Bright Side Of The Sun - Phoenix Suns P.J. Tucker 2014-15 troublesDedicated to Phoenix Suns Basketball since 2006https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47819/bs-fv.png2015-04-30T07:07:26-07:00http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/rss/stream/82848362015-04-30T07:07:26-07:002015-04-30T07:07:26-07:00Report Card: Tucker delivers but disappoints
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This was not the magical year that <span>P.J. Tucker</span>, or anyone with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a>, hoped for. Tucker did not do himself any favors either.</p>
<p>While his bottom line numbers were nearly identical year over year, no one - not even P.J. Tucker - would say it was as impactful or as positive.</p>
<p>Last year, his <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/4/27/5656708/phoenix-suns-report-card-p-j-tucker" target="_blank">9 points and 6 rebounds per game were given an A- on the season</a>, and no one really expected any improvement from him year over year. We knew that was a career year and were happy to get it. Check out the article and comments (from many of the same readers who will comment this year) by <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/4/27/5656708/phoenix-suns-report-card-p-j-tucker" target="_blank">clicking the link in this paragraph.</a></p>
<p>Well, P.J. delivered the same bottom line - 9 and 6 - this year, but no one thinks it was a great year. Yet, he's still the same guy he's always been and that's not all bad.</p>
<h3>The ugly</h3>
<p>Let's just get this out of the way. P.J. Tucker had a no-good, very bad year off the court. He started it by <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/7/28/5946621/phoenix-suns-p-j-tucker-arrested-and-charged-with-super-extreme-d-u-i" target="_blank">getting a Super Extreme DUI </a>and proceeded to "miss the team bus" at least two times during the season, resulting in several games missed due to suspension.</p>
<p>Tucker also contributed to the Suns' tech fest, famously refusing to admit that his technical toward the end of crucial game had an impact on the final outcome. Tucker was benched for the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2015/1/9/7523231/suns-melt-down-the-stretch-lose-to-spurs-100-95">final minutes of the San Antonio game</a>, and then for much of the second half of another game for another tech, before the coach finally lightened the rule after the players convinced him they couldn't possibly stop getting technicals just because everyone wanted them to.</p>
<p>Tucker wasn't good as a leader either. Hornacek called him the closest thing to a leader a year ago, in terms of hyping guys up and leading by example on the court, but this year Tucker lost that edge. Maybe it was the suspension to start the year, and coming off the bench for a month. Maybe it was Tucker being unreliable off the court.</p>
<p>Either way, Tucker may have been an inspiration this year but not in the way he probably wanted to be.</p>
<h3>The bad</h3>
<p>Tucker's stats were basically identical year over year (see below), but the area that came up really short this year - and hurt the Suns a lot - was in his outside shooting.</p>
<p>A year ago, he proved himself as a viable starter by being a quality three-point shooter who could stretch the floor and force the opponent's defender to sit another 2-3 feet closer to the Tucker's corner, which opened passing lanes for driving guards.</p>
<p>But Tucker made only 34.5% of his threes this year after making nearly 39% a year ago. He was asked to take more of those shots this year (3.2 per game this year vs. 2.4 per game a year ago), and just couldn't handle the pressure and keep the defense honest.</p>
<p>Worse, he made just 31% of his threes after the All-Star break, helping the team become the league's worst three-point shooting team in the league.</p>
<h3>The good</h3>
<p>Everything else was pretty darn good. When Tucker was on the court and the ball was live, he was the same guy that inspired players his first two seasons on the squad.</p>
<p>Our own blog <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=brightsideofthesun.com+tucker+player+of+the+week" target="_blank">nominated him for Player of the Week several times</a> this year for his dedication and overall effort whether the shot was falling or not.</p>
<p>His last two seasons have <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tuckepj01.html" target="_blank">nearly been identical on the statistical front</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<ul style="padding: 5px 5px 10px;">
<li style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 15px 8px; list-style: disc;"><span>2014-15: 30.6 min, 3.3 FGM, 7.6 FGA, 43.8% FG, 6.4 REB, 1.6 AST, 1.4 STL, .3 BLK, 9.1 PTS</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 15px 8px; list-style: disc;"><span>2013-14: 30.7 min, 3.3 FGM, 7.6 FGA, 43.1% FG, 6.5 REB, 1.7 AST, 1.4 STL, .3 BLK, 9.4 PTS</span></li>
</ul>
<p>We liked him so much last year, we wanted him to sign a long-term contract to stay with the Suns forever. We thought the Suns had a hidden gem in Tucker who was a lock-down individual defender and quality presence on offense.</p>
<p>He was the same guy this year, just not as likeable. And with not as much support around him.</p>
<p>He's one of the few regulars who actually stepped up in the second half of the season, after all the trades. Tucker upped his averages <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tuckepj01/splits/2015/" target="_blank">from 7.9 points and 5.9 rebounds before the break to 12.4 and 7.4</a>, respectively. But he's not an offensive player, and his surge coincided with the Suns' having one of the league's worst offenses after the break.</p>
<p>He's not a savior, but he's darn right helpful in areas the Suns struggle, like with defense.</p>
<p>Here's a defensive highlights mix made mid-season.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vn_3gco6nqI?rel=0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><i>*thanks to our contributor Sam Cooper for the highlight video!</i></p>
<p>And while P.J. isn't perfect, like here in January against <span>James Harden</span>...</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rfy7qZ0mEd8?rel=0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>...he follows it up with a clinic later in the year defending Harden in one of the best, and last, big Suns wins of the season. SB Nation's Mike Prada <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2015/3/22/8272337/phoenix-suns-defense-james-harden-breakdown" target="_blank">broke it down in this article</a>.</p>
<p><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="308" width="560" src="http://streamable.com/e/dc9q"></iframe></p>
<p>Basically the same exact iso as the game winner Harden had hit earlier in the season, but Tucker defended it much better this time.</p>
<p>Here's another</p>
<p><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="308" width="560" src="http://streamable.com/e/7rtz"></iframe></p>
<p>Read the rest of Prada's article on the Suns' team defense against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> that helped the home team to one of their best, last wins this year.</p>
<p>Two days after that game, <span>Eric Bledsoe</span> said the Suns had enough time to fight for the playoffs. But then Bledsoe got sick, <span>Alex Len</span> stayed hurt, <span>Brandon Knight</span> was done for the year and so were the Suns.</p>
<h3>Player Grade: C</h3>
<p>I'm not a big fan of player grades because there's so many ways to interpret it.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span>In terms of where he came from before joining the Suns, he should get an A (just like last year). </span></li>
<li><span>In terms of his impact on the team this year when the ball was live, he should get something like a B or C. </span></li>
<li><span>But in terms of his impact on the team, including the off-court issues, I'd give him an F.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's his end-of-season interview where he wasn't happy either but as he always does, he saw the silver lining in the haboob.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XXQLPALVpvY?rel=0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>I am grateful that Tucker made himself available after nearly every game all season to the media, unlike some of his teammates. He was always honest and respectful, and really really wants the Suns to win games.</p>
<p>I'm looking forward to P.J. coming back in better shape and frame of mind, ready to do whatever it takes to win games. If the Suns trade Tucker to playoff contender, he will shine just like he did in 2013-14. Why not for the Suns?</p>
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2015/4/30/8519561/phoenix-suns-2014-15-report-cards-p-j-tucker-delivers-on-the-courtDave King2015-01-23T23:04:46-07:002015-01-23T23:04:46-07:00Explaining the Suns technical foul rule: benching
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>For the third time this season, coach <span>Jeff Hornacek</span> benched a <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> player for the rest of the game for getting a technical foul for arguing with the referee over a call (or missed call). This time, it was mild-mannered fan favorite <span>Goran Dragic</span> who got himself benched for bumping a referee while yelling at him after a no-call on a fast break.</p>
<p>Goran Dragic sat out the rest of the game.</p>
<p>The Suns are 1-2 in those games, each of them coming down to the final possession in regulation.</p>
<p>Why would a coach make bad matters even worse by benching one of his best players for sticking up for himself to the referee? It's bad enough that you lose a point on the technical foul, but to lose the game as a result is madness.</p>
<p>Right?</p>
<p>Wrong, actually.</p>
<p>Prior to this new rule being in place, the Phoenix Suns led the league with 32 technical fouls called against them in just 41 games. The behavior was bad enough that our own Jim Coughenour asked in his 'Going Gorilla' feature if the Suns were dirty?</p>
<p>Let's take a walk down memory lane - THREE WHOLE WEEKS AGO</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2015/1/4/7488007/going-gorilla-phoenix-suns-technical-fouls-thunder-clippers-bledsoe-markieff-marcus-morris" target="_blank">Going Gorilla -- January 4, 2015</a></p>
<p><span>Eric Bledsoe</span> and <span>Markieff Morris</span> lead the charge for the Suns with seven each, tied for second in the NBA. Right behind them are <span>Marcus Morris</span> and <span>P.J. Tucker</span> with four (tied for 12th). Goran Dragic (3), <span>Gerald Green</span> (2) and <span>Isaiah Thomas</span> (2) are also in the top 50.</p>
<p>That's seven of the Suns core nine players in the top 50. That's not good.</p>
<p>Who else is near the top of the league in technical fouls?</p>
<p><span>Russell Westbrook</span> is first overall with nine. <span>Blake Griffin</span> (7) is tied for second and <span>Matt Barnes</span> (6) is tied for sixth.</p>
<p>Basically, players that I routinely hear Suns fans describe as dirty, selfish, arrogant and entitled. They are called punks, jerks, scumbags... and worse. That's the group the Suns find themselves associating with. Slumming around in the NBA's quagmire of moral turpitude.</p>
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<p>Jim recounted a pre-New Year game that was so rife with technicals, but the Suns managed to out-T the Ts.</p>
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<p>The most recent was on New Year's Eve, when the Suns and Oklahoma City racked up a total of seven technical fouls. Markieff Morris and assistant coach <span>Mike Longabardi</span> were both rung up and <span>Alex Len</span> received a flagrant one right before halftime during a crazy sequence of events in which Russell Westbrook was ejected for taunting the Suns' bench.</p>
<p>The Thunder regained its equanimity during halftime, though, while the Suns piled up two more technical fouls in the second half. Tucker got one in the third quarter and Bledsoe was whistled for another with 5:07 remaining in the game. <span>Kevin Durant</span> made both freebies. The Suns lost the game in overtime. It was another addition to a list of tough losses that have defined this season.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And then Jim laid down the law. Remember, this was January 4, before the Suns had this new rule.</p>
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<p>It needs to stop. Their misconduct is costing them games and blemishing their individual reputations as well as that of the team.The Suns need to cut this crap out. They're better than this.</p>
<p>And if they don't, Jeff Hornacek needs to do something about it.</p>
<p>Perhaps benching Markieff's ass for the rest of the game next time he picks up a stupid tech will help get the message across. Then afterwards let him deal with this teammates that he let down and explain to the fans why he can't control his temper during a game.</p>
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<p>Four days later, the Minnesota game happened.</p>
<p>Markieff Morris got a technical early in the third quarter of a tie game, putting the Suns in a deficit. Then Marcus Morris got a technical a few minutes later, putting the Suns down two points.</p>
<p>And Jeff Hornacek did something about it.</p>
<p>Marcus Morris was benched and never re-entered the game, which was decided on a missed shot at the buzzer. This time it went in the Suns favor.</p>
<p>The next night, against San Antonio, the Suns were down by three points with 1:57 left in the game when both P.J. Tucker and Markieff Morris drew technicals for arguing with the referees, turning a 3-point deficit into 5. They were benched and never returned, and the Suns lost by 5 points.</p>
<p>The next day, the team had a meeting. The coach told the team that, from then on and just like the prior two games, if you get a technical foul for arguing with the referees you will be benched for the rest of the game.</p>
<p>The Suns went six whole games without a technical foul being called, going 4-2 in that span, culminating in a convincing win over the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> on Wednesday night.</p>
<p>But on Friday, when the game wasn't going their way, the T-bug reared its ugly head again. This time, it was P.J. Tucker drawing a T for staring down and talking smack to James Harden. He drew the foul at the 11:37 mark of the third, basically meaning that any benching would be a full half-game.</p>
<p>Then, fan favorite Goran Dragic went up and bumped into a ref while arguing a no-call at the 6:19 mark of the third quarter, with the Suns down 10.</p>
<p>Tucker returned to the lineup in the third quarter, while Goran Dragic sat the rest of the game. The reason being that Tucker's technical was for arguing with a player. Dragic's was for arguing with a referee.</p>
<p>Rules are not rules if you bend them when they become inconvenient.</p>
<p>Hopefully, this team will learn its lesson. The Clippers are coming to town on Sunday night.</p>
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2015/1/23/7880989/explaining-the-phoenix-suns-rule-on-being-benched-for-getting-td-upDave King2015-01-09T21:26:12-07:002015-01-09T21:26:12-07:00Suns blow winnable game, lose to Spurs 100-95
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Phoenix Suns blew a major opportunity tonight, surrendering a 10 point fourth quarter lead to drop a heartbreaker in San Antonio, 100-95. Poor shooting, a couple of key technical fouls, and a fourth quarter explosion by the Spurs bench players doomed the Suns.</p> <p>In a game of runs, the Spurs run to close the game made the difference, as they scored 41 points in the fourth quarter after tallying a season-low 10 in the third. Spurs coach <span>Gregg Popovich</span> stuck with his bench players and sat Tim Duncan and Tony Parker for most of the second half after the Suns athleticism overwhelmed the Spurs in the third quarter.</p>
<p><span>Danny Green</span> and Patty Mills led the way for the Spurs, as Green scored 20 in going 4-7 from 3, and Mills 15 including 3-5 from 3. The Spurs won the critical battle from behind the arc by making 11-25 to only 7-26 for the Suns.</p>
<p><span>Markieff Morris</span> struggled through a poor shooting night at 1-13, but <span>P.J. Tucker</span> picked up the slack with 19 points. Tucker was a key player in the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> third quarter run, as he got out on the break for 15 in the period.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Tucker lost his cool with 1:57 to go and the Suns trailing by 3, and drew the Suns' first technical foul of the night after he was upset that a foul he expected wasn't called for him. It was a key part of a Suns fourth quarter meltdown, as they were never able to regain the lead they last held at 80-79 with 4:40 to play.</p>
<p>The Suns overcame another slow start to the game, and rallied from a second quarter deficit that grew as large as 14 to narrow the lead to 6 at the half. Bledsoe tallied 9 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds in the quarter, <span>Gerald Green</span> chipped in 6, and Len had 3 rebounds and 2 steals as the Suns clawed their way back into the game by getting their transition game rolling.</p>
<p>As the second half started, the Suns were ready to run again. Turnovers and rebounds fueled fast breaks, the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a> started to look like the slower, older team they are, and the Suns took their first lead of the game 52-51 with 8:41 to go in the third on a Tucker runner.</p>
<p>The barrage continued as the Suns were a step faster than the elderly Spurs, holding the Spurs to a season-low 10 point third quarter through applying pressure on both sides of the floor. Third quarter closed with the Suns leading 69-59, but of course the Spurs weren't dead yet.</p>
<p>They tied it up with 6:05 to go on a <span>Patty Mills</span> layup, then took the lead on a <span>Cory Joseph</span> shot in the paint after the Suns went cold for 3 minutes and 56 seconds of the quarter, stuck at 77 before a Gerald Green 3-pointer broke the run temporarily.</p>
<p><span>Tim Duncan</span> and <span>Tony Parker</span> sat out all of the fourth quarter as the Spurs bench brought more speed and energy, opening the door for Green, Mills and Joseph to shine. The trio scored 31 of the Spurs 41 fourth quarter points as San Antonio brought home the win to hold on to their 7th position in the Western Conference.</p>
<h4>How the Suns fared in the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2015/1/9/7519141/preview-suns-try-to-pass-spurs-for-7th-place-in-the-west">game preview's Keys to the Game</a>:</h4>
<p id="paragraph15"><b>Pace</b> - No problem here. Even when the Suns' shots weren't falling in the first, they were certainly getting plenty of them off. Once the defense started getting stops and forcing live ball turnovers, the Suns got out on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/british-open" class="sbn-auto-link">the open</a> floor to turn a 14 point deficit into a 10 point lead.</p>
<p id="paragraph16"><b>Len vs. Duncan and Splitter</b> - Duncan outscored Len, and Splitter outrebounded him, but Len made his presence felt on the boards, and blocking and changing shots, finishing with 12 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocked shots, and only 3 personal fouls in 29 minutes. He also did this:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/U5Dn3HvoKxc" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Avoid a slow start</b> - The Suns shot only 9-24 and 0-3 from behind the arc in the first quarter, closing the period down 29-18. Mission very much not accomplished, as Keef was the biggest culprit in shooting only 1-6. Ball movement wasn't especially bad, but shots simply weren't falling. Phoenix wasn't able to make a 3-pointer until 0:30 left in the first half, after missing their first 8.</p>
<p id="paragraph18"><b>No more foolishness of technical fouls </b>- Sigh. None until 1:57 to go in the game when the Suns surrendered two costly points on consecutive technical fouls on Tucker and Keef. The lead expanded to 87-82 with the Spurs converted free throws. WHY, P.J.? And, even worse, WHY, KEEF with the follow up tech??</p>
<p>The Suns certainly had their chances tonight, but poor shooting and some dumb plays down the stretch cost them a very winnable game.</p>
<p>If you include the great deal in acquiring <span>Brandan Wright</span>, it was still a good day, right?</p>
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2015/1/9/7523231/suns-melt-down-the-stretch-lose-to-spurs-100-95Ray Hrovat2014-08-12T12:37:46-07:002014-08-12T12:37:46-07:00Tucker suspended three games by NBA
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>Two weeks ago, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2Fsuns%2F2014%2F07%2F28%2Fsuns-player-pj-tucker-dui-arrest%2F13299361%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brightsideofthesun.com%2F2014%2F8%2F12%2F5995815%2Fphoenix-suns-forward-p-j-tucker-suspended-three-games-by-nba" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Paul Coro reported</a> that Phoenix Suns small forward P.J. Tucker was arrested in May on a super extreme DUI charge.</p>
<p>A week ago, <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/8/4/5969689/phoenix-suns-comment-on-p-j-tuckers-super-extreme-dui" target="_blank">Coro reported</a> that Tucker had plead guilty and announced his sentencing.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Lawyer: P.J. Tucker plead guilty to super extreme DUI. 3 jail days/11 house arrest days/IID 18 mos/5-yr probation/screening/counseling/fines</p>
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) <a href="https://twitter.com/paulcoro/statuses/496470238394089472">August 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Now, the NBA has laid down its punishment for Tucker's actions.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2014 - Phoenix Suns' forward P.J. Tucker has been suspended three games without pay for pleading guilty to driving while under the extreme influence of intoxicating liquor, in violation of the law of the State of Arizona, the NBA announced today.<br> <br>Tucker's suspension will begin with the first game of the 2014-15 NBA regular season.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>With Tucker suspended, the starting small forward spot will need to be filled by someone as the season opens.</p>
<p>Depending on how the <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/8/12/5994515/report-eric-bledsoe-and-phoenix-suns-have-not-talked-for-four-months" target="_blank">Eric Bledsoe situation</a> is resolved, Gerald Green could get the first crack at it. He averaged 15.8 points per game and shot 40 percent from 3-point range while splitting his season as a starter in Bledsoe's absence and a super-sub when the Suns were at full strength.</p>
<p>Marcus Morris, who averaged 9.8 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 38.1 percent from deep in 22 minutes per game last year will also get a shot.</p>
<p>Finally, and perhaps the only bright spot in this situation, the Suns 14th overall pick from the 2014 NBA Draft T.J. Warren could very well get some playing time right away. Fans are excited by Warren's Summer League performance, and this might give him a chance to show what he can do when it really counts.</p>
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/8/12/5995815/phoenix-suns-forward-p-j-tucker-suspended-three-games-by-nbaJacob Padilla2014-08-04T19:27:15-07:002014-08-04T19:27:15-07:00Tucker pleads guilty, Suns comment
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>A couple of developments, though one is more earth-shattering than another.</p>
<p>The one that is not earth-shattering:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Like P.J. himself, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> take P.J.'s behavior very seriously. We remain fully committed to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct as we develop a championship culture. All of the members of our team, both on the court and in the front office, understand the importance of obeying the law and conducting ourselves in a way that honors our community. In considering this matter, we concluded that P.J. was sincere in his remorse and in his resolve to accept the consequences of his actions. We are convinced that he will take the necessary steps to avoid any such conduct in the future. The Suns do not in any way condone his conduct, but we do support him as he works through this."</p>
<p>--Lon Babby, President of Basketball Operations</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And now one that is, at least little bit.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Coro-tweet-Tucker" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tq3eEytGDtcDOOYYE_uw_61OhQ8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/370188/Screen_Shot_2014-08-04_at_7.22.24_PM.0.png">
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<p>In an age where celebrities and athletes find ways to get around the law, or own <span>P.J. Tucker</span> stepped right into it and took it head on.</p>
<p>Although, it appears his lawyer was able to plea down a bit. <a target="_blank" href="http://duiblog.arizonaduicenter.com/2009/07/articles/super-extreme-dui/5-things-you-should-know-about-arizona-super-extreme-dui-convictions/">Should have been 45 jail days</a>, but Coro tweets 3. Everything else seems to line up.</p>
<p>P.J. is owning up to it.</p>
<p>Once the deed is done, this is the best we could hope for.</p>
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/8/4/5969689/phoenix-suns-comment-on-p-j-tuckers-super-extreme-duiDave King2014-07-28T18:18:33-07:002014-07-28T18:18:33-07:00P.J. Tucker Charged With "Super-Extreme DUI"
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0wtLvdKOPKowGRb7qj0xYBxEodE=/0x70:4000x2737/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36195762/484864659.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>P.J. Tucker was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona for "Super-Extreme D.U.I." on May 10th.</p> <p>P.J. Tucker, the Phoenix Suns' forward who recently re-signed with the Phoenix Suns for a three-year, $16.5 million dollar contract, was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona for "Super-Extreme D.U.I." on May 10th, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2Fsuns%2F2014%2F07%2F28%2Fsuns-player-pj-tucker-dui-arrest%2F13299361%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brightsideofthesun.com%2F2014%2F7%2F28%2F5946621%2Fphoenix-suns-p-j-tucker-arrested-and-charged-with-super-extreme-d-u-i" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">according to a story by Paul Coro of the AZ Republic.</a></p>
<p>Evidently, Tucker was pulled over by Scottsdale police after rolling slowly through a stop sign. The officer reported the strong presence of alcohol and asked Tucker to submit to a field sobriety test, which he failed.</p>
<p>When Tucker was given a blood alcohol test at the police station, it reportedly showed his B.A.C. to be .222, more than twice the legal limit and over the threshold of .20 which is then considered to be a "super-extreme DUI", according to Arizona law.</p>
<p>In all, Tucker was charged with running a stop sign, and four counts of driving under the influence, including the most severe count of super-extreme D.U.I.</p>
<p>P.J. has yet to be prosecuted, and is of course innocent until proven guilty. However, if convicted of super-extreme D.U.I., the minimum sentence would involve at least 45 days in jail.</p>
<p>The Suns' organization was apparently aware of Tucker's arrest before P.J. signed his new contract, so this doesn't appear to have any immediate implications regarding his status with the team. However, he could also face additional punishment from the league, such as fines and suspensions, if found guilty.</p>
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/7/28/5946621/phoenix-suns-p-j-tucker-arrested-and-charged-with-super-extreme-d-u-iSean Sullivan