Unlocking Tracy McGrady's True Potential in NBA 2K17: Ultimate Player Guide
Let me tell you, when I first fired up NBA 2K17 and saw Tracy McGrady's ratings, I couldn't help but feel they'd done the man dirty. Having watched T-Mac in his prime, I knew that virtual version needed some serious adjustments to match the real-life scoring machine who once dropped 13 points in 33 seconds. That's where understanding player attributes and how to maximize them becomes crucial - much like how the San Miguel team distributed their scoring in that game where Lassiter led with 16 points while Trollano added 14, Rosales 13, and Perez and Cruz both contributed 11 points each.
What most players don't realize is that unlocking McGrady's true potential requires more than just jacking up his shooting ratings. I've spent countless hours experimenting, and the key lies in balancing his offensive arsenal with subtle defensive tweaks. Remember how Tautuaa and Cahilig contributed 10 and 9 points respectively in that reference game? That's the kind of balanced attack you want to replicate with McGrady's virtual counterpart - making him lethal from everywhere while ensuring he doesn't become one-dimensional.
The shooting mechanics in NBA 2K17 favor players with quick releases and high arc, which perfectly suits McGrady's real-life form. I typically boost his three-point rating to at least 88, mid-range to 92, and driving dunk to 85. These adjustments transform him from just another wing player into the unstoppable force we remember. His fadeaway jumper should be nearly unguardable, reminiscent of how Rosales and Perez combined for 24 points in that game - efficient and deadly when it matters most.
Defensively, many players overlook the importance of lateral quickness and defensive awareness. I've found that increasing these attributes to around 80 makes McGrady competent enough to stay on the court during crucial defensive possessions. It's similar to how Brondial's 4 points and Calma's 2 might seem insignificant in the box score, but their defensive contributions likely enabled the primary scorers to shine. That's the beauty of basketball - both virtual and real - where not everything that matters shows up in the basic stat sheet.
Ball handling and playmaking are where I differ from most McGrady enthusiasts. While everyone focuses on his scoring, I believe his playmaking abilities deserve equal attention. Bumping his passing accuracy to 75 and ball control to 85 allows you to run the offense through him, creating opportunities much like how the San Miguel team had multiple players scoring between 8-16 points rather than relying on one superstar. This approach makes your team harder to defend and honestly makes the game more enjoyable.
The endurance rating is arguably the most overlooked aspect when customizing classic players. Today's fans might not remember that McGrady regularly played 40+ minutes while maintaining elite production. Setting his stamina to 95 ensures he can carry the offensive load without turning into a liability in fourth quarters. It's the virtual equivalent of having players like Fajardo and Teng, who might not score much but contribute in other ways throughout the game.
What truly separates good NBA 2K17 players from great ones is understanding how to maximize player potential beyond the obvious attributes. With McGrady, it's about recreating that magical combination of size, skill, and swagger that made him special. After implementing these changes, I've had games where my virtual McGrady put up stat lines that would make the real one proud - 35 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists kind of nights. And that's the ultimate goal when unlocking Tracy McGrady's true potential in NBA 2K17 - not just making him good, but making him feel like Tracy McGrady again.