PJ told his mother that he is very happy with his current situation with the Houston Rockets. Although P.J. It was a fun series just battling and being able to finally get over the hump against him was pretty nice. Their time as teammates came to an end when Durant left Texas for the NBA after his sophomore year, but the bond between the two players remains strong. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. I played both ends of the court. Tucker got into a verbal confrontation during Milwaukee . They care about winning over there. Emailed daily. One of the most interesting and most vital matchups in the series is that of Kevin Durant versus P.J. Market data provided by Factset. Tucker and Kevin Durants mom exchanged some words in a light-hearted moment during Game 7 on Saturday. The two have complementary skillsets that have helped them form a successful partnership both on and off the court. Tucker, unhappy with the call, went after Durant but in the middle of the confrontation, a seemingly random security guard was seen running into the middle of the scrum to separate the two players . Who Is Keith Appling, Former NBA Player Accused of Second Degree Murder? It is impossible to overestimate the friendship between Kyrie and Kevin. You love to see these moments to find out how intense the playoffs are. by Josef Castillo | Dec 25, 2022 | Famous Players. PJ Tucker recently appeared in an interview on JJ Redicks YouTube channel. Draymond has hilarious reaction to KD-Tucker skirmish. But Tucker is making Durant work. Dallas Mavericks Star Struggles In Playoffs And Fans Worry, LeBron James: Building A Legacy Of Empowerment And Hope Through I Promise, The Resilience Of Love: A Look At LeBron & Savannahs Timeless Relationship. This league has gotten so soft, security ran on the court , Wait. (Durants) like, stop fighting with Blake. Tucker said he did everything wrong his rookie year and admitted his ego caused him to believe he was destined for NBA stardom instantly. This article first appeared on Sideline Sources and was syndicated with permission. Durants mother, Wanda, is a businesswoman. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He told the 36-year-old that he was an NBA All-Star level player as a junior in high school. The Nets, of course, lost to the Bucks in the last seconds of the game. this is the playoffs man. The former Houston Rockets had incredible duels . Tucker has been guarding either Lebron James or Kevin Durant every time hes faced off with their teams for years now. KD might be a grown man now but when someone plays dirty with him, his mom is still going to protect her son. Tucker played for the Cleveland Cavaliers summer league team in 2007, but no NBA contract offers followed. In fact, Tucker not only called Durant the best scorer he has ever seen, but he said he dreamt to be in moments like this guarding one of . H's gt 50. Tucker is siding with Brooklyn Nets starKevin Durant. I dont understand all this little stuff. PJ Tucker on if he gets discouraged guarding Kevin Durant: "No. graduate, he has previously interned in the Indian Super League, I-League and Always free! Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. I got successful. Tucker said he has nothing but love for Durant. Kevin Durant's mom, Wanda, starred in a heated and hilarious exchange with PJ Tucker during Game 7 of the Brooklyn Nets-Milwaukee Bucks series. He said he thinks about his gamble all the time and remembers guarding then-Oklahoma City star forward Kevin Durant during his first start on Dec. 31, 2012. Kevin Durant and P.J. I cant wait to guard Kevin Durant. In addition to being a Michael Jordan fan, Abhishek is Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. PJ Tucker appeared on Iman Shumperts podcast two years ago. 72. Ouch. Guarding Kevin Durant is an impossible thing to do. K is having a miserable night! PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. 02/16 . Report this user for behavior that violates our Community Guidelines. He feels that the team has a great chance to win a championship this season. Kevin Durant And PJ Tucker Got Into It After A Foul And A Nets Security Guard Pushed Tucker. PJ cleared everything up following a game-six victory over the Nets. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Abhishek is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of Its the playoffs I dream about being in the playoffs guarding the best player in the world Im living my dream. New team, same Kevin Durant. New conversation. Throughout the series, Tucker has been a constant thorn in Durants side on the defensive end. Aldridge was named to the NBA All-Star team in 2013 and 2015, as well as to the 2013 and 2017 All-Star teams. But Tucker said he has nothing but love for Durant, as the two have squared off numerous times throughout their careers, especially in the playoffs. More on this storyline. She was like hes not playing basketball; he playing football. Tucker a stage play. Given it was a do-or-die game, of course everyone involved is going to be tense. You come from the college, youre the man. This rumor has never been confirmed, but the two players have a close relationship and often speak highly of each other in interviews. The two were cursing and throwing insults at each other and the former NBA MVP called Rapaport a "fkin pale ck sucker.". My bad., A post shared by Sideline Sources (@sidelinesources). He was able to have more face time with KD on the court during last season's second round, when the Nets faced the Milwaukee Bucks.. Kevin Durant was the most widely regarded prospect among all forwards in the 2003 NBA draft.PJ Tucker and the rest of the college fraternity . The two-time NBA champion talked about what he likes in Booker's game and what he expects from playing on the same team with him. Seven years later, Tucker is still in the NBA and guarding Durant. Tucker has two older brothers, Paul and Phillip. Kelly Olynyk, Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. Reporters and fans have questioned why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. Despite Tucker's solid defense, Durant still scored 32 points to go along with 11 rebounds. There is still uncertainty as to whether Irving will be able to play in Game Seven, which will air tomorrow. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. PJs mother was very happy to hear her sons positive attitude about his career and life in general. Tucker said he sees the NBA through a different lens now and truly appreciates every single game he plays. I got drafted by Toronto, but they just took me because I was the best man on the board. You cant help but smile after watching that light-hearted interaction. A Football Management But now that Rapaport exposed Durant on social media, in the social justice conscious NBA, what -- if any -- will be the league's reaction. They helped the Longhorns reach the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007, with Durant being named the tournaments Most Outstanding Player in 2007. Wanda Durant wasn't happy with that and yelled at the player, telling him to play basketball. Its crazy., Said Buck: We took a chance. Tucker was drafted in the year (2006), and in the same year, Kevin Durant became the freshman at the University of Texas. I went from 15th man and non-guarantee contracts to starting. He is a superstar on his own terms, and he has helped him develop into one of the leagues best players. But now Dan is like a big brother to me. When asked about how it feels to guard someone as close to unstoppable as KD, Tucker said, Its painful. Tucker, a defensive pest during that series, from the Heat in free agency, a move that left Philadelphia penalized by the NBA for . 4,763 Likes. Miami Heat forward P.J. . PJ Tucker planned to spend the rest of his NBA career with the Miami Heat, but business got in the way. Game-Seven will air tomorrow, and there still is uncertainty whether Nets player Kyrie Irving will play. Thats not really what I want people to see and hear from me," Durant said. There is still uncertainty about whether or not Kyrie Irving will play in Game Seven on Wednesday, but he is expected to. While his agent Andre Buck put an NBA out clause in the deal, Tucker was content being a star overseas. Wanda also shared a touching moment with KD after the game, hugging and consoling the player. Tucker has always . I say, Im happy to be here. For real.. I said I love you mom and she right in stride, she says I love you too. They always push each other on the court, which is a big part of their chemistry. . The NBA reprimanded the Brooklyn Nets security guard who aggressively knocked the Milwaukee Bucks' P.J. At the time of his tweet, Durant had just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting and 0-of-2 from 3-point range. He is great friends - "brothers," in his words - with Nets star Kevin Durant, and adding a player of Tucker's ilk would provide a much-needed toughness and frontcourt floor spacing to a . HOUSTON P.J. And . Tricking myslf bcause he's killing m. When a prospective freshman named Kevin Durant visited the Austin campus, . Durant and Tucker had to be separated by the other players on the court, Milwaukee coachesand security even had to run onto the court to make sure the incident didn't escalate. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. It is a reminder that even though players may move on to different teams and different levels of competition, the bonds they form during their time in college can last a lifetime. But Durant got the better of Tucker in game 7 and scored 48 points. The 34-year-old says it is important for him to share his story with young players, especially when they get frustrated or their egos get in the way. PJ Tucker and the rest of the college fraternity exhaled in anticipation of KDs arrival. Kevin Durant also addressed Tuckers physicality earlier in this series when asked if he thought it too aggressive. Tucker play so hard? It was tough being away from home, Tucker said. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. Tucker latches onto Kevin Durant every time both men step onto the hardwood together. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. And he was a fan favorite in Milwaukee despite not being a regular starter initially. During the third quarter, Tucker fouled Nets star Kevin Durant, sending him to the free-throw line. You feel like youre better than anybody. Then-Suns general manager Lance Blanks offered Tucker a non-guaranteed training camp invite during summer league play. Theyre down 2. The most hyped prospect since the 2003 draft class was Kevin Durant. Chris Paul and Tucker have been friends since the were teenagers, a fact that made Paul's injury in last season's . This is just a game at the end of the day, and both players know that, just like Mrs. Durant. Durant and Tucker each were assessed technical fouls for the kerfuffle. This week Kevin Durant should make his debut with the Suns. Author: He claimed to be an NBA All-Star level player during his high school career as a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rocketes. Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images. Is Luka Doncics Health At Risk? Learn more and register here. You dream about being in the playoffs and guarding the best player in the world. Tucker found some time to have some fun. Tucker is averaging 3.4 personal fouls per game during the series and accumulated five while guarding Durant last night. Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge went to the same University of Texas school as each other, but they werent teammates during their college years. The man deserves a raise. Because hes happy to be here., P.J. Tucker was a freshman when Durant was a sophomore and the two formed a formidable partnership on the court. To be out of the NBA for that long to now having played as much as Ive played and have an impact that I am having on a team like this, I dont know if anyone has ever done it.. LeBron James: Spoiled Or Inspiring Role Model? Tucker and Kevin Durant got into it at the 4-minute, 21-second mark of third quarter in Game . the belief in Brooklyn was that Simmons was set up for greatness playing alongside elite scorers Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Im fighting for every inch. That was crazy for me.. KDs mom was seen shooting words at Tucker for hurting her son. But he will play it as if it were his last. an ardent Steph Curry and Warriors guy, and believes they have a few more Right now, while Im in the playoffs, I dont try to look back at it, Tucker told The Undefeated. Though they are not related, they have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. or redistributed. Tucker has had minimal success guarding Kevin Durant, it will be interesting to see if Antetokounmpo will attempt to go star-on . Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? Durant was exposed by Michael Rapaport for using homophobic slurs in a private Instagram conversation. We gt fac to fac. Tuckers 2018 NBA playoff sneakers, James Harden is disrespecting the unwritten rules of the game. PJ Tucker was a guest on Iman Shumperts podcast for two years ago. Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. When Kevin Durant decided to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, he spoke with Paul about his decision. Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by P.J. Download and subscribe to the Dubs Talk Podcast, Draymond has hilarious reaction to KD-Tucker skirmish, Draymond's praise of Nets doesn't diminish Warriors' dynasty. Durant is one of the best scorers in the NBA, and Tucker is known for his defensive prowess. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr.Chandler, AZ 85249Phone: 480-224-2100, Giannis Antetokounmpo And His Brothers: How Support From His Siblings Helped Shape His Success, LeBron James Absence Makes A Big Difference: Houston Rockets Vs Los Angeles Lakers. By the summer of 2012, Tucker was making a comfortable living for himself overseas and signed a two-year contract paying at least $2 million with BC Spartak St. Petersburg of Russia. Yall stand there and I turn around. Is Luka Doncics Health At Risk? All rights reserved. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. Majerle called Tucker a man after my own heart for how hard he played and for taking all the tough defensive assignments. Rapaport posted screenshots of the conversation with Durant on Twitter. the AFC Champions League. In addition to winning two titles with Portland in 2015 and 2015, he won two Finals Most Valuable Player awards in 2015 and 2017, a scoring title in 2015, and a regular-season Most Valuable Player award in 2015. PJ Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. championships in store before the former retires. I was second-team All-American. Getty Brooklyn's Kevin Durant and Milwaukee's P.J. Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant in the NBA playoffs.. "I thought I was going to retire in Miami," Tucker said to the . Kevin Durant felt he "fit in pretty well" during an impressive Phoenix Suns debut against the Charlotte Hornets but still feels under pressure to prove himself.. Durant scored 23 points in his first appearance for the Suns in a 105-91 win over the Hornets on Wednesday following his blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets last month.. Follow my new media channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCifzXFn_pHz-kkU9vVTSM0w PC Upgrade Donation - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/1storm I hope for. I was done fighting, trying to prove myself, Tucker said. "I receive threats and disgusting messages DAILY, but never in my wildest dreams did I think @KDTrey5 would be among them," Rapaport wrote on Twitter. But Tucker is making Durant work. His career averages include 22.1 points, 10.3 assists, and 2.2 boards per game. They are extremely close friends and are devoted to one another. NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? Tucker: Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant, Why does P.J. Tucker, Danuel House Jr., and Montrezl Harrell in free agency. Please check your email for a confirmation. The game could've been a movie, the action on the sidelines a soap opera and the dialogue between Kevin Durant and his longtime friend P.J. This season, however, the Semi-finals between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks was intense and it all came down to the wire in Game 7. After P.J. 2 min read. Tucker is siding with Kevin Durant. In fact, Tucker not only called Durant the best scorer he has ever seen, but he said he dreamt to be in moments like this guarding one of the best players in the world on the biggest stage of basketball. Saturday was an important day for the Brooklyn Nets and the . Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? The playoffs this year have been a roller-coaster ride. 5 hours ago - via Twitter JGrasso_ However, the Bucks pushed the series to game-seven, where Tucker and Durant will have another opportunity to put everything on the line. Im thinking Im all-world, and that is how every college guy thinks that coming in. Dan Canova is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital. In fact, Tucker not only called Durant the best scorer he has . They really caught it. They went at it every single game, showing their competitive spirits in every single game. People see us fight, but they dont know we talk about regular stuff too. We compete; we fight every game were going to fight again game seven.. Durant will make his Phoenix Suns debut on Wednesday night, and one of the more anticipated experiments in the NBA this season will get off the ground. If the rumors are true, then PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are brothers who have found success in the NBA. Tuckers gamble paid off, as he made the Suns roster for the 2012-13 season. He is currently a member of the Houston Rockets. Tucker: Grabs season-high 16 boards Tucker contributed seven points (2-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 16 rebounds and one assist over 38 minutes during Saturday's 110-107 loss to the Celtics. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Tucker has been going after Durant on the defensive end all series long, and he has done well against Durant. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting in his Suns debut, helping Phoenix snap the Charlotte Hornets' five-game winning streak with a wire-to-wire 105-91 victory Wednesday night. Durant, of course, previously played with the Golden State Warriors, who faced Tucker and the Rockets in the past two NBA playoffs. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. Tucker. Tucker and Durant were engaged in a serious duel throughout the series. The NBA is gaining more backlash as star players continue to sit out games, and basketball legend Magic Johnson agrees with the criticism. Im not backing down from nothing. During the Nets second-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks last season, he had numerous more interactions with KD. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. If they are not related, they are still close friends who have a lot of respect for each other. Tucker will play in his 618th career NBA game when the Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series on Monday night. It sounds crazy, but this is my dream. P.J. Given the stakes at hand this series, both Durant and Tucker wereinvolved in some chippy scuffles throughout. However, Tucker has recently revealed the conversation he had with Wanda. But somebody has to do it. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. USA TODAY. Dan Majerle was already one of my favorite players. Though they are not related by blood, the two have developed a strong bond both on and off the court. I love what I do. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life; I enjoy watching him play. Bryn Forbes Wife and Kids: Is Forbes Married? P.J. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. journalistic experience with Chase Your Sport and Dribl. He writes about about basketball news, tips, NBA teams and more. I dont know if Ive ever brought that much every single night, physically, emotionally, it was a toll. There, Utah Jazz swingman Joe Ingles stood, watched and waited as the All-Star closed in.Butler's mission: peace.At this point, the quick wits, sharp tongues and competitive fires of both Butler and Ingles had been clashing for . Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life. Tucker during on-court dispute. I love my role. PJ also spoke about how much he loves living in Houston. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. If the Rockets are to upset the champs, Tuckers defense and overall play against his fellow former Longhorn will likely have played a key role. Dan used to sic me on people. In the third quarter of Game 3 of the second-round NBA playoff series between the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, former Warriors forward Kevin Durant was fouled by P.J. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. NBA player P.J. Quit playing football," she yelled at the big man. The Bucks and Nets found themselves in a rock fight on Thursday, with Milwaukee taking an early 30-9 . My [NBA] minimum was so low. Tucker as the NBA's toughest one-on-one defender for him. P.J. And its big-boy basketball. Durant is averaging 36.6 points per game in three contests against the Rockets. June 19, 2021 2:30 pm ET. Texas Southern. His three All-Defensive First Team selections in 2014 and 2016 make him an All-Defensive First Team member for three straight years. PJ Tucker, on the other hand, prevailed in the end. It was both a heated and hilarious exchange between Tucker and Wanda at the same time. I got tired all of the stories about, He is a tweener. Kevin and Kyrie have been close friends since their days together, as they have both been through rough times. Tucker incident, Nets security guard tied to Kevin Durant is suspended for rest of series - Joe Vardon, Eric Nehm . Emailed daily. I played hard. PJ Tucker, along with other members of the college fraternity, waited with bated breath for KDs arrival. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas.