Tucker got into a verbal confrontation during Milwaukee . (Benny Sieu / USA Today) For Tucker, going against Durant was the reward for everything he had gone . Texas Southern. PJ Tucker, on the other hand, prevailed in the end. Two Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. This week Kevin Durant should make his debut with the Suns. Seven years later, Tucker is still in the NBA and guarding Durant. PJ Tucker planned to spend the rest of his NBA career with the Miami Heat, but business got in the way. I couldnt get reps in practice. He is a superstar on his own terms, and he has helped him develop into one of the leagues best players. Today was no different. Dan told me, I want you to get the best player on every team and shut them down, Tucker said. Because hes happy to be here., P.J. Still, the best-case scenario if Tucker made the Suns was a $762,195 minimum salary a pay cut of more than $1 million from what he would have earned in Russia. But somebody has to do it. Meanwhile, Phoenix sent them Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, and a 2028 pick swap for Durant and T.J. Warren. Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Injury Report, Expert Picks, Predictions, Expected Roster, and More Details | February 16 2023. Durant and Rapaport have had a relationship in the past. I was like, Im about to have my first NBA start. I was just in Germany, and nobody was thinking about me starting in an NBA game. Game-Seven will air tomorrow, and there still is uncertainty whether Nets player Kyrie Irving will play. Dan Canova is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital. He told his mother that the city has been great to him and his family. Im fighting for every inch. I didnt get a whole lot of help or guidance. H's gnna scre 50." This is supposed to be Americas sweetheart right? 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 . In the 2017-18 NBA season, Durant . PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are both Texas Longhorns and apparently have a pretty good relationship, but that went out the window during Game 3 of the Milwaukee Bucks - Brooklyn Nets series . pic.twitter.com/wB4IvtAUxv. The media could not be played. USA TODAY. Bryn Forbes Wife and Kids: Is Forbes Married? D it again.' Bcause I'm nt gnna stop. But now that Rapaport exposed Durant on social media, in the social justice conscious NBA, what -- if any -- will be the league's reaction. over the years where the two get into it during games. 0:53. If youre a winner, you can play forever over there.. Tuckers gamble paid off, as he made the Suns roster for the 2012-13 season. Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. The Bucks and Nets found themselves in a rock fight on Thursday, with Milwaukee taking an early 30-9 . Ouch. My bad., A post shared by Sideline Sources (@sidelinesources). However, during game 7 of the Nets vs Bucks last season, Tucker was involved in a famous trash-talking incident with Durants mom Wanda Durant. When asked about how it feels to guard someone as close to unstoppable as KD, Tucker said, Its painful. He only made it to the NCAA tournament once. 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. By New Years Eve, I was starting, Tucker said. The eight-year veteran is relishing his role after a humbling start to his career. Who Is Keith Appling, Former NBA Player Accused of Second Degree Murder? Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game seven in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Tucker and Blanks were actually friends with University of Texas ties. In 2018, Durants ESPN show "The Boardroom" had Rapaport on as a guest. championships in store before the former retires. There have been many instances between Tucker and Durant that showcase their competitive nature and passion. Tucker in Brooklyn& "Im sorry that people seen that language I used. Majerle called Tucker a man after my own heart for how hard he played and for taking all the tough defensive assignments. Carlos Garcia, Game 7 6/20/2021. Kevin Durant also addressed Tuckers physicality earlier in this series when asked if he thought it too aggressive. Tucker of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round playoff series at the Fiserv Forum on . Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas. But Bucks forward P.J. NBA player P.J. 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. Tucker. journalistic experience with Chase Your Sport and Dribl. Quit playing football," she yelled at the big man. He told the 36-year-old that he was an NBA All-Star level player as a junior in high school. Who Is Mikal Bridges Girlfriend Grainger Rosati? KD and P.J. All rights reserved. Kevin Durant and P.J. It is undeniable that PJ and Durant have had their fair share of viral clips over the years where the two get into it during games. , I wasnt playing. />. Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Tucker is siding with Kevin Durant. James Harden has also been shaky for the Nets since coming back from injury faster than expected. In fact, Tucker not only called Durant the best scorer he has . The Controversy Surrounding LeBron Jamess Instruction To His Mother During A Post-Game Press Conference: An Analysis, The Phenomenal Polyglot: Uncovering LeBron James Multilingualism, Uncovering The Remarkable PPG Of Lebron James: Exploring His Incomparable Offensive Prowess, The King Of The Court: An Ode To LeBron James And His Record-Breaking Career, The Phenomenal LeBron James Matt: 35 Years Of Inspiration And Success. The Controversy Surrounding LeBron Jamess Instruction To His Mother During A Post-Game Press Conference: An Analysis, The Phenomenal Polyglot: Uncovering LeBron James Multilingualism, Uncovering The Remarkable PPG Of Lebron James: Exploring His Incomparable Offensive Prowess, The King Of The Court: An Ode To LeBron James And His Record-Breaking Career, The Phenomenal LeBron James Matt: 35 Years Of Inspiration And Success. Over there, it aint dropping 30 every night and being the man. He said he learned how to play professional basketball while overseas. However, Tucker has recently revealed the conversation he had with Wanda. This is something I want to do. There is still uncertainty about whether or not Kyrie Irving will play in Game Seven on Wednesday, but he is expected to. Tucker went from one-and-done in the NBA to an eight-year veteran who has made $26 million in the league. Devin Booker scored 37 points and Deandre Ayton had 16 points and 16 rebounds in the Suns' seventh victory in 10 games. One player Tucker has been mentoring is seldom-used forward Gary Clark, who was kept on the roster this season over 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony. However, based on their interactions on social media and at public events, it appears that they are at least on good terms with one another. Market data provided by Factset. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the NBAs all-time great players. It is especially so during the playoffs when he's more locked in than normal. Durant, of course, previously played with the Golden State Warriors, who faced Tucker and the Rockets in the past two NBA playoffs. your password When a prospective freshman named Kevin Durant visited the Austin campus, however, Tucker felt his . Draymond, who believes Durant and the Nets will go deep in the playoffs, couldn't believe security guards were needed for this skirmish. More on this storyline. From 2007-12, Tucker played in Israel, Ukraine, Italy, Greece, Montenegro, Puerto Rico, Germany and Russia. Tuckers 2018 NBA playoff sneakers, James Harden is disrespecting the unwritten rules of the game. Market data provided by Factset. However, this hasn't stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. PJs mother was very happy to hear her sons positive attitude about his career and life in general. After P.J. During the third quarter of the game, P.J. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. 02/16 . 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. There is still uncertainty as to whether Irving will be able to play in Game Seven, which will air tomorrow. How many calls were missed is still up for debate. I went from 15th man and non-guarantee contracts to starting. PJ Tucker is a well-known basketball player who has played for various teams throughout his career. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. If they are not related, they are still close friends who have a lot of respect for each other. But now Dan is like a big brother to me. At the time of his tweet, Durant had just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting and 0-of-2 from 3-point range. The video of the conversation between the two is the cutest thing on the internet today. Kevin Durant is one of the leagues most talented players, and his best friend, Kyrie Irving, is also one of the leagues most talented players. Kudos to the refs, they were letting them talk. Always free! Kevin Durant and P.J. But Tucker is making Durant work. NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I love what I do. PJ cleared everything up following a game-six victory over the Nets. Is Luka Doncics Health At Risk? I got him a few times like real, like some tough hits. Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images. Aldridge played for the Longhorns from 2002-2006, while Durant played for the Longhorns from 2006-2007. Trending You feel like youre better than anybody. Report: Kevin Durant's 'personal bodyguard' pushed 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. You dream about being in the playoffs and guarding the best player in the world. I really take pride in being a good vet and helping guys see the way. Abhishek is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of P.J. They're very close friends and care so much for one another. Tucker out of the way during an altercation involving Kevin Durant . Miami Heat forward P.J. It could happen on Wednesday against the Hornets. This series was memorable, but it's time to move on for both franchises. All rights reserved. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. New team, same Kevin Durant. You love to see these moments to find out how intense the playoffs are. Josef Castillo is a basketball coach and the owner of a basketball blog called bashabearsbasketball.com. Draymond has hilarious reaction to KD-Tucker skirmish. But Durant got the better of Tucker in game 7 and scored 48 points. Tucker was a freshman when Durant was a sophomore and the two formed a formidable partnership on the court. He is currently a member of the Houston Rockets. She was like hes not playing basketball; he playing football. 6:24 PM - 10 Jun 2021. There has been happiness, tears, injuries, clutch moments, fights and even record-breaking games, but the spirit of the game and the love has been what matters at the end of the day. Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by P.J. Like, Ill die out there. It is impossible to overestimate the friendship between Kyrie and Kevin. , The #Bucks were able to sneak out a 3-point victory over the #Nets to make it a 2-1 series.pic.twitter.com/8Gysk4Dk3q, Designated Report (@DesignatedRpt) June 11, 2021. PJ Tucker came out on top in the end. We dream about this our whole lives. 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.. The NBA reprimanded the Brooklyn Nets security guard who aggressively knocked the Milwaukee Bucks' P.J. Over the years, fans have speculated that the two dislike each other. Wanda Durant wasn't happy with that and yelled at the player, telling him to play basketball. He will be playing alongside Devin Booker, a player he has been following since college. I signed a two-year deal in Russia for all the money. Going back to Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker's war of words, the Bucks swingman still had the last laugh after Milwaukee edged the Nets, 124-118. My [NBA] minimum was so low. Tucker (17) reacts after a play against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals series at FTX Arena in Miami on May 25, 2022. PJ Tucker on if he gets discouraged guarding Kevin Durant: "No. I cant wait to guard Kevin Durant. Furkan Korkmaz remains out due to personal reasons. That was a battle every single night. I tell them, Youre going to remember this when youre on that bus in Europe, that you have older guys trying to help you see through this, and you wouldnt see that. 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.. Im thinking Im all-world, and that is how every college guy thinks that coming in. 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. Youre gonna get thrown out; then we cant play. I played hard. Tucker. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. Tucker has been going after Durant on the defensive end all series long, and he has done well against Durant. NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Believes Rift Between Anthony Davis and LeBron James Could Leave to DallasMavericksMove. Kevin Durant and P.J. While his agent Andre Buck put an NBA out clause in the deal, Tucker was content being a star overseas. Chris Paul added 11 assists. Both Tucker and Durant were born to African-American mothers. I knew that defense was my way, but that is where I learned to enjoy it and saw how much of an effect it could have on games. Tucker had something of a contentious relationship throughout the Brooklyn . Wanda also shared a touching moment with KD after the game, hugging and consoling the player. Tucker have faced off multiple times over the years especially in the playoffs. Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? He replied saying nah, its the playoffs. Both players have mutual respect for each other, and they are friends off the court. Rockets coach Mike DAntoni said his team won Game 3 because of Tucker, who had 7 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. But I didnt know what it meant to be a pro.. I take pride in it. Brooklyn leads the series two-games-to-one with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. Nobody wants to do that. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. Chris Paul and Tucker have been friends since the were teenagers, a fact that made Paul's injury in last season's . In fact, Tucker and Durant faced each other in the conference semis . Rapaport posted screenshots of the conversation with Durant on Twitter. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two of the best players in the NBA. Tucker has been guarding either Lebron James or Kevin Durant every time hes faced off with their teams for years now. Tucker finally had the last laugh in this long-standing battle with Kevin Durant as the Milwaukee Bucks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after beating the Brooklyn Nets in Over Time. Wanda also shared a touching moment with KD after the game, hugging and consoling the player, Latest Jonathan Isaac injury may signal end of his Magic career, Warriors owner sounds off on 'disingenuous' Blazers over Gary Payton II trade fiasco, Seven Cubs pitchers combine for spring no-hitter vs. Padres, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones comments on Tony Pollard rumor, Ben Simmons suffers back injury while rehabilitating, Insider: It's Packers, Jets 'or bust' for Aaron Rodgers, QB Anthony Richardson doesn't understand his 'project' label, Vikings HC reveals 'crazy' thoughts about star WR, XFL player released for giving another team plays from own playbook. The Bucks beat the Nets to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after two years, eliminating the biggest favorite to the title. K is having a miserable night! The camera was on Tucker and Durants mom, Wanda, who was not too pleased about the foul on her son. PJ Tucker is listed as Probable due to calf tightness after missing the second half of Monday's game. Then, in the offseason, the 76ers lured veteran power forward P.J. You have to learn how to play over there. However, this hasnt stopped Durant from lighting it up in the series. Wanda Durant trash talks PJ Tucker during Game 7. It keeps me ticking. P.J. 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. I don't look at myself or my status in the league that I can't go through what other players in the league go through." His career averages include 22.1 points, 10.3 assists, and 2.2 boards per game. The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. PJ continued telling reporters about the respect he has for Durant. You are going to come back and tell me, I wish I wouldve handled it different. Im trying to tell them about the sacrifice now because I did that.. They have won multiple championships together, and their friendship has been well-documented. PJ Tucker opens up on Kevin Durant and their fierce competition. Tucker was crucial for the Bucks as he started 19 of the 23 games he played in the playoffs. When Kevin Durant decided to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, he spoke with Paul about his decision. Tucker, Danuel House Jr., and Montrezl Harrell in free agency. "I'm not the first one to get traded or ask for a trade. Me and Kevin fight every year I love guarding him. Throughout the series, he's averaging 33.3 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 5.3 APG while having a 50.3 FG% and 34.9 3PT%. I know what I could do. I was done, man. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. Throughout the series, hes averaging 33.3 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 5.3 APG while having a 50.3 FG% and 34.9 3PT%. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. I cant believe TNT caught it. Cameron Johnson praises how the Brooklyn Nets showed resilience in Friday's comeback win over the Boston Celtics. Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Tucker has worked hard all series to get to Kevin Durant on the defensive end. T. 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 . 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. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. Tucker and Kevin Love have a long history of competing against each other in college and the NBA. Tucker: First debit card I ever had was because of eBay so I could buy shoes, The complete and insane list of P.J. During the third quarter, Tucker fouled Nets star Kevin Durant, sending him to the free-throw line. Guarding Kevin Durant is an impossible thing to do. Rapaport later posted a clip from the show of the two talking about seats for the NBA Finals while Durant was with the Golden State Warriors. I enjoy it; hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life Thats my brother. NBA Rising All-Stars Game 2023: Who Is Playing and Where to Watch? I gambled on myself, but I didnt want to. 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. 66. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports. by Josef Castillo | Dec 28, 2022 | Famous Players. The veteran wing defender makes it his personal mission to try and stop the man that he considers to be . The most hyped prospect since the 2003 draft class was Kevin Durant. It was both a heated and hilarious exchange between Tucker and Wanda at the same time.