Tracy McGrady is back in central Florida this weekend.  

  • Former NBA player returns for basketball tournament
  • McGrady brings back tournament after six years
  • McGrady to be inducted into hall of fame

The Auburndale native is here to start back up the annual T-MAC weekend which includes a basketball tournament.

McGrady said people in Polk County have been begging him to bring back the tournament.

While watching the games, he talked about his upcoming induction into the NBA Hall of Fame, which he called a surprise.

“It means the world. This the elite, you know an elite class. A prestigious class. Everyone can’t get into the hall of fame,” Tracy McGrady said.

“I tell people all the time. It’s like you know, [They say] ‘you didn’t win any championships, you didn’t win no rings. ‘That is true but guys that have won multiple championships can’t get enshrined into the basketball hall of fame," McGrady said.

The seven times NBA all-star said he’s enjoying life after basketball.

“Life is good. I get to go on vacation with my family and enjoy life. It couldn’t be any better. I am happy. My four kids and my wife…life is what I expected it to be after basketball,” McGrady said.

McGrady said he enjoys working for ESPN, and he’s also managing businesses across the globe.

“I do a lot of work with minority businesses. I help them gain access to capital, help them scale their companies,” McGrady said.

I have a lot of businesses in China because my brand is huge over there. I’m still an endorser and ambassador for Adidas,” he said.

After a six year hiatus, McGrady decided to bring back the tournament and he put in charge of it the new Polk State College basketball coach Brandon Giles.

This time, it had a twist. It also included a business seminar.

“Tracy wanted to empower the community. He wanted give back to people in a different way than just have them watching basketball. He’s in a different part of his career right now. He’s a successful businessman,” said Brandon Giles.

Giles said McGrady contributes to the Auburndale community more than people realize.

“He gave out eight scholarships this year to deserving seniors. He pours into this athletic budget every single year,” he said.

We’re talking big dollars. It really helps the school so he does a lot, “Giles explained.

The basketball tournament concludes Sunday, with the winning team taking home $10,000.

The final game starts at 2:30 p.m., at Auburndale High School.