Los Angeles Says Goodbye to P.J. Tucker – at Least for Now

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, it seems like the former Lakers on-court buddy, P.J. Tucker, is packing his bags and getting ready for a new adventure. The Clippers, the team he joined not too long ago, announced over the weekend that Tucker will be “away from the team for the time being.” Talk about a twist in the story!

What’s the Deal?

The team released a statement that sheds some light on the situation. They mentioned ongoing conversations they’ve had with Tucker throughout the offseason. In a sense, both sides are on the same page, deciding together that it’s best for Tucker to step away for now. The statement read: “P.J. is a pro who has achieved a lot in his career, and there’s more he wants to accomplish.” Sounds like a respectful parting of ways, right?

Tucker is a seasoned veteran in the league, being 39 years old and all. He picked up that hefty $11.5 million player option, which means he’s set for some serious cash this season. There’s still a bit of mystery hanging in the air since it’s not clear what’ll happen with the split or what team might bite the bullet and buy him out of that deal.

How Was His Time at the Clippers?

So, what was P.J.’s time with the Clippers really like? Well, after the Clippers pulled off a trade to snag James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers last season, Tucker found himself in Los Angeles but rarely got to show off his skills. He appeared in 28 games, mostly taking the bench, averaging a humble 1.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in about 15 minutes of playtime. Yikes! It’s clear that he didn’t get to make a significant impact during his time in L.A.

To add to the mystery, Tucker wasn’t present at media day and has also missed the preseason games so far. Looks like he’s taking a little break from all the basketball chaos. But hey, it’s not like he’s new to NBA drama; he’s been in the game for a while now!

A Quick Look Back at His Career

For those who might need a refresher on Tucker’s career: he made his NBA debut back in 2006 after being snagged in the second round by the Toronto Raptors. After spending some time playing professionally overseas, he returned to the NBA in the 2012-13 season. Since then, he’s suited up for the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Miami Heat before landing in Philadelphia in 2022. With stints like that, it’s no wonder he’s got some experience under his belt!

Throughout his career, Tucker has averaged about 6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds across a whopping 883 games. Oh, and let’s not forget that he snagged a championship ring with the Bucks in 2021. Not too shabby for a guy who’s been grinding for years!

Looking Ahead

As the Clippers gear up to kick off their season against the Phoenix Suns on October 23, all eyes will be on how they navigate this unexpected turn of events with Tucker. Who knows what the future holds for him? Whether he finds a new home or decides to ride out the rest of his career in a different jersey, one thing’s for sure – there will always be more to come in this wild NBA story.

For now, Tucker’s holding off while the Clippers figure things out. Here’s hoping he finds the right fit to keep his basketball dreams alive!