Barring any setbacks, new Bucks forward P.J. Tucker is expected to make his debut for his new team on Saturday against the Spurs, ESPN’s Eric Woodyard writes.
The Rockets and Bucks agreed on a deal earlier in the week, ending a standoff that essentially began at the start of the season. Houston was trending downward and after trading frustrated superstar James Harden, Tucker’s departure seemed inevitable.
The 35-year-old has not been much of an offensive weapon this season, averaging a career-low 4.4 PPG, but he remains one of the best defenders in the league. Along with reigning two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tucker should help Milwaukee boast a formidable frontcourt. For Tucker, the move also represents a shot to compete for a championship, as he told reporters.
Tucker on how he fits in with the Bucks:
“The situation is perfect. I think I fit in well.”
Tucker on his goal with Milwaukee:
“My main goal is to win a championship. That’s easy. That’s the only reason I’m here. I feel like we’ve got a chance to win a championship and do something special.”
Tucker on if he feels rejuvenated being with his new team:
“Man, you have no idea. It’s gave me that boost and 15 years in, you look for anything. There are days where I talk to myself or talk junk to people just so they can talk junk back and I can get myself going. This has been one of those things where now, I’m just recharging my battery.”
Recharging the battery
I’d start Tucker at PF and bench Lopez
Suddenly Bucks bench is thin
A lot wrong with your entire comment that shows why you may have to study harder to be a future NBA GM.
As talented as he is, calling him the “new Bucks big man” where he’s 6’4″ is rather silly. A “big” shouldn’t be below the average height of a NBA player. Does every shorter player who can defend post up actions get qualified as a big? If so, Kyle Lowry gets to be the rare PG big man.
There is a lot of difference between big and tall. Tucker is 6’5″ (not 6’4″) and 245 pounds. There are a lot of players much taller than him who are not as big, or strong. Just because someone is tall doesn’t make him a “big”.
At his advanced age, he’s probably getting shorter. But he’s probably getting heavier too, so there’s that balance.
It’s nice to be heavy and strong to stop guys running through you, but there are still a great number of players in NBA who will have no trouble shooting over top your ‘big’.
Rocket fans should be happy with that trade. They received a lot for a old player. Bucks are going all in to win this year.
They didn’t really receive anything. Augustine is a salty match and Wilson is a bust. Then they swapped first rd picks that will likely be around the same position in the draft, just a different year, and they moved up 7-8 spots in this years draft.
So all they got when you add it all up is drafting 7-8 spots higher in this year’s draft.
They also got an unprotected 1st round pick. So it was Augustine, Wilson and two 1st for PJ, Rodions and a 2nd. I’d take it all day long for PJ
No man…bucks got tucker and their 1st in 2022 back from the rockets, in exchange for augustin, Wilson, 2023 first and Houston’s 2nd in 2022 for mke 1st in 2022
But that first round pick in 2023 is unprotected so who knows what will happen with Milwaukee over the next two years. It’s quite possible that it could turn into a pretty decent pick for Houston.
It’s also quite possible that pick is not very good and in the late round. I’d bet a lot of money it’s not going to be an early pick.
PJ easily one of the top 15 playas in league
Take another toke, dude
No, but he is easily one of the top 15-20 defenders in the league.
I wouldn’t even give him that anymore.
Tucker reminds me of Mario Elie. Similar height, tenacity, decent 3s, and matched against bigger covers.
He he does, and both of them wore #17 in Houston.
Mario Ellie with that kiss of death after making the big shot in 94….
I was a Barkley fan growing up and that kiss of death was HUGE. Can still play it back in my mind.
By the time Barkley joined Houston, all their stars were already past it a little and Elie just seemed so comfortable in his role. Played hard D, hit key shots, and never tried to do too much.
PJ plays D and can defend multiple positions. He adds depth and rebounding. Plus he has been in playoff gms and will not wilt. Bucks need all of that. It’s a good pickup for a playoff push. Also helps them when they go small.