Clippers Injury Report: Former NBA Champ Takes To Locker Room Mid-game In Portland

On the 23rd, the Los Angeles Clippers faced the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite not playing on their home turf, the LA team managed to put 125-117 by taking a double-digit lead during the first quarter and carrying it further into the second. Power forward P.J. Tucker, who has recently been in the news over his alleged dissatisfaction with the Clippers, was also seen engaging in a remarkable offensive front. However, his time was cut short before he could make a memorable impact on the game.

During his 8 minutes on the court, P.J. Tucker ended up developing a right calf soreness. Being in no proper condition to play, the forward had to opt out and return to the locker room. An update by The Athletic journalist Law Murray on X revealed that “PJ Tucker will not return tonight due to right calf soreness, per Clippers”. Prior to his exit, the 38-year-old had only succeeded in contributing 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists to his team’s overall score.

The ongoing NBA season is PJ Tucker’s first one with the Clippers. Despite being healthy for the majority of the time, he has not been given much opportunity to represent the Lakers. Appearing in only 15 games, he has managed to secure a poor average of 1.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. His poor performance, combined with his limited playing time, may have contributed to the player taking the drastic action that resulted in him paying a heavy price.

P.J. Tucker received a $75,000 fine over making a trade demand in public

P.J. Tucker was traded to the Clippers back in November 2023, after the conclusion of the trade deadline. Ever since then, the player has not shied away from highlighting his frustrations about the same in public. During an interview with Clutch Points back in December, the veteran talked about taking his talents to a franchise wherein he could make a significant contribution.

“I know myself, my worth, I know what I bring,” said Tucker during the interview. Highlighting his objection to the trade to the Clippers, the player said “I feel like I shouldn’t have to go through this. I didn’t ask to be here. I didn’t ask for and I didn’t demand a trade to be here.”

Tucker’s interview, combined with the other comments he would make in the coming months, resulted in the NBA putting out their own statement back in February, stating that he has been fined “$75000 by the NBA for public comments reported during the week of February 5 expressing a desire to be traded to another team”. With the Clippers set to face off against the 76ers next, fans will have to await further confirmations on PJ Tucker’s condition and availability.

READ MORE: Destroyed Due to Russian Conflict, PJ Tucker Unloads His Sorrow on His Former Ukrainian Home