NBA veteran PJ Tucker breaks down why the sharpshooter’s elite floor-spacing is the perfect ingredient to unlock the Miami Heat's offense alongside stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
MIAMI, Fla. – In an episode of Uninterrupted Weekley, former Miami Heat forward PJ Tucker approved the franchise’s signing of Klay Thompson and sees the benefits of playing alongside All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
“They need shooting,” he said. “He’s a shooter. You got to load up on Giannis. [The Heat have] a good starting five.”
Tucker spent just one season (2021-22) with the South Florida organization, but it was statistically one of his best in a 14-year NBA career. He averaged 7.6 points on 48.4 percent shooting, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 71 games (70 starts). Tucker helped the Heat reach the Eastern Conference Finals, but fell short after seven games against the Boston Celtics.
Although it was one-and-done, the 41-year-old was a favorite among the South Florida fan base. Tucker embodied what the Heat stood for, including hard work, hustle, and intense defense. After the season, he signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Tucker spent his last season (2024-25) in the league with the New York Knicks. He only appeared in three games, primarily serving in a veteran leadership role with a strong voice in the locker room. Tucker was part of the Knicks’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Indiana Pacers eliminated them after six games. The following season, the historic franchise claimed its third NBA title, ending a 53-year drought.
Although Tucker doesn’t receive a ring, he called it a career on a high note. He shares a similar experience to Thompson, joining the Heat at an older age. Tucker was 36; meanwhile, the four-time NBA Champion will turn 37 years old in the 2026-27 season.
However, Thompson is looking to prove that he can still deliver a winning impact. As Tucker stated, he will provide floor-spacing next to Antetokounmpo and Adebayo. Thompson has shot a 15-year career 40.9 percent from behind the arc. He has the fourth-most three-pointers made in league history – 2,899 and counting – and 75 away from passing Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Champion Ray Allen on the all-time list.
The Heat are among the early favorites to win the Eastern Conference. They will have 31 opportunities to show fans on national television why. Thompson is projected to be a starter, but the journey starts in training camp, which is approaching.
Tucker understands what it takes to win a championship alongside Antetokounmpo and it appears the Heat have the pieces to get it done.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
