The Miami Heat went about their business this offseason in a, most, appropriate fashion. Securing the services of Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors, they, all but, secured a spot amongst the contenders for, not only, the NBA’s Eastern Conference Title but the NBA Title as well.
Though they had to give up Goran Dragic and a young guy with potential, Precious Achiuwa, to get it done, the deal was well worth it on the surface and should only continue to prove to be so.
While that was one of the splashiest and perhaps the most important move of the offseason, league-wide, there was another move that the Miami Heat made that could prove to pay dividends.
Sticking with the same economy-themed puns, this guy is worth his weight in gold wherever he plays and that’s because of how much he adds to a team.
Not only does he do a bit of everything on offense and specializing in hitting the corner three-ball, his intangibles also speak for themselves, while he has also built a reputation as a premier defender in the league.
Miami Heat: Defining P.J. Tucker’s Role In Rotation… Peak Corner 3 & D Stopper
He can guard multiple positions and is comfortable out along the perimeter or banging with the big guys down low. He is one of the NBA’s true tough guys and he should add something to the Miami Heat’s band of other tough guys.
He is truly a Miami Heat guy. That guy is, of course, P.J. Tucker.
Here is what Miami Heat team president, Pat Riley, had to say on the signing when it happened.
"“P.J. Tucker is the perfect addition to this team,” said HEAT President Pat Riley. “He brings both shooting and most importantly, the ability to defend a lot of perimeter players. We love his versatility in order to put a defensive team on the court, where all five guys can defend, while also having enough shooting and scoring to win games.”"
Basically, it couldn’t have been said any better. He does a ton for a team and there is no area where he hurts you.
That’s while, definitely, improving a team in a few areas and that’s no matter how good they are in those areas. He’s just that good defensively and shooting the corner three, traditionally, specifically and to name two areas.
Miami Heat: P.J. Tucker’s Role Could See Him Have Jae Crowder-Type Impact
What specifically will P.J.’s role be with this team though? He’ll be what he’s always been, but hopefully higher than or close to matching his peak level, ever.
While that may be something of imagination, he’ll be one of the best in the league at what he does. That’s a 3 & D man of the highest order.
While most of his shots typically come from the corner three attempts, he is capable of shooting the three from anywhere and nailing open looks. While he was down from range last season, overall, he did improve tremendously upon going into a meaningful situation.
Obviously, the Milwaukee Bucks were that, as they went on to win the NBA title. That’s another interesting and underrated part of the whole acquisition of Tucker.
Not only do they get a guy that fits, that they could use, and that certainly helps them towards their ultimate goal, a title, but they did so at the cost of their rivals, a conference foe, and the defending champs. It was the ultimate can’t-lose move.
The Miami Heat are a team built to win the whole thing if they play up to their capabilities. With everyone else at near-peak performance and P.J. Tucker excelling in this role, they couldn’t help but to be right there as the playoffs come to a close.
Let’s, certainly, hope that’s the case. This should be Tucker’s role in and along that process though.