Wisconsin will always be home for Alando Tucker.
While Tucker is actually an Illinois native, he broke the scoring record (2,147) in 2007 and was named Big Ten Player of the Year while at the University of Wisconsin before the Phoenix Suns drafted him 29th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft.
But now, five years later, the 6-foot-6 swing guard is hoping for a homecoming of sorts with the Milwaukee Bucks after spending last season overseas in Spain and even getting some run in the D-League.
On Tuesday, Tucker worked out for the Bucks along with Marquis Daniels, Rodney Carney, Rasual Butler and Orien Greene, as the team has one roster spot available and could use some depth in the backcourt.
With the workout in Milwaukee complete, it becomes a game of “hurry up and wait” for Tucker.
He has experience in this area.
In fact, last season, being impatient about the NBA lockout may have cost Tucker a job in the league in the end. A week before the lockout ended, Tucker signed overseas with CB Gran Canaria in Spain and eventually ended the year with the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League.
Tucker talked about the timing of it all with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
When that happened, my stomach dropped. So I ended up going to Spain. I didn't have an NBA opt-out or anything. And I eventually got back and played with the Texas Legends.
It's great for me. A great opportunity to be back in the state. I'm taking it a step at a time. If I can get an invite to camp, that would be great. That would be one foot in the door.
It will not be an easy decision for the Bucks’ brass to make.
Tucker will have to beat out a guy like Marquis Daniels, who would bring a wealth of experience to the team after his time spent with the Boston Celtics. He is also defensively more assertive than Tucker, certainly a trademark of head coach Scott Skiles.
Will Tucker be able to stick with the Bucks?
We will find out within the next two weeks when training camp officially opens up.
