Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from a disastrous start to camp

3. Don’t forget about P.J. Tucker

At times reduced to a virtual curiosity as a 6’5″ center last season, P.J. Tucker is due for an extension as he goes into the final season of his contract.

His salary is remarkably team-friendly as he’s actually on a declining deal, and needless to say after a season of banging with the biggest and strongest men on the planet last season, most of whom have 6-to-10 inch advantages on him, he’d like to be compensated for his time and effort.

It doesn’t look like such an extension is forthcoming.

During Monday’s media availability, he was asked if there were any discussions with the Rockets organization about a contract extension. After a pregnant pause, he gave a brief answer that says it all: “Next question.”

These aren’t Les Alexander’s Rockets. Playing well and playing hard apparently won’t guarantee to get you paid when you play for this organization. In this new era of Rockets basketball, we’re seeing that there are some players who will not necessarily get taken care of even when they put it all on the line for their team and teammates.

Hopefully, that doesn’t end up being P.J. Tucker’s story in Houston, but at this early stage, things aren’t looking good.