The Brooklyn Nets are in the need for some more complementary pieces, as general manager Sean Marks is looking to get Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving some more support via depth. With the Houston Rockets sliding, PJ Tucker might end up getting ditched.
Tucker has started every game for Houston over the last three seasons. His blend of bulk, shooting, and veteran hustle on the defensive end makes him one of the most unique chess pieces in the NBA. With the Rockets unable to do much of anything without Christian Wood, perhaps Rafael Stone could trade with the Nets again to get rid of Tucker.
The veteran is averaging 4.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, numbers that are far below what he was averaging over the last few years. If we’re being honest, Tucker is most effective as a supporting piece on a contending squad.
While Adrian Wojnarowski said on ABC’s pregame show that the Rockets would be interested in moving Tucker if they get a player in return, Brooklyn shouldn’t go after Tucker if that’s the asking price.
These teams have all expressed interest in Rockets' PJ Tucker. Which team needs to trade for him the most?
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 26, 2021
• Utah Jazz
• Denver Nuggets
• Brooklyn Nets
• Miami Heat pic.twitter.com/AypsuAv8iP
PJ Tucker doesn’t mesh with the Brooklyn Nets, unfortunately.
Tucker’s ability to play all three frontcourt positions could be appealing to the Nets, but he’s shooting just 37% from the field and 31% from 3-point range. For a Brooklyn team that wants to play fast and shoot as many threes as possible, like Tucker did under Mike D’Antoni, those numbers are simply inadequate.
Though might improve the Nets on the defensive end, his lack of height, which got exposed in the postseason last year, wouldn’t help the Nets solve their interior defense problem. They already have a small-ball center in Jeff Green, who is a much better shooter. He makes Tucker completely redundant.
Nash gushed over Bruce Brown's willingness to do big-man chores: "A lot of guards would laugh you out of the gym if you asked them to pick and roll." #Nets
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) February 24, 2021
Tucker needs to go to a team that would benefit from his skill set. The Nets not only have players that play similarly enough to the grizzled vet, but Houston’s insistence on getting a player in return could make it almost impossible for the depleted Nets roster to make this deal happen, even if they wanted.
Tucker’s game is all about playing solid defense and shooting threes, and right now he isn’t accomplishing either of those goals. The Nets shouldn’t rule out making a trade at the deadline, but Tucker’s time as a key role player on a contender has passed him by, it would seem.