Texas Basketball in the NBA: How are former Longhorns doing in 2018-19?
By Shane Black
![ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 12: Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic is defended by LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs during a pre-season game at Amway Center on October 12, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 12: Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic is defended by LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs during a pre-season game at Amway Center on October 12, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/36a1ae079ae7c9248110bfa376817107e53dbbde90525dfa24a2bebd0ab684f3.jpg)
D.J. Augustin and P.J. Tucker
D.J. Augustin, PG, Orlando Magic
23 G, 23 GS (27.2 MPG): 10.6 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.4 RPG. .457/.440/.873
D.J. Augustin has taken over the starting point guard duties for the Magic. Augustin doesn’t wow you away, but he is a solid distributor and an efficient shooter. Augustin is shooting 44 percent from three to start the season. This ranks 16th best in the NBA.
Augustin has been excellent in leading the fast break, averaging 1.533 points per possession in transition which is in the 100th percentile in the league, according to Synergy. Augustin is on his eighth team in 11 seasons, but he has finally found a spot to excel as a starter.
P.J. Tucker, SF, Houston Rockets
23 G, 23 GS (35.4 MPG): 8.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.3 SPG. .430/.409/.733
In what has been a bumpy start to the season for the Houston Rockets, P.J. Tucker has provided stability at the wing position. Tucker has been and still is one of the best on-ball defenders in the NBA. He will always guard the other teams best offensive weapon, and he typically does a good job locking them up. He has the speed to matchup outside and the strength to matchup in the post.
On the offensive end, Tucker has not been much of an option, nor does he need to. Playing in a very iso and pick-and-roll centric offense, Tucker fills his role by finding an open corner on the offensive end. He is shooting 40.9 percent from deep this season. Tucker is the perfect 3-and-D guy in today’s NBA.