“I’m a dog, I’m gonna show you, now I’m gonna punish this dude” – Former NBA champion describes the adversities he faced to get to the league, believes their kids have a different lifestyle to adapt

Every player has a different story about their journey to the NBA. PJ Tucker gave an insight into the adversities he had to overcome to make it to the league and how they helped shape him.

Tucker was selected in the 2006 draft by the Toronto Raptors. After playing only 17 games in his rookie season, he spent the next five years in Europe.

The former NBA champ has spoken several times about how he never thought of coming back to the league. He was just happy to play basketball regardless of the location.

However, his talents were noticed and he was courted by a team in the NBA. Since his return, Tucker has shown himself to be an astute defender. Although he is not an elite-level scorer, he can knock down wide-open jumpers.

On "The Shop," one of the topics discussed was "dog mentality." Former WNBA player Lisa Leslie was curious to know if the dog mentality was learned or an innate desire. After panelists, including LeBron James and Draymond Green, said their pieces, Tucker spoke about how his surroundings shaped him and how it is different for their kids.

"We can never teach our kids what we've been through. It's impossible. I can't take them back to the hood."

After highlighting some of the conditions he grew up in, he continued:

"So, it was like, waking up, and then people in society telling me I'm too so small. You can't do this, this ain't for you. You not 6'8, a wing, and athletic. You can't go there, you can't do that.

"And it's like that every day telling, it's like alright bet. Now, I'm a dog cos I'mma show you. Now I'mma punish this dude because of all y'all, and what you're talking about."

Although Tucker was never eyeing a return to the NBA, that can-do attitude in all situations is what has kept him in the league still.

Will PJ Tucker's presence be enough to help the Sixers contend for the 2023 NBA title?

(L-R) Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, James Harden, and P.J. Tucker of the Philadelphia 76ers

Tucker has found himself taking on the responsibility of guarding the opposition's best players, and he has excelled in that role. Despite limitations (size and speed), the former NBA champ has succeeded in guarding some of the league's best players.

One of his best performances came in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals. Tucker was tasked with defending Kevin Durant and he made the two-time NBA champ work for every score. Although Durant still put up high numbers in that series, it could have been more without the constant pressure from PJ.

The Milwaukee Bucks won that series and went on to secure the title by beating the Phoenix Suns. It was the first title for the Bucks in 50 years and the first in Tucker's 13-year career.

During the offseason, Tucker was acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers. They will be hoping that he provides an extra layer of defense in their quest for the 2023 title.