Veteran forward PJ Tucker, a beloved figure during his time with the Houston Rockets, has officially announced his retirement from the NBA. Although he hadn't played since the 2024-25 season, Tucker made the announcement in an emotional Instagram post on Thursday.

"Twenty years being my job, but 40-plus years of not being able to fathom doing anything other than it. So, here's to retiring from the NBA… because I will NEVER stop ballin'," Tucker wrote, capturing the relentless spirit that defined his career.

Tucker quickly became one of the most cherished role players in Rockets history after joining the team for the 2017-18 season. He stayed in Houston until midway through the 2020-21 campaign, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise. Known for his tenacious defense, leadership, toughness, and clutch corner 3-point shooting, Tucker was a key piece of three James Harden-led teams that dominated the late 2010s. Most notably, he helped the 2017-18 Rockets achieve a franchise-best 65-17 record—still the best in team history.

Off the court, Tucker's connection to the area runs deep. He played college ball at the University of Texas in Austin and still owns a shoe and apparel business in Houston called The Better Generation. For fans who admired his grit and style, Tucker's legacy as a player who gave everything on both ends of the floor will live on.