PJ Tucker on lack of contract extension in Houston: ‘I’ll do my job’

“The goal is to be in a place where you’re wanted,” said Tucker, who clearly remains frustrated with the Rockets about some things.

It’s become quite clear in news stories and recent interviews that 35-year-old forward PJ Tucker isn’t pleased to be entering the final year of his contract with the Houston Rockets without having an extension.

However, the veteran defensive ace said following Monday’s team practice that it would not impact his effort. “I’ll do my job,” said Tucker, who was asked how not receiving an extension would influence how he feels about playing with the Rockets in the upcoming season.

Monday’s practice was the first of the NBA’s 2020-21 for Tucker, who cited a strained calf and added a cryptic reference in explaining his lack of participation in last week’s practices or the first two preseason games. “I had a lot of stuff going on,” the 6-foot-5 forward said Monday.

When asked if he prefers to be in Houston or traded, Tucker said:

I want to be where whoever wants me. That’s the kind of player I am. I leave my heart on the floor every single night. I want to be where I’m wanted.

In a follow-up question, Tucker was asked whether he feels wanted by the Rockets. He replied:

Have you asked them? … You should ask them. You’re asking me a question about what they think. I can’t tell you.

When asked if receiving a contract extension would show him that he is wanted in Houston, Tucker replied:

It’s not even just the contract extension. That’s not the total goal. The goal is to be in a place where you’re wanted, where you want to be, who wants you. That’s something that every player wants. Nobody wants to be somewhere [that] they don’t want him. There’s certain ways to show that, and it’s not just contract extensions.

When asked if he feels not wanted, Tucker replied:

I didn’t say that. I just said I want to be where I’m wanted.

For the Rockets, there could be apprehension about awarding a contract extension a year in advance to someone who will be 36 years old next season. Typically, that’s an age in which many NBA players see their skills in decline, and the team may prefer to take it year by year. Tucker did suggest that the Rockets could do other things besides an extension to make him feel wanted, though he did not specify what that might be.

While tension clearly exists, Tucker appears poised to move forward with the Rockets for the time being. He said he had a good conversation with head coach Stephen Silas, who noted that Tucker would make his 2020-21 debut in Tuesday’s home preseason game versus San Antonio.

“It was cool,” said Tucker, who is expected to start at power forward this season. “It was a good practice. Everybody had great energy.”

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