Tracy McGrady Snubs David Robinson From List Of Top 5 Florida Hoopers Ever
The state of Florida has produced fairly just a few unbelievable basketball gamers through the years, and Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady is one among them. So, McGrady was just lately requested to call the highest 5 hoopers to return out of Florida, and he put collectively an interesting list.
“Myself, Amar’e Stoudemire, Vince Carter, Mitch Richmond,” McGrady stated, through the Magic. “…All Florida guys, yeah. Four, do I dare say, Austin Rivers? ‘Cause he was a killer around here. Yeah, Austin Rivers.”
There are some notable omissions, however one stands out: (*5*). Robinson was born in Key West, Florida, nevertheless it might nicely be that McGrady did not contemplate him right here. The Hall of Famer’s father was within the US Navy, so the household moved incessantly.
The Robinsons would finally settle in Woodbridge, Virginia. David would then go on to attend Osbourn Park High School in close by Manassas.
If Robinson does qualify as a Florida hooper, then he’d be the primary identify on right here. He gained two titles, one MVP, one DPOY, and one scoring title. Robinson additionally made 10 All-Star, 10 All-NBA, and eight All-Defensive groups. He is likely one of the biggest facilities in NBA historical past.
Before we get to extra omissions, let’s check out those who made it. Austin Rivers is the odd man out for a number of causes. First of all, Rivers clearly wasn’t anyplace close to nearly as good as the opposite 4 within the NBA. He additionally wasn’t born in Florida, however in California.
Rivers did develop up in Orlando, although, and McGrady was referring to his time at Winter Park High School. He famously led Winter Park to back-to-back state titles in 2010 and 2011. Rivers was named Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 2011 and was a McDonald’s All-American. He then had a strong freshman season at Duke, however did not quantity to a lot within the NBA.
In 11 seasons, Rivers averaged 8.5 factors, 2.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.2 blocks per sport. So, he’s simply probably the most debatable choice right here.
As for the remaining, all of them loved a good bit of success within the NBA.
Bartow’s McGrady gained two scoring titles and made seven All-Star and 7 All-NBA groups.
Lake Wales’ Amar’e Stoudemire made six All-Star and 5 All-NBA groups. He additionally gained Rookie of the Year in 2003.
Daytona Beach’s Vince Carter made eight All-Star and two All-NBA groups. He gained Rookie of the Year in 1999.
Lastly, Fort Lauderdale’s Mitch Richmond made six All-Star and 5 All-NBA groups. He gained a championship in 2002 and was the Rookie of the Year in 1989.
Getting again to the omissions, Artis Gilmore is one other huge one. Gilmore was born in Chipley, Florida, and made six All-Star groups within the NBA. He additionally gained MVP within the ABA.
Gilbert Arenasin the meantime, is one other in the identical boat as Robinson. Arenas was born in Tampa, Florida, however raised in California.
We also can carry up the likes of Otis Birdsong, Truck Robinson, Eddie Johnson, Darryl Dawkins, and so forth. Toronto Raptors ahead Scottie Barnesa two-time All-Star, might probably thrust himself into the dialog sometime, too, if he retains up this stage of play.
