New Orleans Pelicans: A trade for PJ Tucker could help both teams
Adding PJ Tucker could bring passion and grit to a New Orleans Pelicans team that has been struggling on the defensive end.
The name PJ Tucker may not excite Pelicans fans at first, but hear me out.
While he’s averaging a measly 4.4 points per game this season PJ brings much more to the table than statistics. PJ Tucker is a 35-year-old veteran that is a true defensive stopper at multiple positions on the floor.
The New Orleans Pelicans don’t really need more offensive minded players. The area the Pelicans need to improve upon is defense.
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The Pelicans have ranked as one of the top teams offensively this season, but they haven’t been able to fully bring it together on defense, ranking 29th in the league in defensive efficiency.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trading for PJ Tucker could change the defense
PJ is known for being a defensive stopper. He plays with the passion and energy similar to players like Draymond Green & Patrick Beverley. Having a player with this sort of energy can help boost morale and the will to win tremendously. Just by making one big play or two.
PJ Tucker is also well known for his ability to spread the floor as a 4-man or a small ball center, something that could add versatility to the Pelicans rotation. Having PJ come off the bench in place behind Steven Adams is something that could open up the floor for everyone.
Having Tucker sit in the corner while Zion drives opens up the lane for easy baskets inside or the ability to kick it out to PJ in his favorite spot. When PJ played alongside Harden in Houston he was one of the deadliest corner 3-ball shooters in the league.
PJ Tucker brings much more to a team than a hefty shoe collection.