According to multiple reporters, the Los Angeles Clippers and PJ Tucker have agreed to spend time apart as the result of a rather contentious situation.
The Clippers say PJ Tucker is not with the team for “the time being” and they are working with his agent to “find him the best situation moving forward.” pic.twitter.com/AlTg5P2IGj
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 6, 2024
Included in the Clippers’ deal for the James Harden, Tucker didn’t initially touch down in the City of Angeles in high spirits. However, Tucker became disgruntled with collecting dust on the bench. Clippers head coach Ty Lue gave up little ground.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/gv9KQBRkIN
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 15, 2024
Tucker played just 420 total minutes for L.A. last season. Though he averaged 15.3 minutes per game in the postseason, he only suited up for Games 5 and 6. Now, on top of that, the Clippers don’t seem any more inclined to play him.
This despite him playing admirably in the 2024 NBA Playoffs and Paul George leaving in the offseason. Unfortunately for Tucker, at 39 years old, retirement isn’t far off. As a result, the renowned defender hopes to join with a championship contender that’s more likely to play him, and quickly.
The best way for him to achieve that would be by agreeing to a contract buyout. The Clippers simply waive him but they would likely want to recoup some of his $11.5 million salary. In either scenario, Tucker would be a free man and Los Angeles would have a free roster spot.
Clippers’ PJ Tucker Replacement Waiting In The Wings
With Kawhi Leonard seemingly imploring the franchise to stop playing him at power forward, the team needs more depth at the four.
Kawhi Leonard when asked about his position and playing power forward:
“Who was the power forward last year? It’s gonna be the same thing pretty much. But we gotta control what we can control. I probably ran the top-five most miles per game last year. Or top-10. All coming off a… pic.twitter.com/1Nsee7jUtU
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) October 6, 2024
There’s a solid chance that Derrick Jones Jr., a tweener rather than a true power forward, starts. Long, athletic, and defensive-minded, he adds necessary elements to the first unit. However, two areas where Jones is rather mediocre is as a catch-and-shoot option and rebounder. The Pennsylvania native is a career 31.6 percent three-point shooter and has never averaged more than 4.0 rebounds per game.
As a result, Marcus Morris could find his way back to Los Angeles, where he played from 2020-21 to 2022-23.
At 6-foot-8, the former lottery pick is a bit undersized at the four-spot himself. Yet, what he lacks in size he makes up in toughness and tenacity. Not only does this aid him when guarding his assignment but when he’s on the defensive boards. A career 37.7 percent three-point shooter, Morris also has a better chance of providing reliable spacing than Jones (or even Tucker, for that matter).
The Last Word On Marcus Morris
In the end, Morris isn’t going to be perfect. He has more in the tank but has lost a step athletically at 35 years old and Lue values defensive versatility. He’s also outspoken, which could help him be a vocal leader but also has the potential to lead to drama. The Clippers already have enough to worry about this season without media distractions, so Morris’ personality is worth considering as well.
Still, there aren’t many better options for a seasoned team with championship aspirations. Due to his extensive experience, Morris’ basketball IQ is high enough for him to generally be trusted. Furthermore, the Clippers —from the front office to the players —are very familiar him, on and off the court. Lastly, Morris is unlikely to want more than the veteran’s minimum, making him about as affordable as a player could get.
If not Morris, a free agents like Robert Covington could intrigue the Clippers. Covington is better than Morris defensively and Jones from outside. Like Morris, he also has experience playing under Lue with the Clippers.
