He wasn't the driving force behind the Milwaukee Bucks' 2021 title run, but P.J. Tucker certainly did his part. With his tenacious defense and inspiring mindset, the forward helped launch the Bucks to championship status. Over five years later, Milwaukee still hasn't adequately replaced the forward, leaving a gaping hole on the current roster.
Tucker replacements have come and gone
After letting Tucker leave in free agency following the title, Milwaukee has spent the last several years trying to replace him. To his credit, Wesley Matthews came the closest to filling his shoes, but he didn't reach the same heights. Semi Ojeleye didn't last a full season. The Jae Crowder trade backfired. Amir Coffey was only in Milwaukee for a quick cup of coffee. It's been a revolving door of names.
One could argue that the lack of this feisty big-wing defender has been their downfall in recent times. They sure could have used one in 2022 against Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The same goes for the 2023 playoff matchup against the virtually unstoppable Jimmy Butler. Tucker could have given Tyrese Haliburton trouble in 2024 and 2025.
The void left in Tucker's absence has loomed large, and the Milwaukee Bucks still don't have an answer for it right now.
Bucks' current Tucker replacement is a default
On Milwaukee's new-look roster, the current Tucker successor is... Kyle Kuzma. That's largely because the team doesn't really have any other options at either forward spot. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Ousmane Dieng are more offensive-minded players. Pete Nance doesn't have the versatility. Boboljub Markovic and Nate Ament are fresh-faced rookies who might not even play much. That leaves Kyle Kuzma.
Kuzma isn't a terrible defender. He is quite versatile and has proven that he can give players trouble. Yet, asking him to be the Tucker replacement is a lofty task that would set him up for failure. With the roster set up as it is, though, that will inevitably be his role this season. When a big-time wing, such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or Jayson Tatum, comes to town, that will be Kuzma's assignment.
In what could be the most important year of his career, Kuzma will embrace the opportunity to show that he's up for the challenge, but some things are far easier said than done.
It's shocking that Milwaukee's decision to let Tucker walk has loomed over the franchise for five years as they haven't adequately replaced him.
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