Milwaukee Bucks: P.J. Tucker discusses the trade and finding a groove

P.J. Tucker has made himself right at home since the Milwaukee Bucks traded for him earlier this season in a surprise move before the deadline.

Aside from a brief introduction during his first media availability with the team after he was traded, Tucker had been relatively quiet about his trade to the Bucks. However, since getting acclimated with the team, he has opened up about the entire experience in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated. Among the many things discussed, Tucker opened up about the process of being traded and how he was forced to tackle that. Transcribed by SI’s Rohan Nadkarni:

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"“When I went from Phoenix to Toronto, going to a team that was really good, had a great year, they felt like I was a piece who could make them better.It’s a little different now with Milwaukee being older. I know my job, my role, what they want. It’s a lot easier. But the task is just as hard as the first time because there are a lot of good teams this year, and I have to fit in and incorporate with the team. And I had an injury when I first got here, which I haven’t had much of in my career. But it’s been enjoyable. I won’t lie; it’s been enjoyable.”"

The injury that Tucker referred to was a left calf strain that previously sidelined him for 10 straight games. Sitting on the sidelines certainly hindered his ability to conjure up chemistry with his new teammates, but since returning to the lineup on April 14, he has ramped up that process of getting accustomed to playing with his teammates.

P.J. Tucker has been just what the Milwaukee Bucks envisioned on the court

With defense being among Milwaukee’s most recurring flaws this season, the front office brought in the 35-year-old because of his robust presence on that side of the ball. Since getting healthy, Tucker has embraced the opportunity to be the missing piece the team has been longing for:

"“I’m at the point in my career where I know why I’m here. I’ve lived through every situation possible. It’s not rocket science. They don’t want me to do nothing I don’t do. What happened last year, and how they lost the couple years, winning so many games in the regular season, not getting as far as they should have, they are looking for different lineups that can help win games. For me, it’s about bringing all the intangible stuff that they need.”"

He has certainly brought an edge to the team that they had lacked on defense, along with being another versatile piece for head coach Mike Budenholzer to utilize. That has mostly been evident in how much more the team has started switching on defense, something that they were rarely doing before the forward was brought in. Switching has always been a strong suit for Tucker and his presence has forced Budenholzer to be more flexible defensively.

Furthermore, he gives them the ability to run more versatile lineup combinations alongside players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. If the Bucks need to run a smaller lineup, having a player like Tucker that can guard positions one through five very well will be a blessing down the line heading into the postseason.

Since joining the Bucks, Tucker has averaged 2.9 points while shooting 13-for-30 from the floor, including 9-for-20 from deep, while also hauling in 3.3 rebounds per game. While numbers like that might not seem impactful, the forward has helped turn up the intensity on the defensive end for Milwaukee and he will be a pivotal piece for them moving forward. Along with his defense, knocking down his corner 3-pointers consistently will also be a huge factor, and he has been heating up recently in that regard.

Tucker has been a great fit with the Bucks to this point, but only time will tell if having traded for him ultimately pays off down the line.