Veteran forward P.J. Tucker has only played one season with the Heat, but that’s all he’s needed to make a positive impression on the team, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald writes. Tucker was an efficient two-way starter for the Heat this season, impressing coaches and teammates alike with his effort, leadership and passion.
“Man, I was surprised at just how hard and how consistent and just how tough P.J. is,” team captain Udonis Haslem said of Tucker. “There are very few guys that I feel like approach the game every night the way I did, you know what I’m saying. P.J. just happened to be one of them.”
Tucker fits well alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in the Heat’s frontcourt. At 6’6″ and 245 pounds, he’s versatile, strong defensively and owns championship experience. He also shot an efficient 41.5% from three-point range this season, which is important since Butler and Adebayo don’t thrive from distance.
Here are some other notes from Miami:
- In his latest “Ask Ira” mailbag, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel examines whether it would make sense for the Heat to trade for Hawks star John Collins. Atlanta lost to Miami in five games during the first round, finishing its disappointing season with a 43-39 record. If the team explores Collins’ trade value, Miami could dangle Duncan Robinson‘s contract in discussions. It’s reasonable to assume Atlanta would target Tyler Herro in a potential deal.
- In a separate article for the Sun Sentinel, Ira Winderman explores whether Heat president Pat Riley has enough trade pieces to improve the roster. In addition to Herro, Miami also has young center Omer Yurtseven and multiple first-round picks at its disposal, including the No. 27 selection this year.
- Speaking of the Heat’s first-round pick, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald explores what it would take for the team to trade it. The Heat lost their second-rounder as a result of last year’s tampering investigation into the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade, so the team currently has one pick in this year’s draft. Miami finished as the No. 1 seed this season and dealt with key injuries throughout the playoffs, losing to Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals 4-3.
Trade Idea
Heat get Collins
Hawks get OG and Boucher (SNT)
Raptors get Herro, Duncan Robinson and Hawks #16 pick (take Eason)
Now Jazz can do salary dump trade to Hawks.
Gobert and all trash contracts to Hawks for Capela, Hunter, Huerter, Bogdanovic, Gallo
Hawks build around big 3
Young
Gobert
OG
Free tax, Jazz!
Why would the Heat help their division rival get those guys in the same trade they’re in? They’d be better off getting those guys themselves in that scenario
If the HAWKS make Collins available, the HEAT should absolutely make a serious play for him.
HEAT need more size and rebounding. The loss of shooting can be compensated with the HEAT’s ability to find/develop shooters from the scrap heap.
I like Collins, he has this nasty streak in him, kinda like a more subdued Zo. Him and Bam upfront would be as ugly, slow and grinding to watch – which would make Spo and Riley proud.
Or they could not give up assets and just sign someone/draft someone that can play the 4
Not every 4, moreso those who’ll be available, plays like Collins ……. I’d give up the right amount of assets for Collins.
Besides, the HEAT are on this short window – while Jimmy is still around his prime, they have a chance to contend …… HEAT need prime, veteran talent now.
Players like Yurt should make for good stories, get some wins during the regular season – but its the upper-tier one which makes for a deep playoff run.
I personally dont think adding Collins and subtracting pieces to get him would have changed anything, and I’m not sure at all theyd even be in the same position
I think Kessler could be there at #27. He’d be a big addition for them. Great fit imo.
Don’t know why Duncan has fallen so much with them. No one complains about Duncan’s contract like a Knicks contract. It’s so entertaining to me.
Fournier – 18 mill next yr
Duncan – 17 mill next yr
Haslem might have the must inflated ego of any player ever
Haslem gave up tens of millions in salaries, to remain with the HEAT. He’s active as well in the Miami area with his socio-civic activities.
The HEAT (and Haslem) had been criticized for giving Haslem an active players spot year-in and year-out …… yet the past few years, media and many teams have seen the value of this setup, since Haslem provides a veterans voice in that locker room.
Lastly, in an interview last year, Blake Griffin told media that Haslem was the most respected player in the whole NBA.
Not saying he is not a big part of that area or even the team. What I am saying is this league average dirty work guy acts like and is treated like he is an All-Star a few times over.
He is one of the biggest reasons they won in 2006, as well as countless times he has stepped up whenever called to do so. If you dont know who UD is to this city, and this team, maybe just not say anything? Or is it b/c of social media and the elevated egos and entitlement that it causes, that you think you have to have something to say about anything and everything, just like all the other clowns in this world right now? You could easily just leave it alone. It doesnt effect you…no offense to you. It’s a sickness that many share
Udonis Haslem is the embodiment of Miami Heat culture, and deserves to be treated as such
The person who should keep his thoughts to himself is Haslem. Tucler could take offense, being better than Haslem ever was, and he has an option coming up.
Just a dumb verbal dump.
He’s calling him a winner. What are you saying?
Calling him a winner with the “Reminds me of me” line. Maybe Tucker does not mind, going with the spirit of it. I would, coming from a coworker not the boss. Patronizing.
Haslem announced it to the press un-ironically, not in a personal convo.
Tucker, better than Haslem ever was, has a right to say “who are you”— like Butler did earlier, publicly, in so many words.
Maybe I just don’t get the “legend” job.
I see no point. Why risk being the spark that drives Tucker into deciding to take offers?— Was Tucker asking for someone to approve of him?
No reason for Haslem to say he is “surprised” by him. He must follow the league.
MIA doesn’t have the assets to trade for Collins, let alone get him and dump DR’s contract in the process. Herro and a 2023 1st are there only real trade assets. Not sure how that makes ATL any better, and their payroll won’t be much different once Herro is extended.