Daily Knicks
Fansided

Knicks Trade Rumors: Defensive-Minded Options As Deadline Nears

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Feb 10, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) reacts after making a three point basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 115-97. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) reacts after making a three point basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 115-97. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

P.J. Tucker, Phoenix Suns

Position: Small Forward
Age: 31 (5/5/1985)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .416/.333/.787
2016-17 Season Averages: 28.7 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.6 ORPG, 1.3 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 3PM

It’s been rumored for quite some time that the New York Knicks are interested in Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker. Tucker was one of Jeff Hornacek’s best defensive players when the current Knicks coach held the same position in Phoenix, and has built upon that reputation in 2016-17.

Tucker is a rugged defender who plays a physical brand of basketball and provides a trait that New York has been missing: reliable energy.

Tucker stands at 6’6″ and 245 pounds, but he has a long wingspan and the strength to defend multiple positions. He can pick up shooting guards, small forwards, and power forwards, and defends all three positions at a high level.

Most importantly, he has a rare defensive edge to him that includes intriguing tenacity and overwhelming physicality that New York has been missing.

Hornacek and Tucker formed a close bond during their time together with the Suns. Thus, it stands to reason that the Knicks could acquire Tucker and provide him with a minimal learning curve due to his familiarity with the coach.

If New York is going to turn the season around, then it’s players like Tucker who will be needed to overcome what’s been an atrocious start to the season.

Must Read: Jeff Hornacek hopes his players are embarrassed by their level of play on defense

The New York Knicks don’t have the longest list of options, but these one of these five players could be the answer.

Home/Knicks News