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A huge bummer in the news department: Houston Rockets forward P.J. Tucker, who was the last remaining Rockets player on the USA Basketball FIBA squad after James Harden and Eric Gordon bowed out earlier this summer, is also being forced to withdraw from the squad now after suffering an ankle injury, according to Shams Charania.
Houston’s PJ Tucker is withdrawing from USA Basketball ahead of FIBA World Cup because of an ankle injury, and will prepare for Rockets training camp, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 16, 2019
It’s a disappointing development for Rockets fans who were looking forward to watching P.J. represent his country, and it’s an even bigger let down for Tucker himself, who apparently even suggested trying to play through the bum ankle. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and Tucker will return to Houston instead to rehab and get ready for the upcoming NBA season.
A frustrated P.J. Tucker spoke with agent Andre Buck a few hours ago. Tucker was looking forward to representing the country and even suggested playing through the ankle injury. He will not, and will return to Houston tomorrow for rehab.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) August 16, 2019
The FIBA team will likely suffer as a result of this as well. Tucker was thought of as the veteran leader of the squad and was the primary glue guy holding a team of mostly young players together and teaching them how to communicate.
Here is P.J. Tucker mic’d up during Team USA training camp in Las Vegas.
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) August 15, 2019
FYI this is exactly how P.J. is during practice or a game. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/HyuqbB8zX8
Get well soon, Tuck! All your fans were really looking forward to seeing you in action, but we’re glad the Rockets are keeping you at home. We need you well for October!