Only 23! Why Former Laker Talen Horton-Tucker Remains Unsigned

Lakers fans likely remember Talen Horton-Tucker well. As free agency has opened and most capable free agents have already found new teams, the core rosters for the upcoming season are mostly set. Yet, a considerable number of unsigned players, including young talents like Horton-Tucker, are still waiting for their next contract. Currently 23 years old, Horton-Tucker was a second-round pick (46th overall) in the 2019 NBA Draft. His career began with the Lakers, and he was fortunate enough to win a championship at the age of 19 alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the bubble.

An interesting anecdote from that time is that, due to American laws prohibiting drinking under the age of 20, Horton-Tucker had to celebrate with orange juice while his teammates enjoyed champagne. In the following season, the defending champion Lakers struggled due to injuries, but Horton-Tucker emerged as a pleasant surprise. He played 65 games, averaging 20.1 minutes per game, and posted 9.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steals with a shooting percentage of 45.8% from the field and 28.2% from three-point range.

After that season, the Lakers traded away key players like Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to acquire Russell Westbrook and let defensive stalwart Alex Caruso walk in free agency. However, they retained Horton-Tucker, signing him to a three-year, $30.78 million contract. The Lakers had high hopes for Horton-Tucker, seeing his potential on both ends of the floor, particularly on defense, thanks to his 7’1” wingspan despite being only 6’4”. They envisioned him developing into a top-tier 3-and-D player.

The Harsh Reality

However, reality proved harsh. The 2021-22 Lakers, a team built on veteran talent, failed miserably, winning only 33 games and missing the play-in tournament. Horton-Tucker, earning millions, failed to live up to expectations, averaging 10.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 25.2 minutes per game, with shooting percentages of 41.6% from the field and 26.9% from three.

Interestingly, the Raptors reportedly offered a first-round pick for Horton-Tucker before the trade deadline, but the Lakers declined, opting not to include him in a potential deal for Kyle Lowry. Yet, at the end of the season, the Lakers traded Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson to the Jazz for Patrick Beverley. That Lakers season was chaotic, to say the least.

A New Beginning with the Jazz

Joining the Jazz, who were undergoing a significant transformation by trading away stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Horton-Tucker was seen as a rebuilding piece. However, his performance over the next two seasons was far from stellar.

In the 2022-23 season, Horton-Tucker played 65 games, averaging 20.2 minutes with 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while shooting 41.9% from the field, 28.6% from three, and 75.0% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage was 50.8%.

In the 2023-24 season, he played 51 games, averaging 19.8 minutes with 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, with shooting percentages of 39.6% from the field, 33.0% from three, and 80.7% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage was 50.3%.

Despite receiving less playing time, Horton-Tucker had more ball-handling opportunities, with a usage rate of 25.0% in his first year with the Jazz. However, his efficiency declined, with his true shooting percentage remaining below 51% for two consecutive years and his field goal percentage dropping below 40% last season.

Efficiency Issues

Horton-Tucker's biggest problem has been his lack of efficiency. Despite his long arms and occasional explosive dunks, his finishing around the basket is poor. Last season, within five feet of the basket, he shot only 54.8% and had a block rate of 12.9%. His shooting from 5-9 feet was also subpar, making only 37.3% of his 75 attempts.

His mid-range game is virtually non-existent, shooting only 21.6% from 10-19 feet (11-for-51). While his three-point shooting has improved, hitting 33% last season, it is still a career-best but not enough to make him a reliable shooter.

The Free Agency Dilemma

Due to these glaring weaknesses, Horton-Tucker remains unsigned since the start of free agency. However, given his youth and potential, it’s unlikely he will remain without a team for long. Although his current value doesn't warrant a multi-million dollar contract, a minimum salary deal might attract several teams.

Reflecting on Horton-Tucker's journey, it's hard not to think about the decisions made by the Lakers. The championship core had great potential, but questionable moves led to an unfortunate dismantling. Players like Caruso, Kuzma, and Caldwell-Pope thrived elsewhere, while Horton-Tucker, who was once considered a future cornerstone, has struggled the most.

Interestingly, the Lakers recently offered a four-year, $32 million contract to a second-round pick who has only played two seasons. There’s hope he doesn’t follow the same path as Horton-Tucker. As fans and analysts continue to watch, the hope remains that Horton-Tucker can find his stride and fulfill his potential, wherever he ends up.