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IBy rolling out the welcome mat for PJ Tucker yesterday, the Bucks completed a relatively long process that began when the Rockets decided to park their old workhorse in favor of a complete rebuild earlier this month. It is true that his game had deteriorated lately; in fact, his numbers so far this season represent the lowest in his nine-year career with the National Basketball Association. On the other hand, its value cannot be questioned; in fact, it is precisely what has led him to triumph through thick and thin after being selected in the second round of the 2006 draft, and what has allowed him to stay balanced against his professional roller coaster career.
Certainly, the Bucks are confident that Tucker’s depressed stats reflect his lack of motivation given the status of his contract. Back in the offseason, he had shown his disappointment with the Rockets for their apparent unwillingness to, in his opinion, properly assess his contributions. In addition to showing up late for training camp, he was no doubt also baffled by James Harden’s stamina and his subsequent departure. Motivated enough, he, at least from the point of view of his new employers, seeks to remain a valuable contributor to his championship aspirations.
The Bucks have reason to be optimistic. After all, they are in the thick of things, having won 10 of their last 11 contests and jamming the Sixers and Nets to the top of the Eastern Conference. Contrast that with the sorry position of the Rockets, who have lost 18 straight games and are second to last in the West. Considering that Tucker will once again look wet-eyed at a title ring from a much closer point of view, it’s clear that he won’t be lacking in motivation. You may be a 35-year-old and bruised from years of burning rubber like an undersized facility, but you remain resolved in the face of unique challenges.
Regardless, Tucker will help in a particular area where the Bucks are mediocre at best: employing critical switches to contain dynamic offenses. After disappointing results in his last two postseason seasons, head coach Mike Budenholzer finally drifted and led a steep increase in the frequency of his defense changes. He will be a huge boost in this regard, especially alongside current MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. If there is any question mark, it is the fading in your accuracy from behind the arc.
However, all things considered, Tucker should be a more determined of the Bucks. By all accounts, his veteran presence has been invariably welcomed in the locker room and on the court, and he believes he will exert the same influence at his new facility. The fact that they voluntarily gave up what was left of their service assets to catch him speaks volumes of their high regard for him. It is no wonder, then, that they are enthusiastic. With all due respect to Harden, it may still turn out to be the Rockets’ most shocking transfer to the East.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside as Business world introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant in strategic planning, human resources and operations management, corporate communications and business development.
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