P.J. Tucker on hypothetically fighting a bear: ‘Help the bear’

On his Instagram account, 6-foot-5 starting center P.J. Tucker explains why he’s tired of being told “you can’t do it.”

P.J. Tucker is by far the shortest starting center among Western Conference playoff teams, but that doesn’t mean he’s the weakest.

On Sunday’s off day for the Rockets, Houston’s veteran defensive ace shared a funny graphic on his Instagram account showing the height of each starting center for current West playoff teams. All of the other seven are at least six inches taller than the 6-foot-5 Tucker.

From his perspective, Tucker compared it to when he was told earlier in his career that he couldn’t succeed in college or in the NBA, largely due to his physical style of play not meshing with his size. In other words, since he’s already defied the odds several times, why not do it again?

In the comments section, which includes a positive remark from future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, one anonymous commenter told Tucker:

That’s so sad. Praying for you.

In response, the 34-year-old had jokes:

You see me and a bear fighting… help the bear.

As February’s standings showed, height isn’t everything. With a smaller lineup loaded with shooting at all positions and defensive versatility, the Rockets were 9-2 (.818) with Tucker starting every game at center.

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Tucker had nine points and 13 rebounds in Saturday’s big win at Boston, including season-highs of six offensive boards and three blocked shots. Houston was +9 in Tucker’s 39 minutes played, tied for the team’s best.

Tucker connected on 3-of-6 shots (50.0%) from 3-point range against the Celtics, and the Rockets are now 40-11 (.784) in Tucker’s three seasons with the team in games that he’s made at least three 3-pointers.

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Known best for his strength and toughness, Tucker is the only Houston player not to miss a single regular season or postseason game since joining the team before the 2017-18 season. Going back to the 2012-13 season, Tucker has played in 21 more games than any other NBA player.

Now winners of six straight games, Tucker and the Rockets return to action Monday with a road game against the New York Knicks (18-42). Tip-off from Madison Square Garden is set for 6:00 p.m. Central.

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