PJ Tucker - Defensive Dynamo 19/20

P.J. Tucker. 6’5” Center for the Houston Rockets. Astoundingly, Tucker does not have a single All-Defense selection in the NBA on his resume. The eye test alone would likely tell you that Tucker takes on every matchup thrown his way. P.J. plays whoever comes his way; in last year’s playoff seres against the Golden State Warriors, Tucker took times guarding 7 foot Kevin Durant (MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 4x Scoring Champion), Stephen Curry (Greatest Shooter of All-Time, 2x MVP), as well as multiple time All-Stars Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, and Draymond Green. Each with a wildly different offensive game, each one reasonably taken out of their comfort zone by P.J.’s defense. Steve Kerr talked about how Houston had a lot of “middle linebackers on that team” (article below). Tucker does exactly that: he’s the leader defensively, the another, tasked with stopping the run/ball, and is THE key communicator.

P.J. is very much the journeyman, having been drafted by the Toronto Raptors, gone through the NBA Developmental League, playing overseas in places like Israel, Ukraine, Greece, Italy, and Germany. He returned to the league to play for the Suns for 5 seasons, had a season with the Raptors, and has finally found his home in Houston as the small ball center who can do it all on defense.

Watch P.J.’s hands throughout this video - they are UNREAL. Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James are two of the strongest players in the league but he is able to rip the ball from them. I imagine it helps that he’s been able to practice against James Harden day in and day out, given that Harden’s strength is grossly underrated and his skillset is incredibly unique. Tucker’s footwork and timing are terrific as well - take note of how often he beats guys to spots to cut off driving lanes or to draw charges. Chances are this is equal parts instinct/intelligence and preparation by way of watching film and learning tendencies. The last part of the video isn’t even about blocks or steals, it’s about contesting shots - watch how he gets his body set and pulls his hands back and up. If he’s going to jump, he’s jumping to contest and avoids going into the offensive player’s space. He’s smart, savvy, and so so good. Plus, he’s the sneaker GOAT.

In a video where he’s practicing with Team USA (link below), he preaches talking and even *OVER*talking defensively. That type of non-stop communication is the foundation for a great defense.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bendowse...

   • PJ Tucker Mic’d Up In Team USA Practice!!  

Big SHOUTS (AS ALWAYS) to ‪@SmartHighlights‬

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Also. I know 6:05 is weird because it just looks like LeBron loses it - but it's LeBron. Watch it slowly. LeBron doesn't have the ball as he goes up with it. That's a strip.

I also know that 2:18, Reid doesn't actually make contact, but Tucker sure as hell sells the call and that's why it's in here.