Milwaukee Bucks: 4 Small Forwards To Target At NBA Trade Deadline

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

P.J. Tucker

P.J. Tucker has been the enforcer for the Phoenix Suns for the past five seasons. He’s not going to put up a bunch of points on any given night, but he’ll play a hard-nosed style of basketball.

Bringing energy and consistent defensive effort to his team, is probably the 31-year-old’s greatest attribute. When the Suns had their surprise turnaround in 2014, Tucker excelled in his role and often shut down the opposing team’s best offensive player.

The North Carolina native would be an interesting addition to the Bucks rotation. On the one hand, they could use a defensive oriented high energy wing, but he’s also a tough fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. His career shooting numbers are 43 percent from the field, 34 percent from three, and 75 percent from the line.

He’s not the best shooter, which goes against what the Bucks would ideally be looking for in their acquisition. But, he does make up for it with his team first style of play. The ball doesn’t stick in Tucker’s hands, as he’ll happily swing it around the perimeter.

If the Bucks are serious about acquiring Tucker, they may have to overpay. The Suns forward has a lot of interest around the league. The Bucks would probably need to send a young player and a second round pick, or an expiring contract and perhaps a first round pick. With Tucker set to hit free agency this year, unless the Bucks feel they can make a definite push, he might be best avoided.