The New York Knicks are reportedly adding some extra muscle following back-to-back losses on their West Coast road trip.
New York dropped a heartbreaker to the Lakers in overtime on Thursday night with a 113-109 defeat at the hands of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. And now head coach Tom Thibodeau is seeking out more defense for his 40-23 club.
Per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania: “Free agent P.J. Tucker plans to sign with the New York Knicks on a 10-day contract.” Adding, “The 14-year NBA veteran held discussions with multiple teams over the last week. Tucker, a 2021 NBA champion with the Bucks, gives the Knicks an enforcer and frontcourt depth.”
Tucker would seem to fit the mold of exactly the type of player Thibs would love to have on his roster.
Outside of being the league’s undisputed sneaker king, the 39-year-old made his name as a gritty defender that doesn’t care about putting the ball in the bucket — although he did find a way to turn himself into one of the NBA‘s most prolific corner three shooters over the past decade.
Tucker bounced around with the Clippers, Jazz and Raptors before being waived by Toronto last month. And although his best years appear to be behind him, he’s still a more than capable defender that can muck things up when the time calls for it.
One can only imagine what kind of heat on-court he’s going to pull out on The Garden floor over the next week-plus.
P.J. last suited up for LA in May of 2024 when they took on the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.
After 14 seasons, his career averages sit at 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals with 36.6% shooting percentage from range.
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