The New York Knicks are mounting for a late-season push, as they remain the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference in mid-March, which is likely where they will be come playoff time.
While they'll have to fend off the Milwaukee Bucks, who are just below them in the standings, many don't believe the Knicks are true contenders.
The overall consensus is that the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers are the leaders in the East, and it's essentially a two-man race to reach the NBA Finals out of the conference.
With this, New York is keen to prove that they belong in the conversation as a contender. To do so, they recently made a minor roster move to add to their overall depth.
It was reported the Knicks signed P.J. Tucker -- a long-time league veteran who won an NBA title in 2021 -- to a 10-day contract.
May 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward P.J. Tucker (17) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers in game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Knicks officially announce Tucker's addition
On Monday, the club officially announced the addition of Tucker, as they are out on the West Coast on a road trip.
"The New York Knicks announced today that the team has signed P.J. Tucker to a 10-day contract," the Knicks wrote in a statement. "Tucker, 39-years-old (6-5, 245-pounds), appeared in 31 games (10 starts) with the 76ers and Clippers last season, recording 1.7 points (37.1% 3PT%) and 2.7 rebounds over 15.7 minutes.
"Tucker, over his 13-year career, has made at least 50 three-pointers and recorded at least 50 steals nine times each. He holds career averages of 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals over 28.2 minutes in 883 games (666 starts) for the Raptors, Suns, Rockets, Bucks Heat, 76ers and Clippers.
"...He was a member of the 2021 NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks, in which he played in 23 games (19 starts) recording 4.3 points, 4.8 rebounds. During Milwaukee's title run, Tucker was one of four players to total at least 110 rebounds along with 20 steals in the postseason."
The Knicks are adding a title-winning forward, who will prove to be a locker room addition and culture-setting player.
New York head coach Tom Thibodeau is known for his hard-nosed style, which promotes defensive play. While the Knicks haven't exactly played into that style this season, key players returning to the hardwood and Tucker joining the squad will help in that aspect.
The Knicks are set to square off against the Sacramento Kings tonight.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 12:15 PM.