As we approach the quarter-pole of the NBA season, things are beginning to take shape. Teams are finding their identities and new acquisitions are settling into their roles. That would include former Milwaukee Bucks players and their new clubs this season (whether that be in the NBA, G League, or even overseas).
The Bucks didn’t lose anyone overly significant in the offseason but did lose a fan favorite, a great shooter, and they got rid of a few young players. There’s always a little curiosity to see how those players are performing away from the Bucks organization.
All of the Bucks who departed or were moved on from in the offseason were with the team for a season or less. There shouldn’t be as much of a connection to these guys but most of them played some role in the Bucks winning their first championship in 50 years, so here’s an update on those former championship Bucks about a quarter of the way into the season.
How is former Milwaukee Buck P.J. Tucker performing?
Although Tucker was only with the Bucks for 43 total games (regular season and playoffs), he quickly endeared himself to fans with his hard-nosed style of play, defense, and personality. He started 19 playoff games for the Bucks and was one of the emotional leaders of the team.
Fans were quite displeased when he left to sign with the Miami Heat in the offseason, assuming the front office would bring him back. They quickly got over the loss of Tucker when the front office made a bevy of moves that ended up improving the team.
Regardless, Tucker is performing very well with his new Heat teammates. Miami got off to a fast 6-1 start to the season, including a blowout win over the depleted Bucks, and owns one of the best defenses in the NBA, sitting top five in defensive rating.
Individually, Tucker has started all19 games for the Heat and is scoring around seven points per game, nearly six rebounds per game, and shooting over 45 percent from 3-point range on around two and a half attempts. This is a far cry from what he did with the Bucks in the playoffs where shot 32.2 percent from three on a similar number of attempts per game.
The Bucks tried to find their “Tucker replacement” this offseason in Semi Ojeleye and, well, it hasn’t panned out quite yet.
Bucks fans hold no ill-will towards Tucker and certainly wish him well with the Heat (unless they’re playing the Bucks, of course).