P.J. Tucker is undeniably one of the game’s feistiest role players. His determination, sheer willingness, grit, and leadership made him a respected figure in the NBA landscape.
While he is a virtuoso on the defensive end, some fans are not that entirely convinced of his contributions to the team – specifically in the context of box scores. Many tend to criticize his offensive repertoire, saying that he has minimal things to offer – just camping at the corner spot for an instant three and can’t take over for some isolation scoring.
As such, Tucker finally kept it real about the role he has in the NBA, enlightening the fans on how hard his job is on a nightly basis.
In one of the latest episodes of Old Man and the Three, podcast host JJ Redick opened up a conversation about Tucker’s role, referencing Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals wherein the veteran logged 36 playing minutes with only one field goal attempt, but had the highest plus/minus amongst every player. After that, Tucker didn’t hold back from expressing the labor he was committed to doing.
“People will never understand,” said Tucker. “40 minutes, do you know how hard it is to play as hard as I play? Play defense every possession and run after every 50-50 ball — be the most communicative talking person and not doing anything that’s going to show up on anybody’s highlight film? It’s the hardest thing in the world.”
“The funny thing is, in the moments I never feel it because I’m trying to do so much to help everybody else be the best player they can be – and to help our team be the best team that we can be.”
Eventually, Tucker’s contribution beyond the stat sheet truly helped the Bucks claim their first title since 1971. Having the game-high +13 on the championship-clinching Game 6 and constantly switching from 1-5 positions in times of defense, these things truly speak volumes of the impact he possesses in winning.
Truth to be told, Milwaukee reached the top of the basketball summit behind the brilliance of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday, but it won’t be fair to disregard what Tucker has brought to the table for the sustaining success of the Cream City now. As he arrived via trade last season, he inspired the Bucks and taught each and everyone to unleash that ‘Dog’ mentality and fearlessness when facing adversities.
Every true fan of the game will always acknowledge the dirty work and sacrifices that Tucker always does. Currently at age 36, while portraying the bruiser role and vocal anchor of the Miami Heat, he is truly a basketball gladiator and an inspiring one – giving justice to the value of those non-box score type of cagers.
