Miami Heat: 3 reasons why PJ Tucker was the most important signing
By Noah Decker
Why the PJ Tucker signing was the most important for the Miami Heat: Versatility
P.J. Tucker is a solid role player, but what makes him special is his versatility on the defensive end. With a height of 6’5” and a weight of 245 lbs, Tucker is small and fast enough to guard smaller players. However, he is also strong enough to guard bigger players. Essentially, he can guard all five positions when needed.
During the 2020-21 playoffs, Tucker guarded some of the best players on the opposing teams. Some notable names include Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Miami’s own Jimmy Butler.
Guarding Durant was probably the most impressive, considering that Durant is a generational scoring talent and is almost seven feet tall with the handles of a guard.
Obviously, KD still got buckets, but it could be argued that the pressure that Tucker and the Bucks put on him all series helped them to secure the victory in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Tucker will be able to make huge contributions to Miami’s already great defense. His biggest help will come when Bam Adebayo needs to rest. Last year, the Miami Heat didn’t have an effective backup center option for when Adebayo left the floor.
While Tucker will likely start at power forward, there will be times where the Heat need him to guard the five. And he will deliver.