In the recent blockbuster trade with the 76ers, the Clippers added P.J. Tucker alongside James Harden, and within a few weeks, Tucker has identified a potential challenge with his new team. The abundance of playmakers and scorers in Los Angeles leaves the team grappling with a shortage of basketballs, a sentiment that resonates with many in the basketball world.
Tucker didn’t mince words and emphasized this issue with a one-liner that captures the essence of the Clippers’ team dynamics better than any fan, analyst, or insider has managed to do so far.
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“There’s not enough basketballs on the planet for this team, really,” Tucker told The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
The 38-year-old veteran’s frankness reflects the candid honesty one would expect from someone with 17 years of professional experience.
To the credit of the Clippers, they have shown improvement in recent games and appear to be finding their rhythm. With a roster featuring Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook (who willingly offered to come off the bench), it’s understandable that they would need some time to gel.
Following an initial 0–5 record post the Harden trade, the Clippers have won six of their last nine games, securing victories against teams like the Mavericks, Kings, and Warriors in the past two weeks.
Tucker’s observation underscores a fundamental aspect of basketball – the importance of defined roles, recognizing that the role of scorer cannot be everyone’s responsibility.