Rockets forward P.J. Tucker, after not traveling with the team for this weekend’s preseason games, is expected to join the team for Monday’s practice and could play Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon (Twitter link). Tucker, 35, had reported to camp a day late and had been limited during practices as the team ramps up his activity.
As we previously relayed, Tucker has been upset about not receiving an extension from the Rockets. In fact, Tucker’s desire to remain in Houston long-term dates back to at least June 2019, when he said he would “love” to discuss an extension. However, major turnover has taken place since then, including the departures of longtime head coach Mike D’Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey, the recent trade of Russell Westbrook, and the current uncertainty of James Harden‘s future with the franchise.
Over the past few seasons, Tucker has established himself as a core piece of Houston’s lineup. The 6’7″ Tucker shifted into a center role after Clint Capela was traded, paving the way for the Rockets’ small-ball lineup. Tucker excelled in the role as a defensive stopper for the Rockets, in addition to maintaining a near 37-percent clip shooting beyond the arc.
Check out more news and notes around the Rockets organization below:
- Harden has begun individual workouts with the Rockets as he works toward recording six consecutive negative COVID-19 tests, per Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. At that point, Harden can begin practicing with the team. The Rockets superstar’s interest in being traded has become a significant talking point in recent weeks, with reports this week indicating that he has expanded his list of preferred destinations beyond the Nets.
- While Morey’s departure from the Rockets seemed abrupt, he reportedly informed the team he would be leaving his role as GM about a month before the news became public, per Henry Abbott of TrueHoop (subscription required).
- New acquisitions John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins looked promising during their preseason debuts as Rockets on Friday. Wall, in his first action in over two years coming off heel and Achillies injuries, recorded 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals in the Rockets’ 125-104 win over the Bulls. As for Cousins, he saw 15 minutes of action, tallying 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks. “Tonight was just great to be back in an NBA game, period,” Wall said after the game, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
I thought Wall and Boogie both looked a little rusty but still flashed some of their skill that they will bring to the table. If Harden can be content there they can battle for the 3-7 seeds…if not this will still be a dumpster fire.
If Tucker doesn’t resign with Houston, what is his market value? Sillivan our resident cap expert, do your thing.
Personally I’d love a guy like PJ on the Bulls next year. Great veteran leadership and can shoot well outside. Can switch on multiple defenders. Is he still a starter at age 36 though?
Sidenote: I saw highlights from Williams’ yesterday, and people are comparing him to a “baby Kawhi” too soon of a comparison and too high of a comparison but I’ll take half of what Kawhi is as a player if Patrick can hold his own on offense.
Tucker market value is one year deal $10 million
Compare to Millsap
Rockets won’t pay him $5 million
He is likely to be traded if Harden is traded
I think virtually any contender would be happy to make room for Tucker.
Tucker and Wood are more vital to Houston than Boogie. At this point he is a bench player that will give rest to starters.
If Rockets won’t trade Tucker unless the season becomes a loss.
@raz it probably take the Bulls giving up Kornet and Markkanen. I don’t see that as a good trade for Chicago
I would rather sign PJ as a free agent. I wouldn’t trade Markkanen for him.
IMO the Rockets would trade PJ for a 1st or a young point guard with very high upside that isn’t getting playing time on their rookie contract or that is stashed overseas. Their roster is transforming on the go and PJ is likely to see his minutes cut at the 4/5 by Wood, Cousins, and Caboclo. I’d think they want to keep Wall around 25 to 30 minutes per game and less on back to back games. Harden will be gone at some point and we will need another primary ball handler (why Simmons plus picks makes sense)
You are paying too much attention to the media if you’re convinced Harden will be gone at some point. He has already said he prefers playing alongside Wall instead of a selfish stat-stuffer like Westbrook. Once he begins practicing with his new teammates on Monday they will start the healing process and hopefully continue building a championship caliber team.
Can’t believe you dude!!!
Last year you were all full of praises for Russ now that he has left is just plain awful, like CP3!
That is what I truly despise about you, all the hatred for the guys that are no longer with HOU! SMH!
A true fan would be happy for them for leaving, would follow them still with interest knowing that they are part of the history of your team!
So when Harden leaves you will hate on him, right?
BTW Optimus Dime, DMC & Wood are no where near been enough for Harden to wanting to stay, they need an awful lot more than that & much more star power!
But they will never have it ’cause they have the most miser of all sports owners, even Dolan is a much better owner than frittata, at least he is happy to spend his money!
PJ Tucker the soon to be 36 year old wants an extension? Sorry dude no one is paying you 10 million a season.
Knicks initially offer Gordon Hayward 3-year $70 million, which is real value
But Hayward market value is 4 year 120 million plus trade kicker
People need to understand why Tobias Harris has $180 million contract and Ibaka has $18 million contract
The difference is only one 0
The same is both are role players
Harris can go get a bucket; Ibaka can only do certain things. They are hardly equal. They could both care more.
Rockets might be better this year than they have in years. They could probably get two good players for one James Harden. I wish he would stay though and give this year’s Rockets a chance.
The additions of John Wall, Christian Wood, and Boogie Cousins have definitely improved the Rockets and should be enough to convince Harden to stay with the team. They have also added a lot of young talent to develop which will allow them to remain competitive for many years.
They already added Caboclo and Nwaba last season then recently added Jae’Sean Tate, KJ Martin, and Kenny Wooten to give them an even deeper pool of young talent to draw from. They no longer have to rely on older washed-up players like Sefolosha, DeMarre Carroll, or Tyson Chandler.
Rockets haven’t treated Tucker with respect. He’s done it all and more. That they asked of him. He’s making 8 mill a yr now. He already should have been resigned at 10 mill a yr minimum. Rockets owe him. I was him I’d want out. At 34 he gave a lot for Rockets to let him walk. I would force my way out. He can help a contender. He’s a glue guy that plays team ball. Great on D and does enough on offense. A lot like Dre