How Rockets’ P.J. Tucker was inspired by Jerry Stackhouse as a youth

Outlining Tucker’s rise in the NBA

Tucker returned to the NBA the following year, as the Phoenix Suns came calling for his services. The North Carolina native would spend the next five seasons in the valley, while earning a three-year contract extension worth $16.5 million from the Suns.

The Houston Rockets forward was dealt to the Toronto Raptors around the trade deadline of the 2016-17 season, which gave him his first taste of the NBA playoffs, although the Raptors were ultimately eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in an unceremonious sweep.

Tucker joined the Rockets prior to the 2017-18 season, and has become a fan favorite in the Space City. Tucker was also invited to play on the 2019 Team USA roster, which shows how far he’s come in his basketball life.

The next step for Tucker is to land a contract extension with the Rockets, as he’s professed his appreciation for the Rockets fans and the Houston community. The Sneaker King has a valid argument for being worthy of such a deal, as his minutes have increased for the Rockets with each passing season.

But regardless of whether he lands an extension with the Houston Rockets or not, his rise to stardom and popularity in the NBA has already been accomplished. The only thing missing on his resume is an NBA title, which the Rockets are poised to do this season.