PHILADELPHIA–When the Philadelphia 76ers went out and brought in PJ Tucker early in free agency, the idea was that he would begin to change the culture around the team. The Sixers needed some toughness and somebody to hold the team accountable.
The veteran out of Texas does not put up eye-popping numbers in a box score or have a ton of rebounds or anything of the like. What he does do is all of the little things that get his team wins. He won a title in 2021 with the Milwaukee Bucks and he had a big impact on the Miami Heat being one win away from the finals in 2022.
Tucker is 37 years old and logic says a decline is coming soon for him, but he is making an impact on the Sixers and Joel Embiid as well as others discussed his importance on the team.
Embiid on Tucker’s impact
“Just talking. His energy. Obviously, a veteran, he knows how to play and he knows how to move without the ball. Defensively, just ball pressure. Just talking. I think the biggest thing that he does for us is just communication.”
Tobias Harris on playing next to Tucker
“It’s been great. I mean, he’s a great vet for this team, for this group. He plays his tail off and plays super hard each and every night. Defensively, he’s everywhere for us, and his ability to be able to switch and guard guards and contain, whoever is coming at him, really, his post defense is great as well. So it’s been great to shoot up next to him. Obviously, this group is new, and we’re still trying to figure many things out, but, yeah, it’s been an honor so far.”
Matisse Thybulle on Tucker’s communication impact
“He is the pinnacle. He is the source of where that comes from. Like he pushes everyone to do it at a higher level.”
Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire
