NEW YORK–Philadelphia 76ers veteran PJ Tucker is not one who scores a ton of points. In his first season with the Sixers, he’s only averaging 3.3 points and he’s shooting 38.1% from deep.
In Sunday’s loss to the New York Knicks, Tucker had 10 points and he knocked down two triples. However, that isn’t what he’s worried about. He’s worried about his cutting and movement without the ball in order to free up his star teammates.
There were a few instances on Sunday when Tucker’s movement off the ball allowed Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris some open looks because the Knicks had to pay attention to Tucker off the ball.
“When I cut, I’m taking somebody out,” Tucker explained. “So now, if he does what we score, it’s a 1-on-1. So I’m doing the selfless thing of not getting the ball and not scoring, but I’m taking somebody out.”
When Tucker is on his way to the basket and trying to free himself open, defenses have to shade toward him the closer he gets to the basket. That then leaves fewer defenders to stay in front of Embiid, James Harden, Harris, or Tyrese Maxey.
“Somebody’s gotta guard me,” Tucker continued. “I take somebody and now it’s one guy left in the rotation because they’re doubling. I know I’m not gonna get it, but I’m taking a guy now offensive rebound, doing what I do for us to get an open shot. For somebody else to get an open shot.”
Ultimately, Tucker just wants to win. In order for he and the Sixers to do so, they will need Embiid to carry this team as far as he can take them. It doesn’t matter how many shots Tucker gets within the offense.
“Some games you’re gonna get shots, some games you’re not,” he added. “It don’t matter. Just the team winning and the progression of our team is only thing that really matters and give ourselves a chance to be able to play for a championship at the end of the year.”
The Sixers will have a big test on Wednesday when they take on the Boston Celtics to finish their road trip.
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