How Are Ex-NBA Stars Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter Related?

It’s not every day you find out your pickup basketball buddy is family, but that’s exactly what happened with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. Both are known for their jaw-dropping dunks and ability to defy gravity. Yet, their connection goes deeper than highlight reels. Back when they were just two young ballers sharing the court, they had no clue they had some roots connected together. It wasn’t until one seemingly ordinary game the pieces started to fall into place, leading to an unforgettable discovery.

Their bond began as a simple friendship!

The two would often compete together, building mutual respect for their skills. However, fate had a different play in store. During one of their usual pickup games, McGrady casually mentioned he was heading to a family reunion that weekend. “I told him I was leaving for the weekend going to the family reunions,” McGrady later shared. At the time, this was just another detail of their conversation—or so they thought.

Surprisingly, Carter was taken aback by McGrady’s comment. As it turned out, Carter also had a family reunion planned for the same weekend. Neither had given it much thought, but this odd coincidence stuck with McGrady. What he discovered at the reunion would change everything. Upon arriving, he saw a sight that left him speechless—his grandmother and Carter’s grandmother chatting at a table.

Reflecting on the moment during an appearance on The Pat Bev Pod, McGrady shared how surreal it was to piece it all together. “I played on the junior team for the team, he played on the senior team, so I played before him. I used to sit in the stands and watch him play after my games, not knowing we were related,” he said. That moment in North Carolina opened a whole new chapter for the cousins.

“And that’s how we found out we was cousins,” McGrady said with a chuckle. The realization wasn’t just about family ties; it deepened their connection, making their shared legacy on the court even more special.

When Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter took over Toronto

It’s wild to think that Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter weren’t just electrifying teammates but also cousins. Their story took an exciting twist during the 1998 NBA Draft when the Toronto Raptors made a bold move. After selecting Antawn Jamison, they quickly traded him to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Carter, setting up one of the most dynamic duos in Raptors history.

Interestingly, the Raptors already knew about the family connection between their young star McGrady and their newest acquisition. But while the cousins brought plenty of highlights to the court, their first season together didn’t lead to playoff success. The lockout-shortened season ended with a 23-27 record, leaving Toronto on the outside looking in.

The following year, though, was a different story. Carter and McGrady turned up the heat, pushing the Raptors to their first-ever playoff appearance. Toronto fans were hyped, but their excitement was short-lived. The New York Knicks crushed their dreams, sweeping the Raptors in the first round.

After that tough postseason loss, Toronto made a move that shocked everyone. McGrady was sent to the Orlando Magic in a sign-and-trade deal. While it turned out to be the right decision for McGrady’s career—he blossomed into one of the league’s best—it’s hard not to imagine what could have been.

However, after their retirement, both were introduced to the Hall of Fame. What if the cousins had stayed together a little longer? Could they have rewritten NBA history? We’ll never know, but it’s a fun “what if” to ponder. However, now the cousins joined forces in business ventures.

Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady join Buffalo Bills ownership

Recently, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are taking their talents off the court and into the NFL. The Hall of Famers are now part of a 10-person group of minority stakeholders joining the Buffalo Bills’ ownership. They’re in good company, too, as former U.S. Men’s National Team striker Jozy Altidore is among the notable names in the lineup.

Interestingly, the Bills made the big announcement on Wednesday, sharing the news that marks a first in the franchise’s history. For the first time, the team’s principal owners, Terry and Kim Pegula, are opening the door for secondary shareholders.

Additionally, the ownership group features more than just familiar faces from sports. Private equity firm Arctos, known for holding stakes across major leagues like the NBA, NHL, MLB, and even Formula One, is also part of the mix. Alongside them are a host of corporate executives and venture capitalists, bringing a wealth of business expertise to the table.

While it’s unclear how much of the Bills each new shareholder owns, one thing is certain: this team is valuable. Forbes estimates the franchise’s worth at a staggering $4.2 billion. With Carter, McGrady, and others now in the picture, the Bills are making headlines far beyond the gridiron.