The New York Knicks are trying to solidify their roster as the NBA playoffs approach. On March 20, 2025, the team announced that veteran forward PJ Tucker has been signed to a second 10-day contract. This move follows Tucker's first 10-day stint, which concluded just the previous night.
Tucker, 39, made his Knicks debut on March 19 in a brief two-minute appearance during a disappointing 120-105 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where he entered the game during garbage time. Despite his limited time on the court, the signing indicates the team's appreciation of his leadership role off the court.
Originally selected as the 35th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft out of the University of Texas, Tucker has navigated a winding career across multiple franchises, including the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Clippers. He was a part of the Milwaukee Bucks team that claimed the championship in 2021. With career averages of 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in nearly 900 games played, Tucker is known more for his defensive prowess and locker room presence than his statistical outputs.
After his last game for the Clippers during the 2024 playoffs, Tucker’s career took a series of turns. He exercised his $11.54 million player option with Los Angeles but then found himself inactive as he sought a trade. He was subsequently traded to the Utah Jazz on February 1, 2025, but never played for them. Instead, he was eventually included in a five-team deal that saw him move to the Toronto Raptors, where he also never suited up before being waived on February 28. This sequence of events ultimately left him available for the Knicks and eligible for the playoffs.
Coach Tom Thibodeau seems keen on utilizing a tight rotation, and Tucker’s integration into the team was motivated by his established reputation rather than a direct impact on gameplay. "It’s always good to have vets and like-minded guys that just have each other’s back," Tucker stated upon joining the Knicks, highlighting his emphasis on camaraderie in the locker room.
Currently positioned as the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a commendable record of 43-25, the Knicks are gearing up for the playoffs. They are coming off an uneven stretch, having gone 5-5 in their last ten games, and are still recovering from the recent defeat to the Spurs. On March 20, they are set to face the Charlotte Hornets.
Despite the lack of substantial minutes, Tucker’s role is far from insignificant. His presence is key in providing guidance to younger players, and he brings a wealth of playoff experience that could prove invaluable as the season progresses. “I’m just a realist. And I want to win,” he said in a recent press conference, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the team’s goals, regardless of his playing time.
For the Knicks, the decision to re-sign Tucker amid playoff ambitions serves dual purposes: It reinforces their veteran presence and offers depth in a competitive landscape. If the Knicks wish to keep Tucker beyond this current contract, they will need to transition him to a standard contract for the remainder of the season.
Understanding Tucker’s unique journey and the phases that led him to New York, the Knicks fans now eagerly watch how this veteran's influence might shape their playoff run. Just three weeks after joining, PJ Tucker is already part of this team's narrative, and his experience, despite limited playing time, is a story of resilience in the quest for an NBA championship.
