McGrady was great, at times even brilliant — as evidenced by this 13-point barrage in 35 seconds — but it feels like he could have left an even greater mark if not for the constant back and knee ailments that slowed him down. But maybe it’s that desire for greater success and more fulfillment in one-on-one competition that will lead McGrady to another sport. Our sport, the wonderful game of baseball.
If Jeff Van Gundy, his former coach with the Houston Rockets is to be believed, then we will see McGrady travel down that road in 2014.
During Friday night’s NBA on ESPN broadcast, McGrady’s name came up while Van Gundy and partner Mike Breen were discussing Kevin Durant’s remarkable 12-game streak with 30 or more points. McGrady actually had a 14-game streak during the 2002-2003 season, which is the second longest streak all-time.
That tidbit then segued into Van Gundy revealing McGrady is considering a switch to baseball as a pitcher.
“Speaking real quickly of McGrady, I think he’s going to play independent league baseball as a pitcher this year. In the independent league,” Van Gundy said.
“I’m being serious. I’ve heard from sources in Houston — seriously — that he’s throwing over 90 miles per hour. The Sugar Land Skeeters — Roger Clemens pitched for them last year, it was awesome.”