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Suns Sign P.J. Tucker

Posted: August 1, 2012

The Phoenix Suns today signed forward P.J. Tucker, the team has announced.

“In Las Vegas this summer P.J. impressed our entire front office and coaching staff with his approach to the game, both on and off the court,” said Suns General Manager Lance Blanks. “It was obvious to all of us that P.J.’s aggressive style of play will fit well with our organization. We are very excited to have him as part our team going forward.”

Tucker, a 6-6, 224-pound forward, joins the Suns after spending the last five seasons playing internationally in some of the top leagues around the world. Originally the 35th overall selection (second round) of the 2006 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, Tucker has played 17 career NBA games, all with the Raptors and all in 2006-07, when he averaged 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds.

In the time since his first NBA stint, Tucker has gained professional experience in Puerto Rico (Quebradillas), Italy (Fabi Shoes MGR), Greece (Aris), Ukraine (BC Donetsk), where he was the league’s leading scorer, Israel (Bnei Hasharon), where he was voted league Most Valuable Player, and most recently in Germany (Brose Baskets). Tucker averaged 16.2 points and 7.1 rebounds in 44 games this past season in Germany and was named the MVP of the German League Finals.

Tucker was a member of the Suns’ 2012 Las Vegas Summer League squad, averaged 5.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in 21.6 minutes while appearing in all five contests, and was called “a man after my own heart” by Suns Assistant Coach Dan Majerle because of how hard he plays. Tucker shot 50.0 percent from the field in Summer League play.

A three-year performer at the University of Texas, Tucker averaged 13.7 points and 8.2 rebounds in 87 career games (69 starts), including 16.1 points and 9.5 rebounds as a junior when he was named the 2006 Big 12 Player of the Year. The former Longhorn’s given name is Anthony Leon Tucker.

The Suns’ roster now stands at 12. An updated Phoenix roster is attached.