In less than a week, Toronto Raptors legend Tracy McGrady will be inducted into the Naismit..."/> In less than a week, Toronto Raptors legend Tracy McGrady will be inducted into the Naismit..."/>
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A look ahead to Tracy McGrady’s HOF ceremony

By Chris Mckee

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 30: Tracy McGrady of the Toronto Raptors signs a contract with the team at the Air Canada Centre on June 30, 1997 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Turenne/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 30: Tracy McGrady of the Toronto Raptors signs a contract with the team at the Air Canada Centre on June 30, 1997 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Turenne/Getty Images) /
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In less than a week, Toronto Raptors legend Tracy McGrady will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Here is a look ahead to McGrady’s HOF ceremony on Sept 8.

On Friday, September 8, the Class of 2017 will be enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.

The Class of 2017 includes former Toronto Raptors legend Tracy McGrady.

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The 38 year-old McGrady was drafted by the Raptors with the ninth pick overall in the 1997 NBA draft out of Mount Zion Christian Academy where he was the USA Today National High School Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-America.

McGrady played in 192 games in Toronto over three seasons from 1997-2000 where he averaged 11.1 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds during his stint with the Raptors.

He then played for Orlando, Houston, New York, Detroit, Atlanta and the San Antonio Spurs over 15 seasons. 

McGrady was a two-time NBA scoring champion (03-04) and was a seven-time NBA all-star (01-07).

His stats include a career average of 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists per game over 938 games in the NBA.

Each HOF inductee picks the person who will be their presenter at the HOF ceremony.

McGrady chose Isiah Thomas to be his presenter.

Thomas was the general manager of the Raptors in 97 and was responsible for drafting McGrady into the NBA. Thomas is also a member of the Naismith HOF Class of 2000.

Dr. James Naismith was of course the man who invented basketball and was born in Almonte, Ontario which is four hours east of Toronto in the Ottawa area.

Other HOF inductees in the class of 2017 include Rebeca Lobo who is a former WNBA and UConn star player as well as Bill Self who is the current head coach at the University of Kansas.

To view the full list of inductees and their presenters click here.

Dozens of NBA legends are expected to be in attendance including the likes of Larry Bird and Reggie Miller.

For many Raptors fans, the mere mention of the name McGrady conjures up thoughts of what could have been. If only he and Vince Carter could’ve found a way to stay together for just a few more years in Toronto.

Let’s hope the DJ at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony plays Tiffany’s Could’ve Been as McGrady’s walk up song during his HOF induction.

Next: R-E-L-A-X The Raptors will be just fine.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony will air on NBA TV on Fri Sept 8.

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