NBA: Ranking all 30 starting power forwards for 2018-19

17. P.J. Tucker, Houston Rockets

P.J. Tucker continues to be the unsung hero of virtually every team he plays on, raw statistics be damned. When the Houston Rockets switched to him as the starting power forward over Ryan Anderson last year, it unlocked something special on the defensive end. That change should stay firmly intact in 2018-19, Carmelo Anthony or no Carmelo Anthony.

With Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute gone, the Rockets desperately need defense on the wing and in the frontcourt for small-ball lineups. Since we already slotted James Ennis in at the 3, Tucker gets the nod as the undersized 4 who’s strong, smart and tenacious enough to hold down the fort there.

The Rockets could start Tucker at the 3 and put Melo at the 4 where he belongs, but Anthony’s defense is going to be too much of a liability with the starting group. The Rockets would be better off letting Melo thrive in the second unit as a microwave bench scorer, allowing this defensive bulldog and 37.1 percent 3-point shooter from last year to continue doing his thing.