When the Houston Rockets traded Clint Capela in a deal for Robert Covington near the trade deadline, everyone just assumed that the Rockets would acquire another big man to replace Capela.

They didn't.

As a result, P.J. Tucker has had to take on the responsibility of playing center. And whether or not he enjoys it doesn't really matter. It's just something he has to do:

“It’s not a choice,” said Tucker, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. “It’s like when people ask me why I play so hard. Like, it’s not a choice to play hard. I don’t have a choice. That’s what you’ve got to do. Period.”

Tucker said that he is perfectly fine in any role as long as it gives him a chance to compete for a title.

“You’re just holding it down no matter what, with everything that’s going on,” Tucker said. “You don’t really have time to sit around and process what’s going on. And at the end of the day, I don’t think it really mattered. Not for me, with how I play and what I bring to the team and what I look to do.”

Related NewsArticle continues below
Ranking 5 best Darius Garland trade destinations if Cavs blow it up
Ranking 5 best Darius Garland trade destinations if Cavs blow it up
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) fight for position in the first half at Footprint Center.
Houston Rockets’ 2 best trades using No. 10 pick in 2025 NBA Draft

In 58 games this season, Tucker is averaging 7.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals over 34.5 minutes per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the floor, 37.4 percent from three-point range and 84.1 percent from the free-throw line.

The 34-year-old is now in his third year with the Rockets and has never missed a game since joining the club.

It certainly seems safe to say that Tucker, who spent five seasons out of the NBA between 2007-08 and 2011-12, has found a home in Houston.

The Rockets are 38-20 thus far this season.