Get to know new Sixers addition PJ Tucker following big free agent deal
The Philadelphia 76ers made their first big move of the free agency period rather quickly when they brought in PJ Tucker on a three-year $33.2 million deal. The idea is to continue to add depth to their roster and help Joel Embiid and James Harden win a title in the 2022-23 season.
Tucker, who won a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, was a big part of the Miami Heat this past season. He helped them knock off the Sixers in the East semifinals, and they were one win away from the NBA Finals. He provides good offensive production and the intangibles that help teams win.
Read on to learn what the Sixers are getting with the addition of Tucker:
Tucker's profile and career thus far
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Tucker, out of the University of Texas, was the 35th pick in the 2006 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. He played in 17 games with the Raptors in the 2006-07 season as he couldn’t find his footing. He went overseas and played in pro leagues out there from 2007-2012 before returning to the NBA with the Phoenix Suns in the 2012-13 season. He played with Harden when he joined the Houston Rockets in the 2017 offseason.
Tucker comes to Philadelphia at the age of 37, which is ancient in basketball years, but what he lacks in speed and athleticism he makes up for with his toughness and high basketball IQ. He should be a nice fit for the Sixers.
Tucker on offense
A lot of Tucker’s offensive game is predicated on corner 3s and little floaters in the lane. Considering he shot 39% from deep at those spots which is in the 99th percentile per Cleaning the Glass, he is going to be a very helpful addition to this team’s offense. When Harden is driving into the paint and he attracts defenders, then he is able to kick out to Tucker who should be able to take advantage of the open looks he’ll receive.
Tucker on defense
Tucker has had a positive defensive RAPTOR rating of plus-2.8 in the 2021-22 season per FiveThirtyEight. For more information about what RAPTOR means, click here. The point is, he’s a pretty good defender.
Tucker is the type of versatile defender who will dig deep and defend anybody he’s thrown on and bother the hell out of them. He was a big reason the Heat held Atlanta Hawks star, Trae Young, to 15.4 points on 31.9% shooting and 18.4% shooting from deep in their first-round playoff series. He has defended Young, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Harden as well. He can do it all.
More Sixers news and notes
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