0:00
Knicks fans, P.J. Tucker may not have stepped on the court yet, but his presence is already being felt in a big way
0:07
After just one game with the team, his impact is clear, and it looks like he's here to stay for the rest of the season and the playoffs
0:14
From instilling confidence in his teammates to being the veteran leader this locker room needed
0:19
let's break down why Tucker's influence could be a game-changer for the Knicks. Let's get right into it
0:24
Now let's be real, when the Knicks signed P.J. Tucker, a lot of fans questioned if he would even play
0:30
but what people might have overlooked is how much of a mental boost he brings to the team
0:35
Just look at Josh Hart. Before Tucker arrived, Hart had been hesitant to take threes
0:40
passing up open looks and struggling with confidence. But against the Kings, Hart let it fly with zero hesitation, drilling four threes
0:49
Is that a coincidence? I don't think so. Tucker is known for his no-nonsense veteran leadership. He holds his teammates accountable
0:56
and pushes them to play with confidence every single night. And from what we have already seen
1:01
it looks like he's encouraged Hart to trust his shot and take those open looks. And that's exactly
1:07
the kind of influence this team needs, especially as they battle injuries and push toward the
1:11
playoffs. But it's not just about his impact on the court, Tucker's mindset has been all about
1:17
the Knicks from the start. In his own words, he said New York was his first choice all along the
1:22
process and he was willing to wait and do whatever it took and now that he here he expects to stay for the rest of the season and into the playoffs And that is huge because this isn just a random 10 contract for Tucker this is a full buy to what the Knicks are building And considering
1:39
how much injuries have tested this team already, having a guy like Tucker in the locker room could
1:44
be the difference between staying afloat or falling apart. And other than Josh Hart, the entire team
1:50
played the whole game aggressively and with confidence. And some might say that's the PJ
1:55
Tucker effect. So now the real question is what's next for Tucker? Will we actually see him get
2:00
minutes or will he keep this reserve role as a bench guy? And Tibbs actually answered that
2:06
question as he said PJ Tucker will be situational like Taj Gibson was when he signed last season
2:13
But of course Gibson was unexpectedly put in the rotation because of injuries last year
2:18
Thibodeau said quote veteran leadership basically the type of role Taj had and then if there's a
2:24
need, he's got the experience to handle it. And of course, right now, the Knicks rotation is already
2:29
crowded, but if he's having this much of an impact without even stepping on the floor
2:34
imagine what he could bring defensively and in those tough, gritty playoff battles especially
2:39
But either way, one thing is clear, PJ Tucker is exactly the kind of veteran this team needs down
2:45
the stretch. But what do you guys think? Should Tucker get real minutes? And how do you feel about
2:50
his instant impact in the locker room? Let me know in the comments down below. And as always
2:54
if you did enjoy this video, make sure to hit that like button and subscribe to the channel
2:58
for more Knicks news and updates you won't want to miss. It's been KNYT here and I'll see you guys
