Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady named his top five Florida players, but skipped David Robinson—a choice that immediately sparks debate given Robinson’s legacy and Miami-like Florida ties through birth in Key West.
When Tracy McGrady was asked to pick the top five players to come out of Florida, the answer sounded simple at first: “Myself, Amar’e Stoudemire, Vince Carter, Mitch Richmond,” he said. Then he added a fifth name with a familiar grin—Austin Rivers.
“… All Florida guys, yeah. Four, do I dare say, Austin Rivers? ‘Cause he was a killer around here. Yeah, Austin Rivers,” McGrady continued.
It’s the kind of list that lands well in a fan group chat—until one omission hits hard. David Robinson.
Robinson was born in Key West, Florida. But the details around how he got from Florida to the NBA matter to why people are scratching their heads now. His father was in the U.S. Navy, which meant the family moved frequently. Eventually, the Robinsons settled in Woodbridge, Virginia. David then attended Osbourn Park High School in Manassas.
If Robinson “qualifies” as a Florida hooper, then McGrady’s list would have to change dramatically. Robinson won two titles, one MVP, one DPOY, and one scoring title. He made 10 All-Star teams, 10 All-NBA teams, and eight All-Defensive teams—one of the most decorated centers in NBA history.
That weight is why the snub is sticking.
McGrady’s fifth pick. Austin Rivers. became the most debated name for a different reason before the conversation even turned to Robinson. Rivers. McGrady chose “four” into the list as the stretch—calling him “a killer around here.” But the criticism around Rivers is straightforward. Rivers wasn’t born in Florida; he was born in California. Still, he grew up in Orlando, and McGrady was referring to his time at Winter Park High School.
Rivers led Winter Park to back-to-back state titles in 2010 and 2011. He was named Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 2011, and he earned McDonald’s All-American recognition. He then spent his freshman season at Duke, before landing in the NBA.
In 11 seasons, Rivers averaged 8.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. Those numbers are part of why he’s seen as the most debatable selection on McGrady’s list—compared to the resumes of the other players named.
McGrady’s other picks don’t just come with Florida roots; they come with trophy cases.
Tracy McGrady’s own name anchors the list, and he’s also the first player he mentioned. He later becomes part of the set he built around state pride. Bartow’s McGrady won two scoring titles and made seven All-Star and seven All-NBA teams.
Amar’e Stoudemire, from Lake Wales, racked up six All-Star and five All-NBA team selections. He also won Rookie of the Year in 2003.
Vince Carter, from Daytona Beach, made eight All-Star teams and two All-NBA teams. He won Rookie of the Year in 1999.
Finally, Mitch Richmond, from Fort Lauderdale, made six All-Star and five All-NBA teams. He won a championship in 2002 and was Rookie of the Year in 1989.
But if the list is tight—only five names—it still can’t ignore the bigger names that didn’t make it.
Artis Gilmore is another major omission. Gilmore was born in Chipley, Florida, and made six All-Star teams in the NBA. He also won MVP in the ABA.
And like Robinson, Gilbert Arenas is another player who creates friction in any “Florida hooper” conversation. Arenas was born in Tampa, Florida, but raised in California.
The debate doesn’t stop there. The conversation also brings up Otis Birdsong, Truck Robinson, Eddie Johnson, Darryl Dawkins, and more. Even beyond the older generation. Scottie Barnes—Toronto Raptors forward and a two-time All-Star—could someday force his way into the discussion if he continues at this level.
Right now, though, the loudest question hangs on one simple line McGrady didn’t say out loud: how can David Robinson be born in Key West, Florida—then end up with a career defined by titles, MVP, DPOY, and elite all-around dominance—and still be left off a list of the top five Florida players?
Tracy McGrady David Robinson Florida basketball Austin Rivers Amar'e Stoudemire Vince Carter Mitch Richmond Artis Gilmore Gilbert Arenas
How you leave off David Robinson? That’s wild.
Maybe Tracy thought Robinson didn’t “count” since he didn’t stay in Florida forever. But Key West is still Florida tho. Either way that list feels kinda pointless.
I don’t even get the argument. Like, Austin Rivers is on there and he’s not even from Florida born-wise, but “grew up” so it’s whatever. Meanwhile Robinson literally has Florida in the story, but they’re still acting like it’s fake. Sounds like people just want to be mad at something.
Tracy McGrady lists are always gonna be messy tbh. David Robinson is definitely a big deal, like MVP and DPOY type, so skipping him makes no sense. Also why is everyone stuck on where someone was born—my cousin moved schools every year and she still claims her hometown like 100%. Sounds like if you ask 10 people you get 10 different “Florida” lists, smh.