Sixers 3 goals: PJ Tucker has to continue to guide, do the little things
In this continuing series, Sixers Wire looks at the 18 players, per Sportrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 15 under contract and the three players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2023-24 season.
The new season begins on Oct. 26, and training camp begins on Oct. 3. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.
Up next is PJ Tucker who is in the second year of a 3-year deal he signed in the 2022 offseason. Tucker had a solid first season in Philadelphia. The numbers of 3.5 points and 3.9 rebounds don’t jump out at anybody, but it was his influence off the floor that made the biggest impact.
For Tucker, his three goals are as follows:
Continue to lead
Tucker made his biggest impact as a leader and guiding the Sixers through tough situations. The biggest example of this was in Game 4 of the semifinals against the Boston Celtics when Tucker got into the ear of Joel Embiid and gave him a bit of a pep talk to get it together. Embiid responded and the Sixers were able to tie the series with Boston. That’s Tucker’s influence.
Do the little things
Many don’t notice because it isn’t flashy and it does not show up in a box score, but Tucker did a lot of things in the 2022-23 season to help change the tide in some games for Philadelphia. His heart, hustle, and rebounding really made a big difference for the Sixers. His simply boxing out the right people so his teammates can grab a key rebound makes all the difference in the world.
Knock down those corner 3s
This is Tucker’s main contribution on the offensive end. He shot 39.3% from deep in the 2022-23 season and one has to figure that coach Nick Nurse, who coached Tucker as an assistant in Toronto, will make sure that he gets those open looks within the offense. His floor spacing helps Philadelphia flourish.
