Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things they will miss most from P.J. Tucker

After just 43 games with the franchise, P.J. Tucker will leave the Milwaukee Bucks with his legacy cemented as an NBA Champion.

First reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Tucker signed a two-year deal worth $15 million with the Miami Heat on the opening night of free agency. Considering it seemed open and shut that Tucker would be returning since the team held his Bird Rights and could have offered him a similar day, likely even more, many were rightfully shocked by this sudden news.

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It was certainly an unexpected move after the forward previously raved about the city, the front office, and the franchise, but it ultimately seems like some tax concerns that would have been prominent on his next deal made them opt against bringing him back.

The fanbase is rightfully irked that one of the key pieces that helped the franchise end their 50-year title drought just walked out of the door, specifically to one of their biggest rivals in the Eastern Conference.

This one will undoubtedly sting for quite some time, particularly if it comes back to bite the team next season. Only time will tell there, but whatever happens, this fanbase will be forever grateful for Tucker’s brief time with the team and it would not be too shocking if he got a standing ovation the next time he walked into Fiserv Forum. With all that being said, here are three things that the team and the fans will miss the most from Tucker next season.

The Milwaukee Bucks will miss P.J. Tucker’s veteran experience

Among the many reasons why the Bucks were persistent in trading for Tucker last March was due to his valuable postseason experience.

The forward had previously played in 50 playoff games before coming to the Bucks in stints with the Toronto Raptors and the Houston Rockets. Tucker and those gritty Houston teams were most known for going head-to-head with the herculean Golden State Warriors, with Tucker contributing meaningful minutes all throughout. Although Tucker and the Rockets never managed to get over the hump, the Bucks understood that he was someone that could help them out.

Indeed, Tucker came in from day one after being traded with an immeasurable amount of veteran experience in tow. Whether it was on the court or in the locker room, the 36-year-old contributed to this team in ways that they desperately needed to overcome their postseason woes. He may not have been the flashiest player on the court, but his experience garnered in this league and overseas consistently showed throughout this playoff run.

Replicating that will be difficult for any player the Bucks look to replace Tucker with. For instance, it looks like the front office wanted to go younger by signing Semi Ojeleye, who shares many of the same characteristics as Tucker. Now, Tucker and Ojeleye are not exactly comparable, and that is not a knock on the latter to any extent. Tucker has just been in this league far longer and has accumulated that battle-tested experience that the Bucks desperately needed.