In the 2022 NBA Playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers were ousted by the Miami Heat in six games and it seemed that they were out-toughed the entire series. Granted, they were missing superstar Joel Embiid for two of those games and he played hurt in the other four, but the Heat seemed to be the more physical group.
The Sixers lamented their lack of mental toughness after the loss as they were upset with how they handled things the entire playoffs. They held a 3-0 lead in Round 1 against the Toronto Raptors and were pushed to a Game 6 and they had a chance with the Heat tied 2-2 before letting go of the rope.
Afterward, the sentiment was that the Sixers need a “dawg”. Somebody who will do all of the little things and Embiid even mentioned that the team needs a P.J. Tucker type of player. Now, Tucker has opted out of his deal with the Heat and he will enter free agency.
Miami’s PJ Tucker will opt out of his $7.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and enter free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Several championship contending teams are expected to compete for Tucker, who was a key part of Milwaukee’s title run in 2021.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 20, 2022
This could be a tactic to get more money out of Miami, but regardless, there are three reasons why the Sixers should go after him. Philadelphia would need to waive Danny Green to offer him the full mid-level exception which would outbid the Heat.
Here are the 3 reasons why Philadelphia should target Tucker: