P.J. Tucker
7 points, 6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 28.5 minutes per game
Tucker’s stat line does no justice in indicating the overall impact he has on the court. Phoenix’s defense is pitiful at times but without Tucker it would be atrocious. He guards the opposing teams best player game in game out regardless of position. He will go from guarding wings like Jimmy Butler or James Harden for 38 minutes to completely changing his defensive mindset and go 1-on-1 with Anthony Davis.
As such he has begun to attract attention around the league and playoff teams are eyeing him in trade. For most of the season Tucker has been the most talked about Sun in regards to trade rumors. It has been rumored that the Clippers had offered their second-round pick for Tucker but General Manager Ryan McDonough is holding out for a first. His offense has never been a true threat for the Suns as he is mainly used as corner three-point specialist. Other than that he scraps for every point he makes.
This is by far Tucker’s best season in the league. He will be a free agent this off-season and is projected to command a contract around the $9-$10 million range.
Grade: A-
Tucker has the best grade out of the first batch of players. His defensive might be the only thing keeping the Suns from being blown out every night. Overall the Len has so far been the biggest disappointment while Tucker and Chandler have played above what was expected of them. Chriss has steadily progressed as a rookie and is looking more and more comfortable in the starting lineup. If this were the beginning of the season I would have predicted Tucker and Chandler digressing instead of Len and Warren.
Next: Click Here for Part Two of the Phoenix Suns Mid-Season Grades