Spurs Sign Tracy McGrady

Fitzgerald Cecilio

San Antonio, TX

The San Antonio Spurs have signed former two-time NBA scoring champion Tracy McGrady, acquiring a possible offensive weapon for the playoffs.

"It's official," McGrady told ESPN.com in a text message Tuesday. He will be eligible to play for the Spurs during the playoffs because he has not played for any NBA team as of March 1.

The 33-year-old McGrady will not play in San Antonio's regular-season finale on Wednesday night against Minnesota. He last played in the NBA during the 2011-12 season, averaging 5.3 points and 16.1 minutes per game for Atlanta.

McGrady saw action in the Chinese Basketball Association this year, averaging 25 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists.

The Spurs added McGrady to offset the loss of Stephen Jackson, who was recently released by the team.

"I guess that's the unknown," said McGrady when asked how much he can contribute to the Spurs.

McGrady led the NBA in scoring in 2003 and 2004 but has never won an NBA playoff series.

With the Spurs, McGrady now has a chance to erase the stigma as they go up either against the Houston Rockets or the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.

"Whatever happens, I'm just glad to be a part of this environment," McGrady said. "It's something I never experienced while being my best!"

SPORTS