The Orlando Magic's 2000 offseason marked a significant turning point in the franchise's history. Following the Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway era, the Magic secured the talents of Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill, aiming for another NBA title run. However, the team's ambitions hit a roadblock during a dinner with Tim Duncan, when head coach Doc Rivers' strict policies regarding player travel shocked Duncan and ultimately influenced his decision to remain with the San Antonio Spurs.

Reflecting on the impactful meeting decades later, McGrady expressed that the Magic should have done everything possible to entice Duncan, highlighting the importance of adapting organizational policies to attract elite talent. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Hill's health, the potential duo of McGrady and Duncan could have redefined the league landscape.

The Houston Rockets have reclaimed their status as a competitive team in the NBA after a prolonged absence from the playoffs, securing their first division title since the 2019-20 season. This resurgence has sparked interest among sports bettors as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team boasts a notable history, having achieved a .500 record or better in 20 of the last 25 years and making the playoffs 14 times. RotoWire has compiled a list of the top five players from the franchise over the past quarter-century, highlighting their contributions and significance.

Leading the charge is James Harden, who averaged 29.6 points per game during his tenure and is second only to Hakeem Olajuwon in career Win Shares for the franchise. Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis also made significant impacts, demonstrating their scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. Yao Ming, despite injuries, left a lasting legacy as the first overall pick in the 2002 draft. Luis Scola's defensive contributions are recognized as vital to the Rockets' success during his time. Each player's unique skill set showcases the depth of talent that has defined the Rockets' history.

The Orlando Magic's recent history is a tale of highs and lows, with standout players defining their legacy. Notable figures from the past 25 years include Jameer Nelson, the franchise's all-time leader in assists, and Tracy McGrady, who dazzled fans with impressive scoring averages. Hedo Turkoglu, known for his clutch performances, and Dwight Howard, a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year, also left significant marks. Rashard Lewis stood out during the Magic's 2009 Finals run, proving to be a reliable scorer. Together, these players helped shape a team that has seen both playoff success and challenging seasons.

Tracy McGrady, a legendary scorer in the NBA, sparked debate by claiming he could have secured championships with the Los Angeles Lakers had he played alongside Shaquille O'Neal instead of Kobe Bryant. McGrady, who faced injury setbacks throughout his career, emphasized his belief that he could elevate a team to championship glory, citing his past MVP votes as evidence of his capabilities.

His comments elicited mixed reactions, with many acknowledging the pressure of competing with an all-time great like Bryant, but McGrady defended his position by expressing respect for Bryant and placing him in a different category than other players. The discussion stirred nostalgia about the Lakers' dominance in the early 2000s and raised questions about how McGrady's style would have meshed with O'Neal's imposing presence.

Kyrie Irving's 2024-25 season was cut short by an ACL tear sustained during a March game against the Sacramento Kings, where he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists for the Dallas Mavericks. His injury compounded the Mavericks' struggles following a trade involving Luka Doncic, leading to a disappointing 39-43 finish, resulting in a missed playoff appearance after a play-in loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Irving is targeting a January 2026 return. Tracy McGrady recently praised Irving's ball-handling on the 'Young Man and the Three' podcast. He controversially suggested that Jamaal Tinsley had better handles than Irving, recalling Tinsley's impactful NBA career despite never reaching All-Star status. Tinsley, drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies, made a name for himself over 11 seasons.