KNICKS’ LAND THEIR MAN! PJ Tucker Reveals Why Knick Were His Top Choice

The New York Knicks landed an intriguing move by signing a veteran at this important point of the season.

Last weekend, it was announced that the New York Knicks reached an agreement with forward PJ Tucker for a 10-day contract. It was only March 10 that the signing became official to both sides.

The road for Tucker towards a return has been a rollercoaster one. After expressing his unhappiness over his role, the 39-year-old mutually agreed with the Los Angeles Clippers before the start of the 2024-25 season to work for a trade resolution,leaving the team on an indefinite basis.

Tucker saw his wish being granted in February when the Clippers finally moved him. But over the course of five days, he went around with four different teams only to see himself landing on the free agent market upon being waived.

Now in the Big Apple, Tucker is pretty much optimistic, humbled and thankful of the new chapter in front of him as a Knick.

PJ Tucker reveals NY Knicks has been his desired landing spot

Before joining the Knicks, it was reported Tucker obtained plenty of interest around different other teams.

Renowned for his intensity and vocal leadership, Tucker established his case as one of the grittiest and hard working players in the league. He also holds a solid experience of competing at the highest level with several contending teams from the past, highlighted by his 2021 NBA championship victory with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Amid warm interest for his service, Tucker identified New York as his primary destination in which his connection with Knicks president Leon Rose, his former agent, certainly played a part.

“There were a few [options]. That was the thing, just trying to pick the right place,” Tucker told New York Post.

“I always felt like the Knicks were my first option throughout the whole process so I was happy to wait it out and be able to make that happen.”

Tucker embraces leadership and veteran mentor role for the Knicks

Tucker is an ideal role player for what the Knicks desperately need beyond the four corners of the court.

The veteran will assume the responsibility of being the leader and locker room mentor for the third-seeded Knicks in preparation for a major Eastern Conference battle and a potential title chase.

Although it is yet to be seen if he’ll get signed for the remainder of the season, Tucker fully understands why he was brought by the Knicks to their side in the first place.

“I’ve been there. I know how it goes. It’s a long, long season. And when you’re in it, when you’re shooting bad, when it’s just not going right, you just need guys behind you to tell you those are good shots,” Tucker said.

“Tell you to keep working. Keep doing this, keep doing that. Staying in that positivity. You need that. And a lot of times when you become a vet and be in the league, like young guys and stuff on the bench, they’re not going to do that. They’re not going to have your back like that.

So it’s always good to have vets and like-minded guys that just have each other’s back. And that’s what really makes a team strong — just knowing that they have people there and I support you whether you’re playing good or bad. We’re in it together.”