PHILADELPHIA–In the 2022 offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers made finding tougher players a priority. They wanted to focus on adding players who would help them win in the margins when the time comes in the postseason.
In free agency, they went out and brought in the guy who personifies that the most in the form of PJ Tucker. The veteran out of Texas is not one to score many points or grab a ton of rebounds, but his presence is certainly felt while out on the floor.
However, there have been plenty of fourth quarters to begin the season where Tucker hasn’t played. In Friday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, Tucker was once again pulled and did not play in the fourth. Coach Doc Rivers, instead, opted for lineups featuring Georges Niang, Montrezl Harrell, and Paul Reed.
Afterward, Rivers addressed Tucker sitting out another fourth quarter.
“Tonight (Friday) is a different beast for us,” said the coach. “We were just trying to make a comeback with going small and getting energy, athleticism, and running around so I would throw this one out.”
Tucker is averaging 3.4 points and 4.3 rebounds while appearing a step too slow at times on defense. This is also the third straight game where he didn’t play in the fourth quarter.
Maybe he’s hurt. He has been dealing with a hand injury while also recently suffering a leg issue in Wednesday’s win over the Indiana Pacers.
“I don’t even know,” Rivers added. “I don’t think so. I think he’s fine.”
The Sixers will look to bounce back on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Detroit Pistons on the road.
[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f5k5xtr64thj7fw2 image=]
[listicle id=73402]
[lawrence-related id=73398,73395,73381]