Unfortunately, many media writers for convenience often stereotype players, creating simplistic caricatures. The simplest caricature of McGrady is a softie.
People are more complex than basketball, and this was the biggest realization Roger had after he personally entered the NBA.
McGrady is also a complex person; the McGrady from 2008 cannot be compared to the McGrady from 2001.
The McGrady from 2008 burned like a true leader, but the McGrady from 2001 was a young man unsure of how to take on responsibility.
In high school, he often argued with coaches because he wasn't serious about training and didn't have a strong desire to win on the court.
During his senior year, he had the chance to transfer to the basketball-famous Mount Zion Christian Academy, but he often arrived late to training and frequently asked himself "Why move so far away from the mother and grandmother who love me," rather than thinking "I finally have the opportunity to become famous across America."
