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Houston Rockets: Parting ways with PJ Tucker

In some ways, PJ Tucker is in a similar situation to Oladipo. Since joining Houston in 2017, Tucker has been the heart and soul of the team.

Tucker’s fiery play on the court gave him a reputation across the league as a veteran who will do anything to contribute to winning basketball. Executives around the league thought so highly of him that, as trade rumors swirled towards the end of James Harden’s time in Houston, it was reported that Tucker would be able to fetch as much as two first-round picks from a contending team.

But with all of the changes in the past year, Tucker no longer seems to fit in like he once did, and since James Harden left, Tucker appears uncomfortable in his role. However, despite his subpar play and his (relatively) older age, Tucker may still provide some value to a contending team.

Tucker not only is a very valuable wing defender, but he also provides an abundance of veteran leadership that could be useful for any team going to battle in the playoffs. And even more, Tucker is an iron man. Until his streak was broken last Saturday against the Knicks, Tucker had not sat out any of the past 267 games.

Sometimes the best ability is availability, and Tucker would provide that to any team in spades. As difficult as it may be to accept, it may be best for both sides to part ways.