Exclusive: PJ Tucker and The Untold Story Of How He Was Cut By The Toronto Raptors

"I've never told this story before..."
PJ Tucker (The Miami Heat) has made an amazing career for himself but it wasn't always sunshine. Here he tells a fascinating story about The Toronto Raptors meeting w/ him in the locker-room to show him footage of himself on the bench. PJ remembers it as a wake-up-call and shares how it changed his entire perspective. The full episode drops first thing in the morning.
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[@cwong6204]

PJ’s a character. Just looking at this headline, I thought he was gonna to blame everything on the Raptors. But he put it on himself, and ended up a better man. 👍

[@MastermindRell]

😂😂😂😂 headline comment

[@stanleylee8709]

L

[@clutch7548]

@@stanleylee8709 750 likes compared to your 0 L

[@DanGolag]

I mean I'm more than happy to see some Colangelo slander, And I remember how badly we ended needing that sort of guy on the team after Jorge fucked his leg up, but the way he tells it it really may have been the best thing for him.

[@Chris_T1an]

As a Rap fan, I really liked PJ Tucker's aggressiveness. He was a bulldog out there. I thought it was a bad move cutting him.

[@eyeonsquatch]

One thing that sets this show apart from many others is JJ and Tommy's ability to let the guest tell their story. JJ is great at setting the scene, then sitting back and letting the guest create the narrative. It helps when you have a guest who is interesting and well spoken, like PJ.

[@mr.stuntington2163]

Underrated comment 💯💯💯

[@ObiAmajoyiSrMD]

Top comment. I totally agree. You took the words right out of my mouth. Tommy and JJ do an incredible job!

[@AnthonyWarrickArt]

Very eloquent analysis my friend

[@rajaeri2085]

Couldn’t agree more. The only thing holding him back is the guests. I love how innocent he can talk to people. It flows like a general conversation. I would love for the show to elevate. Now that he’s retired. I’d love something like Seinfeld’s “riding in cars with comedians”. But more like “JJ hooping, with players” and an interview.

[@semi6544]

Your comment is outstanding so I hate to tear down one very small part of it. I just feel it is important to say. Saying someone is well-spoken is a trash compliment. It feels even worse to hear because the compliment usually appears when complimenting a minority. The compliment itself makes the assumption I didn't expect someone like you to speak well. The actions most taken throughout life are breathing, blinking, talking, and walking. Being complimented on speaking well would sound just as silly as saying he walks so well. The only way that becomes a compliment is if someone was disabled and just recently learned to walk again. Maybe it is just me being hyperbolic. I have received the well-spoken compliment a lot growing up. It feels like someone looking down on you acknowledging you do something as easy as speaking well. When I see the compliment of a white person being well-spoken and that person isn't a teenager or younger, it will be the first time I have ever seen it.

[@BlockzHD_]

Nothing but love for PJ he a solid player man for real🤌🏽

[@Haaaveeyy]

Yeah the casuals/clowns like to discredit players like PJ, but there’s a reason guys like that end up on championship teams. No big stats, just a big impact everywhere outside of the stat sheet.

[@mjxgr33n48]

PJ instead of Melo is wrong 😭 I understand the Mills over Russ tho

[@LosDoyerss]

@@Haaaveeyy WTF does he impact averaging less than five points a game? 🤡

[@Haaaveeyy]

@@LosDoyerss and here goes one of the casuals/clowns I was talking about.

[@CindiKRyan]

Loved having PJ on the Bucks and was bummed he didn’t stay but happy he got a ring here!! Good for him to take his whole experience with the Raptors and use it to motivate himself to be such a great player. He gives 150% every second on the floor. I wish PJ nothing but the best! Great interview JJ & co.

[@Plague_Doc22]

He wanted to stay too, the bucks just said nah which is odd to me.

[@itscreativedreams]

@@Plague_Doc22 owners didn't wanna go deep into luxury tax which is dumb imo

[@Plague_Doc22]

@@itscreativedreams But they added other guys. Could've just kept him, he wasnt gonna demand much at his age.

[@itscreativedreams]

@@Plague_Doc22 We had his bird rights too so it wouldn’t affect anything else. But according to him, they lowballed him and offered a small amount

[@Plague_Doc22]

@@itscreativedreams I mean the guy is quite old at this point and should've taken less to stay on the team.

[@thawkereynolds]

Wow, the way he holds himself accountable… powerful

[@brianmathews2926]

I remember being truly gutted after his 2nd stint with Toronto, when they just couldn't do enough to keep him and he went to Houston in free agency. The guy impacts winning wherever he goes. I think the Bucks will really miss him this year come playoff time, he was a big part of getting that organization over the hump.

[@Damari90]

For sure the bucks will miss him and he does have a winning impact. Look at the Heat coming back playing like it’s 2020 all over

[@seanjjpaul]

Same dude

[@jakobthepig5910]

🍷

[@jakobthepig5910]

@@Damari90 🍷

[@Damari90]

@@jakobthepig5910 🍻

[@theDanDeleon]

Love this story. Love his heart. Glad he got his ring.

[@shotbboy]

this is what an accountable man sounds like, glad to see him matured and can pass down his wisdom to the younger players. karma got him a ring last season

[@mattdavid716]

Karma? Looked like Giannis to me

[@shotbboy]

@@mattdavid716 Giannis was not the sole reason for last year's run, come on now

[@percussionjamz6704]

@@shotbboy pj been guarding the best o players in the playoffs for like 5 years straight. his defence and presence on the floor is a major factor on why the bucks won!

[@thunderking8925]

Rigged ring

[@kev1965]

Still rmbr that very brief second stint with the raptors where he instantly became a fan favourite just cause he would leave it all on the court every game. Was sad to see him leave that season but glad that he got a ring finally cause he deserves it

[@ibrahimnoormohammed3118]

LEBRON STOPPER

[@bobbucks]

I love the self awareness that comes with age. Some people never get it.

[@lucaswedderburn]

Frrrrrrr

[@shauns.6231]

That's a man right there. His early struggles are so painful he can barely talk about it, even now. He put in the work and made it all the way back. Inspiring.

[@YouMyNInja]

PJ man one of the most underrated players of our time. Literally guard 1-5. Plays his role to a T

[@mt7810]

@@balobalola8957 only man that can acc guard 1-5 is og anounoby

[@roddbanks103]

@@mt7810 definitely Draymond. He’s done it for years. I literally seen him do it in 1 play

[@mt7810]

@@roddbanks103 yeah forsure

[@ryu-ken]

He's this generation's robert horry

[@alwaysvibing2158]

@@balobalola8957 lol the spurs tried to get kawhi to guard bron in finals , even tho spurs won Lebron averaged 32 I think 😂

[@pigspigs76]

Real dude, clearly he's matured into his best self

[@michaelgindin]

I remember watching PJ win in Israel. The guy really gave everything he had and played so hard. It's really uncommon to see that among American players playing overseas, most of them just use their talent and athletic superiority to dominate, without really putting a whole lot of effort defensively. PJ was a different beast. From an effort level - he played just as hard in Isreal's playoffs as he played In the NBA Finales.

[@charliezhang7319]

This guy got cut from the raptors, worked hard, was amazing overseas, got back, was the anchor in defense for all the teams he played for. I'm just happy he got a chip with the bucks

[@j-dizzle6264]

Great interview... honest, heart felt responses. Already had a lot of respect for Tucker... for being tough and a great team player. This interview just makes me respect him even more for having the mental strength to work his way back. RESPECT!

[@pattho9427]

JJ. Dang. I shake my head ever time I watch your shows. Simple. No hype. Just pure, honest content. This is one of the greatest examples of making your own way. I love this stuff!

[@eliasw6474]

Loved his attitude when he was given the chance to play for the Suns. Since then, I have been following his career and was so happy he got himself a ring last season!

[@Moonshot73]

Respect for anyone that learns and grows with an open mind. Well done.

[@freddycalipari4242]

He came back from Europe with guard skills. When Toronto drafted him he was a 6’6 energy guy lol and he’s right most pfs were really centers then

[@remyphilly5168]

He's 6'3*

[@reecemason8314]

@@remyphilly5168 nah he’s 6’5

[@chrispolanco1913]

welcome to heat nation pimp. you already making an impact, its appreciated

[@liekabauz]

Loved pj and I remembered how he was unruly back in Toronto. Now I know why he changed himself into the player he is today. Mad respect to you PJ. You a real man.

[@enigmaballer24]

2017 when he got traded back to Toronto, his career took off after that. Tuck a real one in this league

[@BobBoican]

We loved having him in Toronto, him and Ibaka brought a new identity to the team that carried forward for years to come. Really happy he got a ring

[@noahcricket]

No his career took off in Phoenix.

[@remyphilly5168]

@@noahcricket shut up casual

[@pdboomin2]

So happy PJ won a ring !! Great player , even better person

[@johnkttraining]

I wanted to hear about his second stint with the raptors and how that was like for him!

[@MykeLeung]

The 2nd stint was already with a different front office.

[@johnkttraining]

@@MykeLeung Im well aware of that. I mean to have HIM discuss how Toronto even came up, what was the discussion like, how did he understand his role, then going to Houston, was it an easy decision? Letting the player speak for himself instead of guessing.

[@W1ll88]

@@MykeLeung I feel like there's probably an episode of "Open Gym" about it on the Raptors channel

[@The2ndavepete]

Held himself accountable and went on to be a champion! GREAT story

[@juelzisback]

Remember watching him at Texas earned everything he got been a hooper good to see him find his role and stay in the LG....

[@2taggs2]

These interviews are so great. You get to really discover players personalities a lot more. Which is good - so many players come off really good on here being honest and forthright. Players you never even heard speak before.

[@fojemo1661]

Congrats on your new job at ESPN. I hope and wish you still have time for this because this is gold.

[@wannabelikegzus]

Easily one of the wisest perspectives I've ever heard. Much respect.

[@MaxJoseph999]

Wow speechless. Amazing sharing from PJ. Great questions from JJ too

[@alsaldana382]

need this episode 🔥

[@sydneydance]

This was such a good and insightful story. So many lessons. Can't wait for the full episode!

[@ilansimon3962]

I remember him playing here in israel in Hapoel Holon it’s crazy! Now he is a champ and every team wants him as a veteran. Still a great defender. Great for u tucker🙌

[@hooper412]

Can't wait for this to drop

[@jaygeeeeee]

Miss him in Milwaukee

[@MrBobbyCrane]

That is a real Heat lifer right there!!!!!!!!! So much love for this man and how he carries himself. I love that he is part of our team. He is Heat culture personified. Nothing but respect to the teams that shaped him and the huge amount of hard work PJ has put in to himself to become someone that I want my kids to look up to. 🔥🔥🔥

[@plyingod]

Introspective and honest. That's refreshing.

[@j2amie693]

They didn't respect him in his rookie season cause he only had one pair of shoes

[@joetlr41]

Takes alot of humility to admit to why he didn’t succeed. A lot of players need to take thay approach (Ben Simmons) and admit when they are wrong and make changes

[@noskillant6168]

This is the sports page i needed. Great interview.

[@leavesoflemons5374]

great episode, I prefer these kinds of episodes over the normal interviewing stuff, cuz we hear moving stories.

[@Anderson_Se7en]

One of my favorite clips this year

[@jdeo8776]

PJ is a great dude for experiencing what he did, and sharing it now with others ... talk about a 360 turn from when he first got drafted.

[@khem3275]

I love who PJ has become! Glad he a champ now

[@toddpeterson2992]

After everything he went through, he gets his his ring with the Bucks. Even though he left us, he will always hold a place in my heart for what he did to help us win the championship. Great player and even better person.

[@Lifeattheloadingdock]

Wow the guys super humble! Maximum respect

[@Michigan_dad]

This conversation is deep!!! Love it!

[@HashimWarren]

Dang, JJ is a really good interviewer. He shuts and up let's the man talk

[@winterland122977]

Love this guy even more now. You are always welcome on Golden State Mr. Tucker!

[@dinoosmic7985]

wow great interview

[@KuyaArbin]

I liked PJ's second run in Toronto. We all loved him and still do! We welcome him back anytime!

[@ismaileffendi2830]

He was one of those who got away. I remember his time in Toronto as a fan (from distance). He was used as a muscular center/forward. Anyways, that was a very, very different Toronto team. We had drafted Bargniani then who did not work out. Everything in Toronto changed drastically after Masai and Lowry got together. It is a different culture from what one can see from distance. I wish Tucker the best and under Lowry, the Heat can go all the way. And the Bucks deserved to win last year.

[@carlosmann9438]

Great interview

[@RevoZtuns]

now he got a ring, and played a huge role in getting one too. gotta respect pj

[@avs244]

I need this full podcast 🥴🥴

[@burnixone]

Spotify my guy go there. Old Man and the Three

[@cactusfroth]

its literally on this channel, go watch it there are other interesting parts as well

[@avs244]

@@cactusfroth it wasn’t when I wrote that obviously

[@nolmeda31]

Wow this story is inspiring!

[@KertoBrand]

This was good insight!

[@jwalker2906]

In person is the way to go. & this story helps, & PJ is great so it’s an awesome episode and all but in person is great and I FINALLY subscribed because of this vid. Just though you may want the feedback

[@dasynn85]

These Redick interviews are good!

[@hk45kh]

wow, inspirational!

[@randallmadison9910]

JJ really does a good job interviewing people.

[@kevo3985]

I love this podcast I was in middle school when jj and pj were in college I remember shooting ball outside my home wanting to be like jj haha I'm in Kentucky everyone was passed cause I always loved Duke, keep up the great work wish everyone the best

[@dylancanoville]

Especially as a heat fan I’m loving Pj so much more

[@gseric4721]

Bro, that is crazy 🤦🏾‍♂️ That's why I never recall seeing a young P.J. Tucker on the floor in the NBA. Had no idea he had such a struggle early in his career.

[@joemeade8489]

PJ Tucker one of my favorite players, i would always use him in my 2k draft teams for a solid 3 and D guy, high IQ and can pass. NBA champion for a reason.

[@lamdao4128]

PJ a dawg! But cannot imagine him playing pg lol my imagination aint good enough

[@danielgibson971]

😂😂 word

[@BrandonDoinTheDamnThang]

Tried to imagine it, I was disgusted

[@jamariholmes5641]

@@BrandonDoinTheDamnThang 😂 as you should be

[@joshwarrey3728]

He's the same mold as Draymond

[@jamariholmes5641]

@@joshwarrey3728 yeah he just can't run an nba offense like draymond

[@triplejaiden]

what a crazy story

[@TheNewYOYO9500]

I’m really happy for this man and the fact he got a ring makes me even happier

[@mohammadmazen8590]

Hounestly this is one of the best intrivews i seen in my life

[@elitekingsclash7140]

Need the full podcast

[@bobdole930]

As a Raps fan happy to see you get that gold last year. One of the most hustle guys out there, defends like a monster. To be real, was surprised to not see you come back, guessing Houston gave you a better deal.

[@peterhatesyou]

Love JJ the player, love JJ the podcast even more

[@granddolph]

great interview and great stemware

[@c0c054]

Ur my idol Pj and my favorite player. I am inspired by u in life and in basketball.

[@deetaylor334]

Pj is underrated he’s got a resume

[@MrSupraman15]

Pj is one of the hardest players I've ever seen play...such a beast

[@alxd5068]

insight is a hell of a thing

[@drmontano9414]

best interview love our heat team

[@dee_2330]

He was in a good situation in Milwaukee Can’t deny that.

[@jyudat4433]

wisdom bro

[@cameronfowler2670]

PJ holds HIMSELF accountable and not just the raps. There’s a reason any team he goes to wins a lot of playoff games… man does his job. Walking underrated W

[@jameshoops10]

0:25 so meme worthy 🤣 get your screenshots in fellas

[@bahgitigray8307]

My favourite NBA defender beside OG‼️

[@Watchvide0]

As a Raptor fan I remember his rookie season well because it was the first full year under Colangelo and he completely rebuilt the team from the ground up so there was no old head in place to mentor PJ. Maybe Mo-Pete. But Bosh was only going into his 4th season, Jose Calderon was only around about a year at that point. Bargnani was a rookie, TJ Ford was just brought in, Anthony Parker had just come from overseas, so did an old Garbajosa who was an old vet but still an NBA "rookie". I just think there was too many new faces with everyone thinking of their own situation first and finding their own way. Wish we had the 905 in those days. And it was cool when PJ came back for those few months in 2017 as the player he is now.

[@72defender]

Sometimes you need to be humbled... PJ, instead of being bitter, became better!

[@theriaultfamily5779]

Pj is a class act. I hope he helps the next generation out like he would have liked.

[@davesollows7534]

So many today lay blame at others feet..it takes a good man to admit his focus and attitude were the problem.. Big Ups Mr. Tucker .. Respect 🙏 Great Bball content JJ ...for all of us wanted to be pro hoopers

[@aboutmillions]

Gelo reminds me alot of PJ Tucker's journey

[@ericfranciscardino1855]

ive watch his lateral defense and he can stay and move his feet even the likes of ja morant....underrated defensive player and a good one for the heat

[@joed2749]

i respect him more now. 🙌

[@amaaclay3891]

Shout out to PJ and the grind

[@armandosuba3427]

He's being real.... Overcoming challenges

[@dannynbass7]

Great story

[@mandlatube]

PJ is legit...hes getting into my favourite list....

[@Ballardgeonte]

It's crazy cuz 2k18 story line is literally based on PJ😂

[@algodcan1algodcan196]

jj will be have the number 1 sports podcast ever

[@dylanweinand-flannery3778]

Alters posture is legendary

[@soroushai2374]

I didn't like bucks winning the chip but i was happy that Pj got his ring. One of my top 5 favorite players

[@Neomniblad]

Dope story