pj tucker and kevin durant friendship pj tucker and kevin durant friendship

PJ Tucker tell JJ Redick what exactly he said to Kevin Durant's mom during The Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks playoff game. Tucker was drafted in the year (2006), and in the same year, Kevin Durant became the freshman at the University of Texas. Tonight, Kevin Durant will take the floor for the first time as . Tucker has always . Tucker (17) reacts after a play against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals series at FTX Arena in Miami on May 25, 2022. Durant will make his Phoenix Suns debut on Wednesday night, and one of the more anticipated experiments in the NBA this season will get off the ground. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Tucker said he did everything wrong his rookie year and admitted his ego caused him to believe he was destined for NBA stardom instantly. your username. But somebody has to do it. P.J. Wanda also shared a touching moment with KD after the game, hugging and consoling the player, Latest Jonathan Isaac injury may signal end of his Magic career, Warriors owner sounds off on 'disingenuous' Blazers over Gary Payton II trade fiasco, Seven Cubs pitchers combine for spring no-hitter vs. Padres, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones comments on Tony Pollard rumor, Ben Simmons suffers back injury while rehabilitating, Insider: It's Packers, Jets 'or bust' for Aaron Rodgers, QB Anthony Richardson doesn't understand his 'project' label, Vikings HC reveals 'crazy' thoughts about star WR, XFL player released for giving another team plays from own playbook. I say, Im happy to be here. For real.. wo Longhorns went nose to nose Thursday night, and Draymond Green was amused by the whole scene. Theyre down 2. And . In addition to winning two titles with Portland in 2015 and 2015, he won two Finals Most Valuable Player awards in 2015 and 2017, a scoring title in 2015, and a regular-season Most Valuable Player award in 2015. How many calls were missed is still up for debate. Latest Jonathan Isaac injury may signal end of his Magic career, Warriors owner sounds off on 'disingenuous' Blazers over Gary Payton II trade fiasco, Seven Cubs pitchers combine for spring no-hitter vs. Padres, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones comments on Tony Pollard rumor, Ben Simmons suffers back injury while rehabilitating, Insider: It's Packers, Jets 'or bust' for Aaron Rodgers, QB Anthony Richardson doesn't understand his 'project' label, Vikings HC reveals 'crazy' thoughts about star WR, XFL player released for giving another team plays from own playbook. Texas Southern. Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Chris Paul playing in Game 1 vs the Los Angeles Clippers? 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He only made it to the NCAA tournament once. We gt fac to fac. I don't look at myself or my status in the league that I can't go through what other players in the league go through." Kevin Durant also addressed Tuckers physicality earlier in this series when asked if he thought it too aggressive. H's gt 50. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. I dont know what people think. However, Tucker managed to have a bit of fun with Durant's mother, Wanda Durant, during the third quarter of the game. Tricking myslf bcause he's killing m. I was comfortable with it. P.J. Returning to the court after recovering from a knee injury . The friendship between Tucker and Durant is a testament to the power of college basketball. Dorian Finney-Smith is relieved to finally being able to hit some shots. Butting Heads with LeBron James & All the Other Times Kevin Durant Showed His Anger. My first start was against KD and OKC. PJ also spoke about how much he loves living in Houston. He out there tackling them. Tucker. Despite what it looks like on the court, PJ Tucker had nothing but good things to say about his rival Kevin Durant. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant were teammates during their college days at the University of Texas. Trust me. However, the Longhorns are different. In addition to being a Michael Jordan fan, Abhishek is Tucker has two older brothers, Paul and Phillip. Dan Canova is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital. This week Kevin Durant should make his debut with the Suns. Kevin Durant's mom Wanda offers flirty message to P.J. If you are a Nets and Bucks fan that is currently tensed up in your living room, be sure to watch this video to help calm you down. He even held him to 3-for-12 shooting while being his primary defender in game-four of the series. Tucker, and the two former Texas Longhorns had words for each other. In fact, Tucker never got to play with Durant at Texas, instead going to the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. Reporters and fans have questioned why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. The pay cut Harden accepted created enough cap space to sign his former teammates and friends, P.J. This is just a game at the end of the day, and both players know that, just like Mrs. Durant. While his agent Andre Buck put an NBA out clause in the deal, Tucker was content being a star overseas. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr.Chandler, AZ 85249Phone: 480-224-2100, Giannis Antetokounmpo And His Brothers: How Support From His Siblings Helped Shape His Success, LeBron James Absence Makes A Big Difference: Houston Rockets Vs Los Angeles Lakers. She said just give it one more shot. , If it wasnt for my wife and my agent, I wouldnt have come back. In response to a question posed on Twitter, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant identified Houston Rockets forward P.J. The most hyped prospect since the 2003 draft class was Kevin Durant. Kevin and Kyrie have been close friends since their days together, as they have both been through rough times. In the 2017-18 NBA season, Durant . Legal Statement. Game-Seven will air tomorrow, and there still is uncertainty whether Nets player Kyrie Irving will play. He has had a successful career since leaving Austin, having been a three-time All-Star and a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player since returning there. The media could not be played. KD and P.J. "Im sorry that people seen that language I used. That was one of the worst years of my life, Tucker said. Brooklyn leads the series two-games-to-one with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. That was a battle every single night. "The Snake himself is now threatening me, bringing up my wife and wants to fight. The prospect of recruiting the nations second-best player was something that every coach wanted to pursue. During the third quarter of the game, P.J. 6:24 PM - 10 Jun 2021. People see us fight, but they dont know we talk about regular stuff too. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker had a contentious relationship. I dont know if Ive ever brought that much every single night, physically, emotionally, it was a toll. Durant said something after the call by the refs and Tucker took exception, getting in Durant's face. The game could've been a movie, the action on the sidelines a soap opera and the dialogue between Kevin Durant and his longtime friend P.J. There is still uncertainty about whether or not Kyrie Irving will play in Game Seven on Wednesday, but he is expected to. A foundation of success and high performance had been set.. Tucker have been going head to head for years now, especially in the Playoffs. P.J. "I'm not the first one to get traded or ask for a trade. Over there, it aint dropping 30 every night and being the man. In fact, before the playoffs, he started on just one occasion. Wanda Durant trash talks PJ Tucker during Game 7. Tucker went from one-and-done in the NBA to an eight-year veteran who has made $26 million in the league. Seven years later, Tucker is still in the NBA and guarding Durant. On Thursday, Durant addressed the exchange with Rapaport. They care about winning over there. by Josef Castillo | Dec 28, 2022 | Famous Players. Kevin Durant's mom, Wanda, starred in a heated and hilarious exchange with PJ Tucker during Game 7 of the Brooklyn Nets-Milwaukee Bucks series. To be out of the NBA for that long to now having played as much as Ive played and have an impact that I am having on a team like this, I dont know if anyone has ever done it.. I enjoy it; hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life Thats my brother. H's gnna scre 50." The 63-year-old NBA icon, who appears in Coke Zero Sugar's March Madness campaign, tells PEOPLE that the idea of star players sitting out, with the intention of . You have to learn how to play over there. Following a win in Game 6 over the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks forward PJ Tucker praised Kevin Durant. 72. T. In the third quarter of Game 3 of the second-round NBA playoff series between the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, former Warriors forward Kevin Durant was fouled by P.J . People ask me why I play so hard. The Milwaukee Bucks were led by Giannis Antekounmpos 40 points in the second half. Tucker. It was a fun series just battling and being able to finally get over the hump against him was pretty nice. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have a lot in common. Kudos to the refs, they were letting them talk. Also Read:NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns, MANORCO PVT LTD 2022 | All Rights Reserved. In fact, Tucker not only called Durant the best scorer he has ever seen, but he said he dreamt to be in moments like this guarding one of the best players in the world on the biggest stage of basketball. Buck said Tucker reluctantly exercised his out clause in Russia and signed with the Suns on Aug. 1, 2013. Market data provided by Factset. Tucker, unhappy with the call, went after Durant but in the middle of the confrontation, a seemingly random security guard was seen running into the middle of the scrum to separate the two players . I was like, I am going to turn this money down? It was for way less money, Tucker said. She was like hes not playing basketball; he playing football. Phillip played college basketball at George Mason University. However, it wasnt enough as the Nets crashed out of the series by losing 115111 in overtime. . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Nets star Kevin Durant and Bucks forward P.J. Tucker during on-court dispute. I got the utmost respect for Kevin, Tucker said. Wanda also shared a touching moment with KD after the game, hugging and consoling the player. Kyrie Irving Wrote a Message on His Shoes in His First Game for the Dallas Mavericks Despite Losing $11 Million Nike Deal. The two have been teammates on the USA Basketball team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Golden State Warriors. I went from 15th man and non-guarantee contracts to starting. Kevin Durant's mom, Wanda, starred in a heated and hilarious exchange with PJ Tucker during Game 7 of the Brooklyn Nets-Milwaukee Bucks series. 02/16 . championships in store before the former retires. That was a decision I had made.. During the third quarter, Tucker fouled Nets star Kevin Durant, sending him to the free-throw line. Log into your account. The 34-year-old says it is important for him to share his story with young players, especially when they get frustrated or their egos get in the way. She is very proud of her son and all that he has accomplished. Everybody dreams about scoring 30, getting the game-winner. You come from the college, youre the man. I played both ends of the court. I take pride in it. My wife just had my son. NBA Playoffs: Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 1 vs Phoenix Suns. Tucker and Kevin Durant got into it at the 4-minute, 21-second mark of third quarter in Game . Tuckers gamble paid off, as he made the Suns roster for the 2012-13 season. Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Draymond has hilarious reaction to KD-Tucker skirmish. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are both Texas Longhorns and apparently have a pretty good relationship, but that went out the window during Game 3 of the Milwaukee Bucks - Brooklyn Nets series . "Hopefully I can move past it and get back out on the floor.". Im living my dream. 641 Retweets. When asked about how it feels to guard someone as close to unstoppable as KD, Tucker said, Its painful. The former Houston Rockets had incredible duels . All he would need to do was defend and pass the . Tucker (17) in the first quarter during game seven in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. The NBA is gaining more backlash as star players continue to sit out games, and basketball legend Magic Johnson agrees with the criticism. Tucker played for the Cleveland Cavaliers summer league team in 2007, but no NBA contract offers followed. Dan told me, I want you to get the best player on every team and shut them down, Tucker said. One of the most interesting and most vital matchups in the series is that of Kevin Durant versus P.J. Its crazy., Said Buck: We took a chance. The Bucks beat the Nets to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after two years, eliminating the biggest favorite to the title. Hes one of the best goal-scorers in the world, and I enjoy watching him play. And its big-boy basketball. Dan Majerle was already one of my favorite players. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission. Tensions ran high between Kevin Durant and Tucker during Game 3, a scuffle that led to the former's bodyguard being fired due to him trying to get involved with an on-court entanglement. He was able to have more face time with KD on the court during last seasons second round, when the Nets faced the Milwaukee Bucks. Carlos Garcia, Game 7 6/20/2021. Please check your email for a confirmation. Thats not really what I want people to see and hear from me," Durant said. LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the NBAs all-time great players. Dan used to sic me on people. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant and sent him to the free-throw line. Coming back? Tucker of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round playoff series at the Fiserv Forum on . Leonard, who was hit with a fine, was also suspended for a week. His career averages include 22.1 points, 10.3 assists, and 2.2 boards per game. Tucker fouled Kevin Durant, who sank both free throws while his mother sat nearby. As an NBA player, Tucker was never able to play with Kevin Durant at the University of Texas; he chose to leave for the NBA just before the All-Star arrived. Kevin Durant is one of the leagues most talented players, and his best friend, Kyrie Irving, is also one of the leagues most talented players. Either way, the two players have had a positive impact on each others careers. He played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life. A Football Management Vin Diesel and Post Malone Onboard to Feature at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Tonight Against the Bulls? Yet he had seven turnovers and wasn't as unstoppable as he was in Game 5 when he exploded for a 49-point . Earlier in the quarter, Draymond tweeted about the night Durant was having. Report this user for behavior that violates our Community Guidelines. I was like his prodigy. I played hard. Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! 5 hours ago - via Twitter JGrasso_ Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas. I was done, man. In fact, Tucker went on to win the first championship of his career. Both players are around the same height and weight, and both have played for several different teams throughout their careers. Hes the best scorer Ive ever seen in my life; I enjoy watching him play. Me and Kevin fight every year. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker got right into each other's faces. Tucker and Blanks were actually friends with University of Texas ties. This rumor has never been confirmed, but the two players have a close relationship and often speak highly of each other in interviews. The two players have also been linked together off the court, as they are rumored to be brothers. However, based on their interactions on social media and at public events, it appears that they are at least on good terms with one another. PJ Tucker, along with other members of the college fraternity, waited with bated breath for KDs arrival. I love guarding him, said the 36-year-old Bucks forward. Its the playoffs I dream about being in the playoffs guarding the best player in the world Im living my dream. PJ Tucker, on the other hand, prevailed in the end. He said he thinks about his gamble all the time and remembers guarding then-Oklahoma City star forward Kevin Durant during his first start on Dec. 31, 2012. Tucker -- playing hours after having root canals on three teeth he cracked during the Rockets' loss in Game 6 -- went 45 minutes, guarding Durant much of the time, and finished with 14 points, 12 . Throughout the series, Tucker has been a constant thorn in Durants side on the defensive end. This league has gotten so soft, security ran on the court , Wait. I remember it. When a prospective freshman named Kevin Durant visited the Austin campus, however, Tucker felt his . Over the years, fans have speculated that the two dislike each other. Guarding Kevin Durant is an impossible thing to do. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Tucker exchange words during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference second-round playoff series at the Fiserv Forum on June 10, 2021 . He is currently a member of the Houston Rockets. Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting in his Suns debut, helping Phoenix snap the Charlotte Hornets' five-game winning streak with a wire-to-wire 105-91 victory Wednesday night. Tucker then looked over to Durants mom to say that he loved her, to which she replied I love you too., PJ Tucker and Kevin Durants mom share a few words and some laughs , : @HoHighlights pic.twitter.com/9XmpWc6mOM, USA TODAY NBA (@usatodaynba) June 20, 2021. Then-Suns general manager Lance Blanks offered Tucker a non-guaranteed training camp invite during summer league play. It could happen on Wednesday against the Hornets. Tucker was crucial for the Bucks as he started 19 of the 23 games he played in the playoffs. Aldridge played for the Longhorns from 2002-2006, while Durant played for the Longhorns from 2006-2007. Jun 19, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) controls the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. NBA Rising All-Stars Game 2023: Who Is Playing and Where to Watch? 0:53. Devin Booker scored 37 points and Deandre Ayton had 16 points and 16 rebounds in the Suns' seventh victory in 10 games. I know what I could do. Tucker had something of a contentious relationship throughout the Brooklyn . PJ cleared everything up following a game-six victory over the Nets. Tucker turned his attention to her to say, 'I love you,' and creating one of the best moments of the night. This is something I want to do. It's like 'OK man, that was incredible, yu made that. This season, however, the Semi-finals between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks was intense and it all came down to the wire in Game 7. Furkan Korkmaz remains out due to personal reasons. Report: Kevin Durant's 'personal bodyguard' pushed P.J. Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report. It is especially so during the playoffs when he's more locked in than normal. Kevin Durant and P.J. They are extremely close friends and are devoted to one another. Golden State Warriors Kevin Durant (35) passes the ball against the Houston Rockets PJ Tucker (17) during the fourth quarter of a NBA game at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. Tucker: Im living my dream right now guarding Kevin Durant, Why does P.J. PJ Tucker on his relationship with Kevin Durant: Every year, we have a fight. PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two of the best players in the NBA. But no one could decipher what Tucker really said to Wanda. Tucker was a freshman when Durant was a sophomore and the two formed a formidable partnership on the court. You cant help but smile after watching that light-hearted interaction. PJ Tuckers mother, Shirley Tucker, is a Durrant native. I gambled on myself, but I didnt want to. journalistic experience with Chase Your Sport and Dribl. But now that Rapaport exposed Durant on social media, in the social justice conscious NBA, what -- if any -- will be the league's reaction. However, they were teammates on the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors, so its possible they are at least friendly. or redistributed. I cant wait to guard Kevin Durant. PJ Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. Tucker is relishing the daunting challenge. They always push each other on the court, which is a big part of their chemistry. Kevin Durant and P.J. Durant and Rapaport have had a relationship in the past. why Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo hasnt been defending Durant. Today was no different. Although P.J. They really caught it. But now that Rapaport exposed Durant on social media, in the social justice conscious NBA, what -- if any -- will be the league's reaction. If they are not related, they are still close friends who have a lot of respect for each other. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting in his Suns debut, helping Phoenix snap the Charlotte Hornets' five-game winning streak with a wire-to-wire 105-91 victory Wednesday night. Tucker is siding with Kevin Durant. Nobody wants to guard Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant And PJ Tucker Got Into It After A Foul And A Nets Security Guard Pushed Tucker. The video of the conversation between the two is the cutest thing on the internet today. Bettors are focusing on the latter. (Benny Sieu / USA Today) For Tucker, going against Durant was the reward for everything he had gone . Id rather be the man in Europe and win that respect. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. I knew that defense was my way, but that is where I learned to enjoy it and saw how much of an effect it could have on games. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Is Luka Doncics Health At Risk? After P.J. PJ made it clear that he loves going against KD, constantly pushing each other on the court. I made my way overseas. He played one season of college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, where he was named the National Player of the Year. There aren't many guys who can get under Durant's skin when he has the ball in his hands. Market data provided by Factset. The Controversy Surrounding LeBron Jamess Instruction To His Mother During A Post-Game Press Conference: An Analysis, The Phenomenal Polyglot: Uncovering LeBron James Multilingualism, Uncovering The Remarkable PPG Of Lebron James: Exploring His Incomparable Offensive Prowess, The King Of The Court: An Ode To LeBron James And His Record-Breaking Career, The Phenomenal LeBron James Matt: 35 Years Of Inspiration And Success. 0:00. In addition to being close friends, Kyrie and Kevin have dealt with a lot together. In fact, Tucker not only called Durant the best scorer he has ever seen, but he said he dreamt to be in moments like this guarding one of . Vote For Luka Doni To Make The 2020 NBA All-Star Team! NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Believes Rift Between Anthony Davis and LeBron James Could Leave to DallasMavericksMove. Emailed daily. But I didnt know what it meant to be a pro.. The Controversy Surrounding LeBron Jamess Instruction To His Mother During A Post-Game Press Conference: An Analysis, The Phenomenal Polyglot: Uncovering LeBron James Multilingualism, Uncovering The Remarkable PPG Of Lebron James: Exploring His Incomparable Offensive Prowess, The King Of The Court: An Ode To LeBron James And His Record-Breaking Career, The Phenomenal LeBron James Matt: 35 Years Of Inspiration And Success. PJ Tucker is listed as Probable due to calf tightness after missing the second half of Monday's game. I'm nt ging anywhere. Youre gonna get thrown out; then we cant play. So Soft: Twitter Reacts as Kevin Durant Gets Ejected for Elbowing Pistons They have won multiple championships together, and their friendship has been well-documented. When the Bucks veteran mentioned fighting with Durant, he was referring to his physical defense on the Nets forward and their vocal altercations after plays, such as this one from Game 3: Things got CHIPPY, chippy between #KevinDurant & #PJTucker in last nights game 3. He feels that the team has a great chance to win a championship this season. New conversation. But it makes me super humble to be here with every game, every moment. New team, same Kevin Durant. I tell them, Youre going to remember this when youre on that bus in Europe, that you have older guys trying to help you see through this, and you wouldnt see that. Tucker finally had the last laugh in this long-standing battle with Kevin Durant as the Milwaukee Bucks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after beating the Brooklyn Nets in Over Time. But Tucker is making Durant work. Ajayi Browne. The Nets, of course, lost to the Bucks in the last seconds of the game. I love what I do. Miami Heat forward P.J. The two were cursing and throwing insults at each other and the former NBA MVP called Rapaport a "fkin pale ck sucker.". Even with a couple of slow games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Durant wasn't really bothered by the defense or antics of Patrick . PJ Tucker and Kevin Durant are two professional basketball players who have played together on multiple teams throughout their careers. Who Is Mikal Bridges Girlfriend Grainger Rosati? NBA player P.J. Durant will need to show up big again, as the Nets have already ruled out Kyrie Irving and James Harden is clearly not playing like himself as he has only scored 14 points combined in his two games back. This article first appeared on Sideline Sources and was syndicated with permission. Tucker has been going after Durant on the defensive end all series long, and he has done well against Durant. However, since joining the NBA, the duo has faced each other on several big occasions. K is having a miserable night! Rapaport later posted a clip from the show of the two talking about seats for the NBA Finals while Durant was with the Golden State Warriors. Kevin Durant was the most widely regarded prospect among all forwards in the 2003 NBA draft. Tucker and Durant were engaged in a serious duel throughout the series. Tucker is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Durant and Tucker had to be separated by the other players on the court, Milwaukee coachesand security even had to run onto the court to make sure the incident didn't escalate. After coming back from a 28-point deficit on Friday, Mikal Bridges feels that offense isn't the issue for the Nets. I said I love you mom and she right in stride, she says I love you too. Kevin Durant and PJ Tucker are alumni of the same college in Texas. In the Rockets second-round matchup against the Warriors, it hasnt been easy. I was going to get paid a couple million [in Russia]. Tucker have faced off multiple times over the years especially in the playoffs. Tucker play so hard? More on this storyline. It was both a heated and hilarious exchange between Tucker and Wanda at the same time. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Tucker in Brooklyn& It is impossible to overestimate the friendship between Kyrie and Kevin. PJ Tucker was a guest on Iman Shumperts podcast for two years ago. Jackson State. Alcorn State. Right now, while Im in the playoffs, I dont try to look back at it, Tucker told The Undefeated. It is difficult to win a Final Four game, but there is only one winner. You feel like youre better than anybody. Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. A mic'd-up P.J. That is like a part of my job too. A player like Kevin, theres no time off, you cant relax for one second. I really take pride in being a good vet and helping guys see the way. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. When LaMarcus Aldridge agreed to a buyout with the San Antonio Spurs last week, Kevin Durant moved quickly to ensure that they had not had another missed opportunity 15 years from now. During the Nets second-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks last season, he had numerous more interactions with KD. I couldnt get reps in practice. He played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, and was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft. Dallas Mavericks Star Struggles In Playoffs And Fans Worry, LeBron James: Building A Legacy Of Empowerment And Hope Through I Promise, The Resilience Of Love: A Look At LeBron & Savannahs Timeless Relationship. He writes about about basketball news, tips, NBA teams and more. Tucker said he sees the NBA through a different lens now and truly appreciates every single game he plays.