The Los Angeles Clippers will officially begin their NBA title quest on Oct. 23 against the Phoenix Suns.
On Sunday, the organization announced they will navigate the season without a notable veteran forward.
“We’ve had ongoing conversations with P.J. (Tucker) throughout the offseason and have both decided that he won’t be with the team for the time being,” The Clippers stated Sunday. “P.J. is a pro who has achieved a lot in his career and there’s more he wants to accomplish. We will continue working with P.J. and his representative to find the best situation for him moving forward.”
Last season, Tucker appeared in 28 contests for Los Angeles and netted a measly 1.6 points per game while averaging 15 minutes of action. Before the All-Star break, Tucker expressed frustration with his role on the Tyronn Lue-led Clippers.
“I want to be somewhere where I'm needed, wanted and can do it all,” Tucker told Andscape in February. “I don't know what's going to happen but I have my fingers crossed and I'm hoping to go somewhere else, whether I get bought out and choose where I go or where I can play.”
Tucker, who will be 40 years old when the regular season concludes, understands that his time in the league is winding down. He has secured over 30 postseason victories and won a championship as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, but at this stage of his career, it’s all about feeling valued by an NBA franchise.
Tucker has never been an All-Star caliber player, but there’s no denying he’s been solid on both ends of the floor throughout his career.
He’s a defensive-minded veteran who forces his opponents to cherish the basketball on the perimeter and execute decisive dribble moves. Offensively, Tucker is a corner-three specialist who doesn’t hesitate to let it fly immediately after the catch.
He's averaging 6.6 points on 36.6% shooting from three to go along with 1.1 steals for his career.
The 39-year-old may not be as effective as he once was, but he still believes he can contribute sufficiently. If a trade makes sense for the 2021 NBA Champion and the Clippers, he could be suiting up for a different franchise this season.
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