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New York Knicks: Underrated Pending Free Agents In 2017 NBA Playoffs

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) celebrates after scoring a three point shot during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) celebrates after scoring a three point shot during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) celebrates with Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) during the fourth quarter in a game against the Indiana Pacers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 116-91. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) celebrates with Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) during the fourth quarter in a game against the Indiana Pacers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 116-91. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

P.J. Tucker, UFA

Position: Small Forward
Age: 31 (5/5/1985)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .413/.357/.774
2016-17 Season Averages: 27.6 MPG, 6.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.4 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.9 3PM

The New York Knicks need rugged perimeter defenders and there aren’t many better than P.J. Tucker. He’s a physical player who isn’t afraid to get into a player’s jersey and turn a finesse game into something more volatile.

Tucker will soon turn 32 years of age, but the Knicks have ties to the veteran and would greatly benefit from signing him to a responsible contract.

Tucker played for Jeff Hornacek from 2013 to 2016, and still shares a close bond with the Knicks’ head coach. Thus, it stands to reason that the Knicks could acquire Tucker if Hornacek were to be included in the recruitment process.

Considering Tucker is an unrestricted free agent, he’ll be able to determine his own future and sign with whichever team he deems best.

Tucker is no Carmelo Anthony on offense, but he’s one of the best defensive players at his position. While Anthony ranked No. 73 amongst small forwards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus, Tucker checked in at No. 17.

Tucker is a respectable 3-point shooter who rebounds well and plays bigger than his size, but the primary appeal here would be to bring rugged defense back to New York City.

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