Image Source: Instagram
[Saba Sports News] PJ Tucker has yet to make his on-court debut for the New York Knicks after signing a 10-day contract on March 10, but he still made waves before Monday night’s game against the Miami Heat—thanks to his footwear.
Known for his legendary sneaker collection, Tucker took to social media to showcase a rare pair of Nike Zoom Huarache 2K4 PE sneakers, originally worn by Allan Houston during his Knicks days. The 20-year-old player-exclusive kicks paid tribute to one of the franchise’s most consistent scorers and highlighted Tucker’s deep appreciation for classic basketball sneakers.
Houston, who played nine of his 12 NBA seasons in New York, was a two-time All-Star (2000, 2001) and helped lead the Knicks to the 1999 NBA Finals. Over 602 games with the team, he averaged 18.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 39.9% from three.
His best season came in 2002-03, when he put up 22.5 points per game while shooting 44.5% from the field and 91.9% from the free-throw line. Houston also won Olympic gold with Team USA in 2000.
Despite his sneaker moment, Tucker did not play in the Knicks’ 116-95 win over the Heat. The 39-year-old forward has yet to appear in an NBA game this season after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers and later bought out by the Toronto Raptors.
A 13-year NBA veteran, Tucker has built a reputation as a defensive specialist and key role player. He holds career averages of 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 883 games, with stops in Houston, Philadelphia, Miami, Milwaukee, Toronto, and Phoenix. He played a crucial role in the Bucks’ 2021 championship run and has been an asset on multiple playoff teams.
The Knicks (39-28) hit the road for a two-game trip, facing the San Antonio Spurs (18-49) on Wednesday before a Thursday matchup with the Charlotte Hornets (17-50).