushed to the limit in his four years with the Magic.

"Honestly, a lot of people don't understand," Tracy said, per Hoops Hype . "In Orlando during those four years, it really took a toll on me. I was averaging 40-something minutes a night. I'm averaging about 43 or 44 minutes. Those types of minutes in playoff games are like double because of the intensity, physicality, and toll it takes on you. Those four years tore me up."

This might have been why the Magic never got out of the first round during the McGrady era. Not only was T-Mac the lone superstar, but the regular season grind drained him. And as he mentioned, the playoffs are a different beast. Postseason games are tense physical and mental battles.

When he took his talents to Houston, the Florida native's numbers dwindled year after year. He was also missing more games because of various injuries in his back and legs. Many expected the Yao Ming and T-Mac duo to deliver multiple titles in Houston. But alas, injuries to both players derailed their chances.

If Grant Hill had remained healthy in Orlando, who knows what would've happened to Tracy's career? Maybe he would've never left Orlando and would've won a title or two.

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Massive expectations

Doc Rivers was Tracy's coach in his four years with the Magic. According to Doc, the team expected so much from T-Mac , who had yet to accomplish much then.

"The expectations are difficult for Tracy McGrady," said Rivers. "He's 21 years old and he's never made an All-Star team, and they're expecting him to carry you tomorrow to the promised land."

Amid these high expectations, Rivers believed in T-Mac's basketball talent and work ethic. Even though Doc failed to win a title in Orlando, he guided McGrady to numerous individual accolades, including the Most Improved Player in 2001, several selections to the All-NBA Teams, and a place in NBA history as one of the best scorers.

Not a lot of people poke fun at McGrady's ringless resume. When they hear T-Mac's name, they are reminded of one of the greatest that ever held the basketball.

Related: "You can see the growth on his part" - Grant Hill realized Tracy McGrady matured after leaving the Orlando Magic