After spending plenty of time away from the game, the former Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker has decided to announce his retirement from the NBA.
On Thursday night, the veteran forward took to Instagram to send a message to his 950K+ followers.
PJ Tucker’s Official Statement
via PJ Tucker on Instagram: 20 years being my job but 40 plus years of not being able to fathom doing anything other than it. So here’s to retiring from the NBA… because I will NEVER stop ballin 🙌🏽🤞🏽
NBA World Shows Love To PJ Tucker
Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 13: P.J. Tucker #17 of the New York Knicks attempts a shot during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 13, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
Some of Tucker’s former teams left messages on Tucker’s post…
Sixers: ❤️💙
Bucks: Congrats champ! 🏆
Tucker spent a short time with the Milwaukee Bucks, but he helped the team win their latest championship back in 2021.
Karl-Anthony Towns: Salute to a real OG 🫡
Russell Westbrook: My dog!! Congratulations my brother!! Real 1
DeMarcus Cousins: Congrats!! 👏
Photo by Elsa/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 05: P.J. Tucker #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a stop in play against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 05, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Rudy Gay: Never stop ballin
Jared Dudley: Helluva career Champ! Welcome to the other side! Bigger and better things coming for you brotha ! Congrats on a great career ! 1st Team All Defense ☝🏽
Victor Oladipo: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Georges Niang: Congrats 🙌
Jermaine O’Neal: Congrats my brother!
PJ Tucker’s Career
GettyP.J. Tucker #17 of the Miami Heat in the second half of their game against the New York Knicks at FTX Arena on January 26, 2022.
The former Texas standout was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors.
After just one season with the Raptors, PJ Tucker spent some time playing overseas. After putting together an impressive overseas resume, Tucker returned to the NBA, where he would become one of the most notable role players in the game.
Tucker spent five seasons with the Phoenix Suns, four years with the Houston Rockets, two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors, then had one-year runs with the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the New York Knicks.
Tucker played in 886 games. He averaged 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. The veteran shot 36.6% from three throughout his career.