Tracy McGrady Signs With Pistons, How His Career Mirrors Penny's

Reports are beginning to surface out of Detroit that seven-time All-Star and former NBA scoring champion Tracy McGrady will sign a one-year deal with the Pistons worth $1.35 million.

This news comes as somewhat of a surprise after hearing that McGrady had met with the Chicago Bulls on more than one occasion.

McGrady was most one of the most feared scorers on the planet. He could do whatever he wanted with a basketball, breaking opponents' ankles in the process. Injuries have slowed down what at one time appeared to be a Hall of Fame caliber career. But, T-Mac did show he had some skill left when he was sent to the Knicks last season and given an opportunity to play.

McGrady's career path is eerily similar to the man who wore No. 1 in Orlando before him: Penny Hardaway. Both seemed to be on the path to greatness when injuries got in the way. Hardaway's knee problems hampered a great passer and scorer much in the same way knee and back injuries have affected T-Mac's once prolific game. Also, both guys played with high profile big men (Penny with Shaq, T-Mac with Yao) but failed to win a championship. Although, Penny made it to the finals and Tracy has yet to escape his first round jinx. And, both guys bounced around quite a bit as this will be T-Mac's fifth landing spot, Penny had four.

T-Mac certainly believes he has enough left in his tank to be a quality scorer again. He will never be the man we saw flying through the air in Toronto and Orlando, but he has the chance to be a key piece on a potential playoff team in Detroit. If he comes out hampered and slow, though, it is possible this is T-Mac's last stand.