7. PJ Tucker (written by Erick Klambara)
PJ Tucker is entering his second season as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after signing a
3-year $33 million contract ahead of the 2022-2023 season. Prior to his time in Philadelphia,
Tucker had stints in Miami, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Houston, and Toronto. In 2021, he won his first
(and only) championship in Milwaukee when the Bucks beat the Suns in six games.
At age 38, Tucker gives the Sixers a veteran presence who can still provide quality defense and produce from beyond the three-point line. He won’t score often as he only averaged 3.5 points per game in 2023, but he is always reliable from three-point range, where he shot 40% in 2023.
Can Nick Nurse utilize PJ Tucker to the best of his ability?
His scoring numbers do figure to go up if Nick Nurse continues to roll him out in the starting lineup. Doc Rivers’ offensive style put the ball mainly in Harden and Embiid’s hands and Nurse will look to bring out more from the rest of the roster and get other players involved.
Tucker’s game has never been flashy, but he never backs down and can guard anyone on the court. He gives the Sixers flexibility if they want to play small ball as he can play center, but also either one of the forward positions. At 38 years old, Tucker isn’t getting any younger and this year will be one of his last chances to make an impact on the court. The Sixers will benefit greatly from his
leadership and impact on and off the floor.