Behind the Bucks Pass
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Houston Rockets: P.J. Tucker
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 09 (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Second takeaway from P.J. Tucker’s first media appearance with Milwaukee Bucks — He’s more motivated than ever

Tucker’s final few months in Houston were not the best due to growing displeasure between the player and organization. Both parties were initially sparing over a contract disagreement before the forward soon after asked to be traded. In fact, The Athletic’s Kelly Iko ($$) recently reported Tucker believed he was going to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the James Harden blockbuster earlier this year.

It was earlier this month where things reached a boiling point as the Rockets then pulled him out of the lineup for several games before finally trading him to Milwaukee.

Finally getting his wish, Tucker has described the feeling as rejuvenating. After spending most of his time in recent weeks hitting the weight room with his personal trainer and heading to the gym to get some shots up, practicing with a team again has given the 35-year-old new life:

"“Man, you have no idea. It’s given me that boost 15 years in. You look for anything. Some days I talk to myself, talk junk to people just so they can talk junk back so I can get myself going. It’s been one of those things where now, I’m just recharging my battery… To get in there and just to hit bodies, talk, be along with the guys. It felt great. It feels good just to have my battery recharged, honestly.”"

While Tucker has embraced the change of scenery, he understands that this opportunity is about far more than just switching teams. With the Rockets plummeting this season, the forward goes from a team trending downward to a team right in the thick of championship contention. Although the Bucks have had their share of postseason issues over the past two seasons, Tucker believes he could be the missing piece to finally push them over the edge:

"“I’m super excited. I’ve been eyeing this situation. We’ve put them at the top of our list from the beginning when we were looking at making a move. The situation’s perfect. I think I fit in well, and now being here today for the first day of practice, I’m even more excited because I feel like we have a great group and a chance to do something special.”"

Tucker’s excitement to get back into the title chase after a rough stretch with Houston should bring out the best of him with the Bucks. As he detailed himself, the forward is a perfect fit for this team and someone they are unquestionably glad to bring aboard.

Home/Bucks News