McGrady ready for China challenge

Another ex-NBA star is in China for one more go at fame and fortune, and Tracy McGrady is all geared up to show the country what real basketball is all about. But first, there are a few things he has to overcome.

"We have Christmas coming up in two months and they are going to come here to visit. They will only stay for Christmas, which is kind of between the season, so it's great."

For McGrady, his family's support is important when it comes to making major decisions - like coming to China.

"It's a process you have to go through before you make a decision like this. Your family has to be comfortable with your decision, because it's going to be a long season and I will not be able to be there with them," he says.

"My wife is comfortable with this. It's a great opportunity for me and a great opportunity for my family as well. They haven't been over here, so it gives them a chance to see another part of the world. It has a very different culture."

With seven All-Star appearances and two NBA scoring titles, McGrady is the highest-profile NBA player in the CBA.

He was a game-changer in the NBA and once scored 13 points in the final 35 seconds to lead the Houston Rockets over the San Antonio Spurs in a decisive match on Dec 9, 2004.

As he grew older and collected injuries, McGrady's career went south in the most competitive basketball league ever played. He only managed 5.3 points per game last season with the Atlanta Hawks, a personal career low.

After he announced his signing with Qingdao, there were some reports that said he was here only for the money because he could no longer secure a contract with the NBA.

McGrady denies this.

"Money? I played 15 years in the NBA. I made a lot of money. No. Money has nothing to do with it," he says. His contract with Qingdao is reportedly worth $800,000 a year.