“I know my worth,” NBA Champion PJ Tucker gets honest about ‘frustrating’ time in LA Clippers and hopes to get traded

PJ Tucker addresses his distaste for his role with the Clippers, claims that he knows his worth.

“I know my worth,” NBA Champion PJ Tucker gets honest about ‘frustrating’ time in LA Clippers and hopes to get traded

PJ Tucker ( via Fadeaway World).

LA Clippers star PJ Tucker has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with his role on the team. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, various teams are closely observing the situation. Tucker hasn’t been in the lineup since the Clippers’ 113-104 defeat against the Denver Nuggets on November 27. In a conversation with ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly, Tucker explicitly stated his want for increased playing time.

On Monday, Charania reported that the 38-year-old player and the LA Clippers are engaged in discussions to find a resolution regarding his role. He will be either with the current team or potentially elsewhere.

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He said,

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I feel like I still got a lot to contribute to a team to be able to win, whether that's here or somewhere else. I know myself, my worth. I know what I bring. I know what I've brought. I know what I can continue to bring. And with that, I want to be able to go to a good team that I can be able to help that.

Tucker became part of the James Harden trade. The expectation was that he would contribute valuable frontcourt depth. Tucker would assist in floor spacing and offer rim protection when needed, particularly in situations where head coach Tyronn Lue opted for a smaller lineup.

Making room for the talents of dominant ball handlers like Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook requires making sacrifices in other areas of the roster. Tucker was candid to The Athletic’s Sam Amick saying:

There's not enough basketballs on the planet for this team, really.

However, likely, he didn’t anticipate losing his spot to Kobe Brown.

PJ Tucker’s standing performance with the LA Clippers

Contrary to expectations, the forward found himself averaging a mere 14.4 minutes per game in his initial 14 appearances in the Los Angeles Clippers. This marked his lowest game time since his rookie season back in 2006-07. Given the current circumstances, it appears challenging for Tucker to reclaim a spot with the Clippers unless there is an injury that opens up a position in Coach Lue’s regular lineup.

PJ Tucker
PJ Tucker ( via Sports Illustrated).

The 2023 first-round pick has seen action in the Clippers’ past six games since Tucker lost his place in the rotation, posting averages of 1.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 10.7 minutes on the court. But with the rumors in the air, is a buyout likely?

Although Tucker seems to be drawing interest in the trade market, potential prospects may be hesitant to offer significant value due to concerns about his age and contract. It’s worth noting that he holds an $11.5 million player option for the 2024-25 season.

The most sensible resolution to the situation could be a buyout. While Tucker might have to give up some money, it would allow him to join a team where he can return to a role more aligned with his preference

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