Much to Kendrick Perkins' surprise, PJ Tucker of the Houston Rockets was left out from the All-Defensive Teams. Via Twitter, Perkins had some choice words for the snub.
Perkins expressed his disappointment on social media, tagging Tucker's snub as “flat out ridiculous.”
PJ Tucker Not Making AN All-Defensive Team Is Flat Out RIDICULOUS!!! Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) September 9, 2020
PJ Tucker's teammate, center Tyson Chandler, also shared his thoughts. For him, Tucker should be a member of the All-Defensive Team.
🗣Tuck should have been on somebody’s all defensive team!
— Tyson Chandler (@tysonchandler) September 9, 2020
The NBA released the members of the All-Defensive First and Second Team on Tuesday. Members of the First Team include Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis, Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, and Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart.
The 2019-20 NBA All-Defensive Second Team consists of LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, Bucks center Brook Lopez, Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo, Clippers guard Patrick Beverley, and Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe.
For Forwards, Tucker did receive 29 votes but it wasn't enough to be selected into one of the teams. As such, Perkins and Chandler have a strong case. After all, Tucker has been the main anchor of the Rockets' defense.
Since the Rockets have opted to play small ball all season long, Tucker — who stands just 6-foot-5 — has been matched up with big men who are a number of inches taller than him. While a mismatch at face value, Tucker has stood his ground and even outclassed his match up several times.
Be as it may, Tucker has certainly earned the respect of his colleagues. He may not go home with the hardware, but he's on everyone's list.
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