For several years, the Milwaukee Bucks have been trying to find a player capable of replicating what P.J. Tucker brought during his lone year with the team. None have been successful thus far, but they are hoping that recent signee Amir Coffey, who is set to don the same No. 17 that Tucker did, can be the one to break the trend.
Bucks could use a P.J. Tucker type of player
Tucker's time in Milwaukee was short, but he made a mark that will last a lifetime. The forward was a vital component of the team's 2021 title run, with his hounding defense and quality 3-point shooting giving the Bucks a jolt throughout a hard-fought battle. The team let him go that same offseason and has been - unsuccessfully - trying to replace him ever since.
On paper, Tucker and Coffey are different players. Coffey can't hold a candle to the level of defense that Tucker made a living providing, while Tucker isn't the offensive player Coffey is (Coffey just put up 9.7 points per game this season, more than Tucker ever averaged in his 14-year career). Yet, there are some similarities that could help Coffey follow in those footsteps as he rocks No. 17.
It all starts with versatility. Tucker's ability to be plugged into any lineup and space the floor while also defending multiple positions made him incredibly valuable. Coffey, who isn't as brawny but has two inches of height on Tucker, has the chops to be that versatile defensive chess piece who can switch between countless positions defensively. One could argue he's right on par as a long-range shooter.
To thrive in Milwaukee, Coffey will have to dig his heels in defensively more than he has ever done in his career. Just like when Tucker arrived in 2021, Milwaukee's options in terms of defenders on the wing are slim. Taurean Prince, Chris Livingston, and Kyle Kuzma all have question marks, so if Coffey comes in and steals the show, there's a good chance he could carve out a role for himself.
For now, Amir Coffey is signed to a training camp deal and nothing beyond. To earn his keep, he will have to make a strong impression in training camp. If he does and earns a regular deal, he could end up being one of the biggest steals of the entire NBA offseason for any team. If he ends up having an impact anything close to P.J. Tucker, it could be one of the biggest steals of the decade.
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