The New York Knicks have added a significant veteran presence to their roster, officially signing forward P.J. Tucker to a 10-day contract. The move was announced Monday as the team looks to bolster its frontcourt depth during the final stretch of the regular season.
Tucker, a 38-year-old seasoned NBA veteran, brings years of playoff experience and defensive tenacity to the Knicks. Known for his gritty style of play, defensive versatility, and corner three-point shooting, Tucker could provide a valuable boost to a Knicks team battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
The signing comes at a critical time for New York, which has been dealing with injuries to key players, including Julius Randle and OG Anunoby. Tucker’s ability to guard multiple positions and his toughness could help stabilize the rotation while the Knicks wait for their injured stars to return. He is expected to contribute immediately off the bench, offering leadership and physicality in crucial minutes.
Tucker began the 2023-2024 season with the Los Angeles Clippers but had not appeared in a game since early in the year after falling out of the rotation. The Clippers acquired Tucker last summer as part of the blockbuster trade that brought James Harden to Los Angeles. Despite limited playing time, the veteran forward continued to stay ready, and now the Knicks are giving him an opportunity to get back on the court.
Throughout his 13-year NBA career, Tucker has built a reputation as one of the league’s premier defenders and one of the toughest players on the court. He has played for multiple teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Clippers. One of the highlights of Tucker’s career was winning an NBA Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, where his defense played a key role during their title run.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, Tucker’s ability to guard bigger forwards and even centers at times makes him a valuable asset in today’s switch-heavy defensive schemes. Offensively, he is known for his spot-up shooting from the corners, a skill that could complement the Knicks’ offense, especially with playmakers like Jalen Brunson creating open looks.
The Knicks are currently in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race and see Tucker as a short-term addition who could potentially earn a longer stay if he proves to be a good fit. The veteran’s leadership, championship pedigree, and no-nonsense approach align well with the identity head coach Tom Thibodeau has cultivated in New York.
Tucker is expected to join the Knicks immediately and could be available for their upcoming games. His presence adds another layer of depth and experience as the Knicks look to finish the season strong and make a deep postseason run.
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