February 20, 2009 - Tracy McGrady has announced that he will not be returning to the basketball floor this season. The Rockets guard is planning to undergo knee surgery in hopes of returning healthy next season. On February 18, McGrady posted a statement on his official website about his surgery and his early exit this season. His statement reads as follows:

As some of you may have heard, my season has come to an end. My knee hasn�t been right all year, and we can�t seem to get the pain to go away. We�ve tried just playing through it, taking back-to-backs off, and extended periods of rest, but none of it has really been effective in limiting the discomfort and allowing me to just go out there and play. I�ve met with numerous doctors and gotten a number of opinions, and unfortunately I will be undergoing microfracture surgery on my left knee immediately. Microfracture surgery is a serious procedure, but I�m confident that I will be able to return next season with the same strength and explosiveness you are all used to seeing from me.

It has been extremely frustrating dealing with the knee injury this season. It�s been tough on me both physically and mentally and while we�ve come to this conclusion after much deliberation, we truly feel this is best for both me and the Rockets in the long term. As I�ve said before and will say again, I have the best fans in the world. Thank you for all your continued support through the good times and the bad. I will make sure to keep you all posted on what�s happening with me. Peace T-mac.