Rockets: P.J Tucker reveals the player that almost broke his collar bone

In a Live Q & A on Instagram, Houston Rockets forward P.J. Tucker discussed the toughest players he’s ever had to defend throughout his NBA career.

Throughout the NBA’s hiatus, Houston Rockets forward P.J. Tucker has been one of the more active players in the league on social media. From being a guest along with Nate Robinson on NiceKicks to discuss his shoe collection to hosting Q & A’s and giving away his own pairs, Tucker has become a must-follow in NBA circles.

On Tuesday night, Tucker poured some wine and took to his Instagram again to answer fan questions and give his thoughts on everything from small ball to his basketball idols growing up.

Being a North Carolina guy, PJ. gave props to two-time NBA All-Star and longtime Hornet Larry Johnson, while also mentioning others like the late, great Bobby Phills. As the conversation shifted to what players Tuck had the hardest time guarding, he mentioned two names:

More from Space City Scoop

• Shaq explains how Jrue Holiday can learn from the Rockets
• Houston Rockets: 3 trades of John Wall to the Clippers, Spurs, and Bulls
• Houston Rockets hire Chris Wallace, architect of ‘Grit and Grind’ Grizzlies
• Rockets: Kendrick Perkins shares perception of Stephen Silas around the league
• 3 reasons why the Rockets should trade for D’Angelo Russell

“I like to answer with guys people don’t think about,” started Tucker. “Paul Pierce. [Guarding him] in my rookie year, I got four fouls in like, two minutes. He was a monster.”

P.J. went on to explain why the Truth was an accurate nickname for Pierce before shifting focus to another former NBA champion.

“Ben Wallace almost broke my collar bone – trying to box him out at the free-throw line,” insisted Tucker. “There was no boxing him out.”

Wallace made a career out of being a bully down low in every way, finishing as the rebounding champion two separate times while also winning four Defensive Player of the Year awards throughout his 16-year NBA career.

Although P.J. Tucker can more than hold his own down low with his 6-5, 245 lb frame, P.J. admitted Ben was just a different animal.

With Tucker now expected to be the team’s starting center for the foreseeable future, he will need to get used to banging down low with the big guys, but something tells me he’ll be alright — as long as he protects his collar bones.