Tucker still a great 3-and-D specialist in category leagues with trade to Raptors

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Here are the fantasy implications following the news the Toronto Raptors have acquired SG/SF P.J. Tucker from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for PF/C Jared Sullinger and draft picks:

Tucker had crept up to number 123 in our latest rest of season rankings, owing to his tenacity as an undersized rebounder. Though he's only 6-foot-6, Tucker has averaged at least six rebounds per game in each of his last four seasons, and has tallied 7.1 per game since Jan. 2 this year.

He's also had 10 games this season with at least three steals, and three games with five-plus steals. His sub-elite steal potential, rebounding and contributions in assists and 3-pointers, have made Tucker a frequent streaming option or category specialist.

The move to Toronto creates uncertainty. Will playing with superior talent improve the quality of his shots, especially from 3-point range? Tucker is shooting 36.4% on corner 3s this season and could benefit from Kyle Lowry kick-outs, much like he did when playing big minutes alongside Goran Dragic with the 2013-14 Suns.

The floor-spacing is something the Raptors had hoped they'd found in SF DeMarre Carroll; while he's shot a passable 35.2% on 3s this season, his inconsistent defense and the general fragility of his body creates potential for Tucker to steal his playing time.

Ultimately, Tucker's fantasy outlook comes down to whether he is able to bring the same tenacity as a defender and rebounder. If that's the case, he should continue being a top-125 player, worthy of ownership in category leagues. And if he can grow his production on 3-pointers or muscle Carroll out of playing time, he may even crack the top-100.

Back in Phoenix, Sullinger -- on an expiring contract -- won't be an impact player. C Tyson Chandler, who is already averaging 11.4 rebounds per game, will be hard pressed to take on even more responsibility on the glass, so look for C Alex Len and rookie PF/C Marquese Chriss to pick up some of the rebounding lost with Tucker's departure.

Chriss in particular merits attention in fantasy. He's been averaging 8.9 points per game since Jan. 2 but his overall value has been hampered by a lack of rebounding. If he can get to 12-and-8 -- a big if -- Chriss will merit ownership in deep leagues. He wouldn't be the first rookie big man to break out in the second half of his first campaign.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)