Houston Rockets: Why PJ Tucker needs a larger role in the offense

The Houston Rockets have had a really rough start to the 2018-19 season. However, PJ Tucker has been a bright spot, here’s why he needs to see an offensive role increase.

It’s safe to say that no one saw this terrible start to the season coming for the Houston Rockets. They’re currently two games below .500 at 11-13. They’re also 13th place in the Western Conference. That is a far, quick tumble from where this team was last season.

It begs the question, how much do the Rockets miss Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute? Carmelo Anthony obviously wasn’t able to help replace them. Is James Ennis unable of providing a similar impact even though he’s been playing well? Additionally, are we finally seeing the beginning of the decline of Chris Paul? These are the questions that come to mind when examining this season.

James Harden and Clint Capela are having phenomenal seasons but the rest of the team has been able to capture the magic they’ve been creating. Eric Gordon has been surging lately, which is a good thing but so far it hasn’t provided a major boost to the team.

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The Houston Rockets are searching far and wide for external help. It has been reported that a trade could be coming as early as this weekend. Regardless, it’s going to take more than just one person who doesn’t know the system to turn this season around and climb back up the Western Conference rankings.

P.J. Tucker has seen a role increase this season, already. He’s playing over 35 minutes per game, he’s taken over as the Rockets primary defensive stopper and leader. More so, he’s taken on a larger offensive burden, close to the largest of his career. He’s shooting more threes than he ever has and he is also making them more often than he ever has.

Perhaps, a solution to some of the Rockets woes this season would be to get the ball to Tucker more on offense. It’s true, he is producing at a higher level than he ever has from three but there could also still be plenty of room for growth.

Tucker is only shooting 6.5 shots per game while making 2.8 per game. The majority of those shots are coming from beyond the arc, 4.8. On these shots, he’s still only averaging 8 points per game. That is not a lot by any standard but, especially for a starter on a team that’s supposed to have one of the highest scoring offenses in the league.

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Tucker led the NBA in corner threes last season and he is currently on his way to doing the same this year. He’s shooting the most from the corner while also making the most from the corner. He shooting 41% from three, overall, this year. From both corners, he is shooting 53%. He is especially effective from the right corner.

With his effectiveness from beyond the arc, Harden, Paul, and whoever else may orchestrate the offense need to look for Tucker more offense. Without a doubt, this will likely drive down his percentages but if he’s shooting more he should be able to score more even if his efficiency declines slightly.

Giving Tucker the opportunity to contribute more on offense should greatly help out the Houston Rockets in their quest to return to the playoffs once more. If they do, Tucker might average double-digit points for the first time in his career. If they do, Tucker will finally receive the recognition he deserves while the Rockets benefit.

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Tucker is averaging 8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game so far this season for the Houston Rockets. It’s hard for his overall role to increase this season but he should receive a greater offensive burden.

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