The Boston Celtics are in the middle of a playoff push. Entering Sunday’s game with the Denver Nuggets with a 42-18 record and 7.5 games back of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics have an excellent chance of defending their NBA championship from a year ago. But that doesn’t mean have some flaws.
The Celtics defense came under fire after blowing a 22-point lead in a 123-116 loss to the Cavaliers on Friday night. While head coach Joe Mazzulla believes he has enough stoppers on the roster, Boston could use one more and a new free agent target became available for the playoff push.
P.J. Tucker Could Help the Celtics Playoff Push
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Friday that the Toronto Raptors have waived veteran forward PJ Tucker. Tucker began the year with the Los Angeles Clippers after being included in the trade that sent Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers but hasn’t played in a game this year after a dispute over playing time during his previous stint with the team.
The Toronto Raptors have waived PJ Tucker.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 28, 2025
The situation led to Tucker racking up frequent flyer miles ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline last month as he was traded to the Utah Jazz with Mo Bamba in exchange for Drew Eubanks, Patty Mills and a 2030 second rounder, traded to the Miami Heat as part of the deal that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors and traded to the Raptors with a second-round pick and cash in a trade that sent Davion Mitchell to the Heat.
While you’ll be relieved to know there isn’t a quiz on this later, it’s also noteworthy what Tucker brings when he’s on the court. A second round pick out of Texas in 2006, Tucker has been known as a defensive player during his career and can do some damage from long range as a 36.6% 3-point shooter during his career.
The Celtics' defensive woes have grabbed the headlines, but the Celtics could use some 3-point shooting as well, even as they rank eighth in shooting from downtown at 37% this season.
Tucker would be a role player addition but it wouldn’t cost much to bring him in. If Tucker joins, it could be the boost the Celtics need as they head into the final stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs.