Raptors rumors: Does a P.J. Tucker reunion make sense for Toronto?

One of the many reasons Masai Ujiri has been able to consistently turn the Toronto Raptors into winners is the fact that he is always looking for new ways to acquire talent at every potential avenue. Even though the team’s recent uptick in form would make most executives complacent and unwilling to fix what isn’t broken, Ujiri will likely keep his attention firmly fixed on any teams that could start selling off players for draft picks. If the Houston Rockets continue to slide down the standings, P.J. Tucker might become available for the right price.

Tucker was an invaluable part of some Rockets teams that frequently made some deep playoff runs despite playing minimal defense, lacking size, and shooting as many threes as the flow of the game would allow. Tucker’s skillset might actually be a great fit in Toronto.

P.J. Tucker could be a versatile chess piece on both ends of the floor for the Raptors

Tucker might stand just 6-5, but he doesn’t play like someone his size, as he is best served as a power forward given his bulk and aggressive mindset. Tucker, who is averaging 5.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, is an excellent shooter, evidenced by the fact that he’s shooting 45 percent from deep this season.

Tucker’s versatility could make him attractive to Toronto, as he can line up as a shooting guard while raining down threes while also playing power forward and using his physicality to lock down opposing bigs. While his experiment at center flamed out in the postseason last year, he can play there for a period of time if the need arises.

Tucker’s playing style is very similar to that of OG Anunoby given their shooting and defensive versatility. With the roster currently lacking a wing defender that is even close to the same tier as Anunoby, either waiting for Houston to buy Tucker out or trading away a draft pick to get him could give the Raptors an edge heading into the second half of the season.

While Tucker got his NBA start in Toronto and rejoined them in 2017, he was not as productive or accomplished as he was in Houston. With the Lakers and Clippers both potential suitors, Toronto needs to act quickly if they want to add Tucker to their rotation as they push towards the postseason.

Raptors rumors: Masai Ujiri needs to chase Victor Oladipo this offseason

Toronto Raptors GM Masai Ujiri needs to go all-out in an attempt to secure the signature of Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo this offseason