Alando

Tucker

Tucker was the second overall selection in the NBDL draft behind Jamaal Tinsley on November 3. Many were looking forward to seeing him play in the Developmental League this year, but with the lockout still in full effect, it seems he’s looking for a greater opportunity elsewhere.

Tucker signed in Spain in 2011 and is just looking for a route to return to the NBA. He was last in the NBA during the 2009-10 season with the Timberwolves.

“I’m taking it a step at a time,” he said. If I can get an invite to camp, that would be great.” Tucker says he’s in “great shape, very healthy,” but that’s what we’d expect as he’s looking to earn his way back into the league. Tucker also believes he’s improved his ballhandling and shot since the last time he was in the NBA. He played last season in Spain before spending some time with the Texas Legends in the D-League.

Tucker has played in the D-League and in Spain, so he’ll land on his feet somewhere. The Bucks also waived Mustapha Farrakhan, Eddie Gill and Orien Greene, as they trimmed their roster to the 15-player limit.

The 2007 Big Ten Player of the Year for Wisconsin, Tucker has played for the Suns and T’Wolves since joining the league, averaging 4.1 points during his brief career. This doesn’t guarantee him a place on the Bucks next season, but he’ll get a chance to audition for a roster spot this summer.

Tucker, a player Utah is said to be very interested in at No. 25, scored 19.9 PPG for the Badgers last year en route to being named an Associated Press first-team All-American and the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year.

We’re to the point where players taken now will not have fantasy value next season, and Tucker can be included in that mix. But he scored 20 points per game for Wisconsin last year and was named the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year.

The first round selection hit 6-of-7 shots, but didn’t record any boards or assists. The Suns offense score a lot of points, so don’t be surprised if the rookie puts together some big offensive games - consistency will be an issue though.

The Big Ten Player of the Year was penned to a two-year deal with a team option for a third season. While terms were not disclosed by the team, the NBA rookie scale him at least $776,000 in his rookie season and $834,900 in his second year. The signing frees up Tucker to make his Summer League debut Monday. A small forward in college, Tucker will likely also see time at the two guard spot as a pro.

Tucker, the 29th overall pick in the 2007 draft, has averaged 2.4 points in five appearances for the Suns this season.