Veteran defender PJ Tucker is frustrated that he has not yet been changed from the Houston Rockets to a title contender, according to ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon. Tucker was a good risk in Thursday’s game in Sacramento, and uncertainty about his personal situation seems to be the explanation for why.
“It’s not with the team,” head coach Stephen Silas said after Tucker’s game. “I travel back to Houston. We’ll try to figure out something that works for him and that works for us, to the extent that he’s no longer on the team. … He decided it really wasn’t there, and we decided it was a good idea. Let’s get started. “
Now 35, Tucker is in the final year of his existing contract and appears to be a strong candidate to be replaced before the March 25 NBA deadline. Since the Rockets (11-24) have lost 14 straight games, which is the longest slip in the franchise in more than 20 years, there is little reason for them to take the risk of not leaving any compensation during the offseason. In addition, Tucker – who has not won any NBA titles in his career – will likely want to compete in the 2021 playoffs.
Tucker remains highly valued for his defense and leadership, but his lack of production on offense has seemed to limit one of the league’s worst offenses. The 6-and-a-half-foot forward averages 4.4 points (36.6% FG, 31.4% in triples), 4.6 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 30.0 minutes per game, with all of these numbers the worst of his four seasons in Houston. However, many around the NBA believe that their production could be revived if placed around better players and in a contentious environment.
According to ESPN, the Rockets believed they were about to sign Tucker with a two-year, $ 17 million contract extension at the start of the season, with only $ 10 million guaranteed. However, Tucker’s camp would have countered by asking for a two-year deal worth $ 24 million, fully guaranteed. With Houston’s warranty offer, less than half of what Tucker was looking for, it’s understandable why the differences weren’t reconciled.