BIO: Tucker grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and attended Northside Christian Academy. As a senior, he averaged 24 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks per game and helped lead Knights to the state championship game.
Tucker committed to play college basketball at Florida Gulf Coast over offers from Virginia Tech, Boston College, VCU, Clemson, and Auburn.
Rayjon Tucker made his NBL debut with the Melbourne United at 24 years of age. He scored 20 points in his first game.
On August 2, 2022, Rayjon Tucker signed with Melbourne United for the 2022–23 NBL season, joining the team as one of their key offseason acquisitions. Melbourne entered the season as strong contenders after finishing the previous year on top of the ladder, but their championship hopes took a hit when they lost star guard Chris Goulding to injury in the playoffs. Despite these setbacks, expectations remained high for United heading into the new campaign.
United’s roster underwent significant changes before the start of the season. Leading scorer Jo Lual-Acuil accepted an offer to play in China, while Jack White and Matthew Dellavedova secured NBA deals with Denver and Sacramento, respectively. With their departures coming so close to the season’s start, United had limited options to replace them. The club responded by signing Tucker, Xavier Rathan-Mayes (via Illawarra), Jordan Caroline, and Isaac Humphries (via Adelaide), while veteran forward David Barlow postponed his retirement to help fill the void.
Early in the season, United suffered another major setback when Next Star prospect Ariel Hukporti went down with an Achilles injury during the NBL Blitz in Darwin, ruling him out for the entire season. This forced Humphries, who was returning from knee issues, to take on a larger role, with forwards Barlow and Brad Newley, along with import Caroline, logging minutes at the center position.
Despite these challenges, Melbourne managed to start the season with an overtime victory over the New Zealand Breakers (101–97), thanks to a standout performance from Rathan-Mayes (33 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists). However, Melbourne struggled to find consistency early on, with Tucker being forced to play out of position due to the intermittent availability of starting point guard Shea Ili, who suffered a concussion during FIBA qualifiers and played just 13 games across the season.
By the end of December, Melbourne found themselves with a 5-6 record and under mounting pressure to make changes. Although Tucker (17.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) had shown flashes of brilliance, he was initially unable to live up to his pre-season proclamation of being “the best first-year import in the league.” Instead, it was Jordan Caroline (5.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists) who struggled to fit into United’s system and was ultimately released. Marcus Lee (9.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks) was signed in November to add size and interior defense, sparking a turnaround for the team.
Melbourne’s fortunes changed after a disappointing 93–79 loss to Illawarra, a team that had only won one game up to that point. The defeat acted as a wake-up call, and United responded with a 104-88 victory over Brisbane, featuring balanced contributions from Goulding (20 points), Tucker (20 points), Lee (18 points), Ili (15 points), and Rathan-Mayes (8 points and 10 rebounds). This win marked the beginning of an impressive 11-3 run to close the season.
Tucker’s standout performance came in the final game of the regular season, where he exploded for 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a must-win game against Adelaide (116–107). Despite Tucker’s heroics, Melbourne fell short of making the playoffs, as a Perth victory over Sydney pushed United out of the postseason due to points percentage.
Throughout the season, Melbourne was involved in several historic moments. Their Christmas Day clash with reigning champions Sydney Kings became a landmark event, attracting over 300,000 viewers nationwide. Despite Tucker’s 31-point performance, the Kings dominated United in a 101-80 victory. Additionally, United made headlines with the NBL’s first Pride Round, inspired by teammate Isaac Humphries publicly coming out as gay, an event that was widely celebrated across the league.
Tucker appeared in 27 games for Melbourne, averaging 17.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Despite the team’s struggles, he had several strong individual performances, including a career-high 33-point explosion in a win over crosstown rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix (92-76), where he shot 11-of-15 from the field and 4-of-5 from deep. This victory snapped a three-game losing streak for United and highlighted Tucker’s ability to step up in key moments.
Rayjon Tucker played one season in the NBL. He averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 28 NBL games.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022-23 | 25 | Melbourne | 15-13 (7) | 28 | 804.0 | 506 | 170 | 66 | 39 | 131 | 21 | 4 | 73 | 76 | 176 | 362 | 49% | 52 | 137 | 38% | 102 | 135 | 76% | 59% | 56% | 33 | Totals | 28 | 804 | 506 | 170 | 66 | 39 | 131 | 21 | 4 | 73 | 76 | 176 | 362 | 48.6% | 52 | 137 | 38.0% | 102 | 135 | 75.6% | 60% | 56% | 33 |
SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022-23 | 25 | Melbourne | 15-13 (7) | 28 | 28.7 | 18.1 | 6.1 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 4.7 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 6.3 | 12.9 | 49% | 1.9 | 4.9 | 38% | 3.6 | 4.8 | 76% | 59% | 56% | 33 | Total | 28 | 28.7 | 18.1 | 6.1 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 4.7 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 6.3 | 12.9 | 48.6% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 38.0% | 1.9 | 4.9 | 75.6% | 60% | 56% | 33 |
POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 33 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
---|
After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Tucker played for the Milwaukee Bucks NBA Summer League team. After averaging 10.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in five summer league games, the Bucks signed Tucker to an Exhibit 10 contract on August 16, 2019. Tucker was waived by the Bucks on October 19, 2019, and was subsequently assigned to their NBA G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
Tucker averaged 23.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.9 steals per game in 33.8 minutes played in 16 games with the Herd before signing an NBA contract with the Jazz. Tucker was named the G League Player of the Month for December and Midseason All-NBA G League for the Eastern Conference.
On December 24, 2019, Tucker signed with the Utah Jazz for the rest of the 2019–20 NBA season. He made his NBA debut six days later, against the Detroit Pistons, scoring two points and grabbing a rebound in a 104–81 win. He was twice assigned to the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League, once in February and once in March.
On November 27, 2020, Tucker was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers along with a 2027 second-round pick in exchange for cash considerations. He was waived by the Cavaliers the next day.
Tucker spent training camp and preseason with the Los Angeles Clippers in December 2020.
On January 22, 2021, Tucker signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. He split the 2020–21 season with the 76ers and their NBA G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. He was waived by the 76ers on August 18, 2021.
Tucker joined the Wisconsin Herd for the 2021–22 NBA G League season. On December 21, 2021, he signed a 10-day contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After not playing for the Timberwolves during his stint, he signed a 10-day contract with the Denver Nuggets on December 31. He played in three games for the Nuggets. He returned to the Herd on January 11, 2022. On February 3, he scored 31 points and had six rebounds in a loss to the Lakeland Magic. In 27 games for the Heard, he averaged 21.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
On April 8, 2022, Tucker signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. He played two games for the Bucks to close out the 2021–22 NBA season and then played for the team in the 2022 NBA Summer League alongside other NBL talent, Tim Soares, Hugo Besson and Dusty Hannahs.
Tucker played 39 games in the NBA. He averaged 3 points, 1 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game over his NBA career.
NBA TRANSACTIONS:
- August 20, 2019: Signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
-
October 19, 2019: Waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.
-
December 24, 2019: Signed a multi-year contract with the Utah Jazz.
-
March 2, 2020: Assigned to the of the G-League.
-
March 9, 2020: Recalled from the of the G-League.
-
November 27, 2020: Traded by the Utah Jazz with a 2027 2nd round draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for cash. 2027 2nd-rd pick is UTA own Utah also received a trade exception
-
November 28, 2020: Waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
-
December 1, 2020: Signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.
-
December 18, 2020: Waived by the Los Angeles Clippers.
-
January 22, 2021: Signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
-
August 3, 2021: Signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
-
August 18, 2021: Waived by the Philadelphia 76ers.
-
October 12, 2021: Signed a contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
-
October 14, 2021: Waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.
-
December 21, 2021: Signed a 10-day contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
-
December 31, 2021: Signed a 10-day contract with the Denver Nuggets.
-
April 8, 2022: Signed a contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
-
July 5, 2022: Waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.
-
July 7, 2022: Signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Season | Team | PTS | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 0 | 90% | 82% | 71% | 56% | ||||||
2 | 0 | 33 | 5 | 2 | 1 | ||||||
Total | 176 | 362 | 48.6% | 52 | 137 | 38.0% |
YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021-22 | 24 | Denver | SG | 3 | 0 | 29 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 50% | 1 | 2 | 50% | 3 | 4 | 75% | 80% | 75% |
2021-22 | 24 | Milwaukee | SG | 2 | 0 | 42 | 15 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 71% | 3 | 3 | 100% | 2 | 3 | 67% | 90% | 93% |
2020-21 | 23 | Philadelphia | PG | 14 | 0 | 68 | 34 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 18 | 50% | 2 | 7 | 29% | 14 | 19 | 74% | 64% | 56% |
2019-20 | 22 | Utah | SG | 20 | 0 | 161 | 62 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 10 | 20 | 43 | 47% | 3 | 17 | 18% | 19 | 23 | 83% | 58% | 50% |
2019-20 | 22 | Utah | SG | 20 | 0 | 161 | 62 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 10 | 20 | 43 | 47% | 3 | 17 | 18% | 19 | 23 | 83% | 58% | 50% |
2020-21 | 23 | Philadelphia | PG | 14 | 0 | 68 | 34 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 18 | 50% | 2 | 7 | 29% | 14 | 19 | 74% | 64% | 56% |
2021-22 | 24 | Denver | SG | 3 | 0 | 29 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 80% | 75% | |||
2021-22 | 24 | Milwaukee | SG | 2 | 0 | 42 | 15 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 90% | 93% | |||
2019-20 | 22 | Utah | SG | 20 | 0 | 161 | 62 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 10 | 20 | 43 | 47% | 3 | 17 | 18% | 19 | 23 | 83% | 58% | 50% |
2020-21 | 23 | Philadelphia | PG | 14 | 0 | 68 | 34 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 18 | 50% | 2 | 7 | 29% | 14 | 19 | 74% | 64% | 56% |
2021-22 | 24 | Denver | SG | 3 | 0 | 29 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 80% | 75% | |||
2021-22 | 24 | Milwaukee | SG | 2 | 0 | 42 | 15 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 90% | 93% | |||
2022-23 | 25 | Melbourne | 15-13 (7) | 28 | 804.0 | 506 | 170 | 66 | 39 | 131 | 21 | 4 | 73 | 76 | 176 | 362 | 49% | 52 | 137 | 38% | 102 | 135 | 76% | 59% | 56% | 33 | Total | 39 | 0 | 300 | 117 | 39 | 21 | 7 | 32 | 7 | 1 | 13 | 23 | 35 | 70 | 50% | 9 | 29 | 31% | 38 | 49 | 78% |
YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019-20 | 22 | Utah | SG | 20 | 0 | 8.1 | 3.1 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 47% | 0.2 | 0.9 | 18% | 1.0 | 1.2 | 83% | 58% | 50% |
2020-21 | 23 | Philadelphia | PG | 14 | 0 | 4.9 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 50% | 0.1 | 0.5 | 29% | 1.0 | 1.4 | 74% | 64% | 56% |
2021-22 | 24 | Denver | SG | 3 | 0 | 9.7 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 50% | 0.3 | 0.7 | 50% | 1.0 | 1.3 | 75% | 80% | 75% |
2021-22 | 24 | Milwaukee | SG | 2 | 0 | 21.0 | 7.5 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 71% | 1.5 | 1.5 | 100% | 1.0 | 1.5 | 67% | 90% | 93% | Total | 39 | 0 | 7.7 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 50% | 0.2 | 0.7 | 31% | 1.0 | 1.3 | 78% |
Tucker began his collegiate career with the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. As a freshman, he averaged 6.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 35 games played, starting one. Tucker averaged 7.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game as a sophomore. He announced his intention to transfer from the school at the end of the season.
Tucker transferred to the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. After sitting out a season due to NCAA transfer rules, he averaged 20.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game and was named second team All-Sun Belt Conference.
Following the season, Tucker left the program with the intention of joining a higher-level program as a graduate transfer while also declaring for the 2019 NBA Draft. He committed to transfer to Memphis over offers from Auburn, West Virginia, Kansas and Iowa State. However, Tucker ultimately decided not to pull out of the Draft and to pursue professional basketball instead.
- Second-team All-Sun Belt (2019)
Whilst we try to source as much information as we can for every player who has ever played in the NBL some information on a player profile may be missing. If you have additional information on a player you'd like us to add to a profile, please send it to us using the enquiry form below.
Submissions are then sent to info@aussiehoopla.com
POS | TEAM | W | D | L | PTS |
1 |
|
21 | 3 | 3 | 66 |
2 |
|
20 | 4 | 3 | 64 |
3 |
|
19 | 4 | 4 | 61 |
4 |
|
18 | 2 | 6 | 56 |
5 |
|
18 | 2 | 4 | 56 |
The triple-double is one of basketball’s rarest feats, with only 130 recorded in NBL history. The latest to achieve it? Young gun Taran Armstrong of the Cairns Taipans. Armstrong delivered the season’s lone triple-double in Cairns’ 100-88 win over the Brisbane Bullets, lifting the Taipans to just their fourth home victory of the season and sending the 4,145 fans at the Cairns Convention Centre home happy. Taipans coach Adam Forde believes Armstrong is destined for bigger stages. "This is just an example of what he's…
READ MOREThe NBL has officially announced the finalists for its end-of-season awards, sparking plenty of debate among fans and analysts. With categories including MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player, this year’s selections have drawn praise and controversy, with some notable snubs and unexpected inclusions. MVP Race: Cotton Leading the Pack? The three finalists for the league’s top individual honour are Bryce Cotton (Perth Wildcats), Kendric Davis (Adelaide 36ers), and Matt Hurt (South East Melbourne Phoenix). Cotton, a three-time MVP, is considered the…
READ MOREMelbourne is set to make basketball history, with an NBA team scheduled to play in Australia for the first time. The Victorian Government, NBL, and NBA are finalizing a deal to bring an NBA franchise to Melbourne in October 2025 for a two-game exhibition series, sources told ESPN. The event will mark the first time an NBA team has played on Australian soil, a significant moment for basketball fans across the country. The games will be played at Melbourne Park, with Rod Laver Arena emerging…
READ MOREAustralian basketball legend Patty Mills is on the move once again, landing with the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a trade with the Utah Jazz. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, sees Mills and center Drew Eubanks heading to the Clippers in exchange for P.J. Tucker, Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick, and cash considerations. The Los Angeles Clippers are trading PJ Tucker, Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick and cash to the Utah Jazz for Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills, sources…
READ MOREEven as his future with the Houston Rockets remains uncertain, Jock Landale is quietly making the most of his opportunities on the court. With the NBA trade deadline approaching and reports suggesting he could be moved before the week is out, the 29-year-old Australian big man is proving he can still deliver when given minutes. Despite limited playing time this season, Landale has been productive in back-to-back 16-minute outings. In Houston’s 110-99 win over Atlanta, he contributed 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1…
READ MOREBelow is an up-to-date roster for each NBL team and a list of rumours and potential signings derived from discussions with NBL staff and media. Players listed as contracted come from information supplied by the National Basketball League. * = Denotes import player ** = Naturalised Australian DP = a member of the team's development roster SRP = the previously named Asian player exception denoting an Asian player who qualifies as a local in the NBL. MP = Marquee players listed as known Click here…
READ MOREThe possibility of Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving playing for the Australian Boomers continues to gain momentum following his recent comments about facing former teammate Josh Green. After a recent matchup against Green, Irving admitted the encounter felt surreal, saying: "It was awkward. I'm not gonna lie to you, especially when he made that last defensive rebound. That is a Josh Green play all the way through... Hopefully I get to see him on the Aussie team soon." Kyrie Irving on facing Josh Green for…
READ MOREFormer Perth Wildcats star and two-time NBL champion Jermaine Beal joins the podcast to discuss his incredible basketball journey. From winning NBL championships in 2014 and 2016 to transitioning into life after basketball as an author, Beal shares insights into his playing career and the lessons he's learned along the way. Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. We dive into his time playing alongside future NBA and NBL talent like Festus Ezeli and AJ Ogilvy, his experiences in the NBA Summer League,…
READ MORE