The Phoenix Suns announced on Thursday that forward P.J. Tucker underwent a successful back operation. At best, you’re seeing an out-of-shape Tucker coming off the bench opening night, unless the timetable is wrong.
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A day after Phoenix Suns small forward T.J. Tucker will nearly certainly miss the entire preseason, which runs from October 3rd to October 21st.
While he’s only appeared in a combined 87 games over his first two years in the league, Warren averaged 11 points in just under 23 minutes per game last season. The team’s announcement did not give specifics beyond stating Tucker would be out six to eight weeks.
Tucker was originally selected 35th overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors after a standout career at the University of Texas. The Suns also could go small with Devin Booker or big with rookie Dragan Bender. He has played the last five seasons with the Suns. This injury may signal the beginning of the end of that status for Tucker. Iit is not a huge blow though, assuming Tucker makes a full recovery, given that the Suns do not expect to contend anyways.
I throw that little “other team” caveat in there because Tucker is entering the final year of his contract, just turned 31 years old, and will only be making a modest $5.3 million for the 2016-17 season – chump change in comparison to other players that he is more valuable than.
Now with him sidelined for an extended period of time, Warren will have a chance to get regular starting minutes.
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Whether it works or not, this will be a very interesting start to the season for the Suns.
