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Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from P.J. Tucker’s first media appearance

By Dalton Sell

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 30: P.J. Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 30: P.J. Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Houston Rockets: Trevor Ariza, P.J. Tucker, Nene Hilario
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 16 (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

There is a new forward in town for the Milwaukee Bucks by the name of P.J. Tucker, and he is just as excited about the opportunity as the fans are.

After a tension-fueled ending with the Houston Rockets that led to him being traded, Tucker is ready to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. With the trade becoming official Friday, Tucker could practice with his new teammates for the first time ahead of their matchup against the San Antonio Spurs tonight.

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While there was some speculation whether he would get the green light to play or not, head coach Mike Budenholzer told ESPN’s Eric Woodyard and other reporters that Tucker would likely make his team debut in tonight’s matchup. 

Two days removed from the trade, Tucker made his first media appearance as a Milwaukee Buck following his first practice with the team. He certainly made a strong first impression, and you can watch the full clip in its entirety here. 

With that being said, here are three things that stood out from P.J. Tucker’s first thoughts on joining the Milwaukee Bucks and what the future might potentially hold.

First takeaway from P.J. Tucker’s first media appearance with Milwaukee Bucks — He’s ready to play whatever role necessary

Milwaukee’s trade for Tucker brings another highly-talented piece into the fold for a roster loaded with other talented pieces. When the forward was asked about his potential role and what he brings to the table, his answer was simple:

"“Whatever we need on a nightly basis. Just be able to have the opportunity to be a chameleon and change it up. Some nights we might need more rebounding. Some nights there might be 50-50 balls. Some nights I might get shots. Every night playing defense, talking, communicating, being a leader, giving that edge. I think this team is so talented that it’s going to change nightly, and I’m prepared to do that every single game.”"

Tucker’s emphasis on defense certainly stands above all else because his excellence on that side of the ball is the most significant reason that the team had brought him in. Milwaukee’s defense has slipped up marginally this season compared to the previous two, and a player like Tucker could help get things turned around.

He is among the most versatile defenders in the league and will likely be tasked with guarding multiple positions in particular situations. The team will certainly count on him in key moments, and the 35-year-old alluded to, he is willing to do whatever he is asked to if it translates to winning.

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