Sixers Reveal That PJ Tucker Had Recent Knee Surgery

The newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers is hopefully coming into camp with a clean slate—and a cleaned-out knee joint. The team announced today, on Media Day, that PJ Tucker underwent recent knee surgery.

The Sixers say PJ Tucker had an arthroscopic procedure on his knee

He has been cleared to play and will be at training camp starting tomorrow in South Carolina pic.twitter.com/sTEVcawQdU

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 26, 2022

It was an arthroscopic procedure, and Tucker has already been cleared to play, and will be a full-go for training camp tomorrow. 

Tucker was signed to a 3-year, $33M free agent contract this offseason, as the Sixers scooped him away from the Miami Heat. The hard-nosed 11-year veteran was right near his career averages last year in South Beach, with 7.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. But his 3-point shooting was at a career-high 41.5%, greatly increasing his value. 

In addition to his tough wing defense and corner 3s, the 6'5" forward may even be bringing another element to the floor for the Sixers this season, out of necessity.

When talking about backup centers, PJ Tucker was actually the first name Rivers mentioned. He then mentioned Paul Reed and Harrell, and said he's very comfortable with his options there. Mentioned not having a true seven-footer as Embiid's backup for the first time here.

— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) September 26, 2022

Philly does not have a backup 7-footer behind Joel Embiid for the first time, so coach Doc Rivers has plans to use a number of different players as "backup centers", including Tucker, as well as Paul Reed and another free agent signee Montrezl Harrell. 

 Photos: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports, Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports