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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason targets for the Oklahoma City Thunder

By Akash Anavarathan

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 21: Russell Westbrook
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 21: Russell Westbrook /
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Apr 27, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker (2) shoots during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker (2) shoots during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

4. PJ Tucker, SF, Toronto Raptors

The next major need is at the small forward position. Say what you want about Andre Roberson as a defender. He’s got the size, length and athletic ability to check most perimeter players in the NBA. But his game on the offensive end is so pathetic that he’s basically given the Tony Allen treatment.

Defenders give him loads of space and dare him to shoot from the perimeter. He’s also given the Hack-A-Roberson treatment, which takes the ball out of Westbrook’s hands and slows the pace down. The Thunder small forward is a restricted free agent this summer and they would be best served letting him walk, or at least finding a way to reduce their reliance on him.

Now, let’s go find a “3-and-D” that can give you something similar on the defensive end, but waaaaay more on the other side of the court. In comes in PJ Tucker, who was recruited to Toronto for the exact same reason — check LeBron in the playoffs and hit wide-open shots off of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan drives.

Tucker averaged 5.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game with the Toronto Raptors in 24 appearances. He was able to alleviate pressure off of Lowry and DeRozan on the defensive end. At 6-foot-6, Tucker has the size and skill to be able to cover most wings in the NBA.

His 3-point shooting was at 40 percent with Toronto during his 24-game stretch. I’m sure it’ll only improve when he gets wide-open looks in Oklahoma City thanks to Russell Westbrook. More two-way players for the Thunder is exactly what they need. Look for them to kick the ries on Tucker this summer.

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