Top-ten free agent signings in Phoenix Suns history

7 of 13

PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 13: P.J. Tucker #17 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during overtime of the NBA game against the New York Knicks at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Knicks 113-111 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

7. P.J. Tucker

(19.7 WS / .086 WS per-48)

After five seasons in Europe, the Phoenix Suns took a flier on a little known player named P.J. Tucker, a bowling ball built small forward with a huge heart who immediately made an impact on both the team and it’s fans.

Not the greatest shooter, and never required to score aside from put backs on rebounds, the part of the game that Tucker most excelled at wasn’t recorded in the stat sheet. He’d stick his nose in his opponent’s face, trying to aggravate them at their every move. He’d tip every rebound that he couldn’t get his hands on. His hands were always in passing lanes. He’d dive for every ball.

He played every play full out, never taking a rest.

He was also a vocal leader, not only one of the fan’s favorite players, but a favorite of his teammates as well.

Tucker doesn’t really have any one particular moment that can be referenced as his defining moment. His blue collar, lunch-pail, everyday man, regular season play was more than exciting for fans to watch, even if he never put up an star numbers.

His Suns teams never made the playoffs in his five seasons with the franchise, an issue of great disappointment to him. However, in 2017, a contract year, the Suns knew they were going to go a different way to continue their rebuild. Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough looked to acquire any assets for Tucker that he could, and was able to trade him to a team that would allow him to make the playoffs for the first time in his NBA carer, the Toronto Raptors – which he did.

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