Persistent grit makes Tucker perfect fit
The free-agency conversations swirled and spread all summer, bringing nonstop attention and anticipation to the NBA.
Chris Paul, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, Gordon Hayward, Jimmy Butler.
While all eyes were on the biggest names as they made their decisions, the Rockets made one of the best pickups.
P.J. Tucker’s signing came and went without much of a stir. But it has proved to be the most underrated signing of the offseason.
Tucker, a versatile 6-6 forward who fits perfectly in today’s small-ball-heavy league, is adding experience, grit and a whole lot of defense to the Rockets.
This week, Tucker revisits his past. On Tuesday, the Rockets hosted Toronto, the team that drafted him in 2006 and for whom he played again last season. Tucker had five rebounds in the 129-113 loss to the Raptors before picking up two technical fouls. On Thursday, the Rockets travel to Phoenix, where Tucker spent four full seasons establishing his NBA identity — an identity the Rockets are benefiting from. He is good at so many things that can’t be taught, can’t be coached
and can’t be drawn into a game plan.
The Western Conference got tougher over the summer. Oklahoma City picked up Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Golden State re-signed Kevin Durant and Steph Curry. Minnesota added Jimmy Butler.
But the Rockets got the guy who not only can defend them all but can’t wait to do it.
What Tucker does well will never be as glamorous as what players like James Harden do. He isn’t going to drop 50 points, fill a stat sheet with a triple-double or trip anyone up with a crazy crossover.
Instead, he is going to make stops at crucial times by getting in front of the opposing team’s star. He’s going to have his hand in the face of whoever needs to make a timely assist. He’s going to dive on the floor and outwork everyone else to get a rebound that will lead to a Harden dish to Clint Capela, as he did in the final seconds of the Rockets’ recent win over Cleveland.
Tucker knows what he does isn’t flashy or fancy. He isn’t going to get the same attention as others.
He couldn’t care less. He loves being the gritty defender and owned up to it years ago.
Embracing a role
“At the beginning, it was about staying on the court,” he said. “I knew that if I could defend, I had value on the court and could get playing time. But once I started getting better at it and working harder on those skills, I started having a lot of fun with it. I love having that identity.”
That identity has helped the former University of Texas standout make his mark in the NBA.
After his first season in Toronto, he played overseas for the next five before making his way back to the NBA with the Suns in 2012.
Since then, his task has been to guard everyone’s best player. And he has excelled. As time has gone on, the NBA has increasingly adapted to Tucker’s playing style. He’s an in-between size at 6-6 and doesn’t fit perfectly into any traditional position. But it makes him a valuable asset in the current trend of playing with smaller lineups.
“It seems like everybody is playing small ball in the fourth quarter, and a lot of the Western Conference teams play it for a lot of the game,” Tucker said. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve already played some at the five. I’ve embraced my size and use it to my advantage.”
Barnes given credit
Tucker doesn’t back away from any challenge. His physicality and court intelligence give him the tools to take on any big man in the league, and he doesn’t lack confidence in doing it. That mentality started for him under Rick Barnes at Texas.
“He taught me everything I know,” Tucker said. “Because of the things he taught me, it’s made me be able to have a long career. He taught me how to be a pro in college. He taught me how to learn my strengths and use them. I thank him every time we talk, because he is the reason I am here.”
Tucker was a bruiser at Texas. He could bang in the paint amid Big 12 competition with ease.
When he transitioned to the NBA, he had to find his place since the competition was steeper and physically bigger. But he remembered his former coach’s advice and kept figuring out how his strengths could help him adapt and improve.
“Over my career, to shut down those guys, to make those hustle plays, to win those games you aren’t supposed to, those are special,” Tucker said. “That’s why I play. I love to be able to grind out wins. You have to be able to do that in this league.”
Tucker might be flying under the radar of the common viewer, but those around him see the impact he’s making. Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said he expected Tucker to be a difference maker and has been impressed with how quickly that has happened.
“He is one of those guys who is just a winner,” D’Antoni said. “He will do whatever it takes to win. His defense is some of the best in the league. He’s what I thought and a little more. We were lucky to be the ones to get him.”