Los Angeles Lakers: Twitter reaction to selection of Talen Horton-Tucker
By Nick Ziegler
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly traded for Talen Horton-Tucker. What is the reaction to this selection.
With the NBA Draft producing a ton of trades, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to get into the party late in the second round. The Lakers, of course, made their big splash a few days ago, as they have agreed to trade for Anthony Davis.
There has been plenty of rumors about the Lakers trying to clear some cap space in order to acquire another max player or more talented role players. However, with the need to fill out their roster, it was no surprise to see the Lakers work their way into the second round of the NBA Draft.
In a trade with the Orlando Magic, the Lakers were able to trade for Iowa State guard, Talen Horton-Tucker.
Sources: Lakers selecting Talen Horton-Tucker at No. 46 in NBA Draft.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 21, 2019
After just one season at Iowa State, Horton-Tucker left for the NBA, and will be heading to the Lakers. In his freshman season, Horton-Tucker averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
As a freshman, Horton-Tucker did not have the greatest shooting numbers, as he was just over 40 percent from the field, and 30 percent from the three-point line. However, at just 18-years-old, there is a lot of upside for Horton-Tucker.
At 6’4”, Horton-Tucker is pretty stocky at nearly 240 pounds. However, he comes with a 7’1” wingspan, which is ridiculous for his height. Horton-Tucker wasn’t a household name in college basketball, but he was an important part of a good Iowa State team. Here were some of the reactions on Twitter to the pick.
Looks like he can handle himself. Already has an NBA body, 235 at 6’4 with a 7’1 wingspan sounds good. Hopefully he’s got some athleticism.
— JakTaitum (@JakTaitum) June 21, 2019
The Lakers nab the 6’4’’, 238-pound swingman with a reported 7’1’’ wingspan. The Chicago native played 1 year at Iowa State (11.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.3 stl, 0.7 blk in 27.2 mpg) and is only 18 (turns 19 in November). https://t.co/zpXb16BtjZ
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 21, 2019
Talen Horton-Tucker has top-5 upside in this class as a primary ball-handler with four-position defensive versatility. Great pickup for the Lakers.
— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) June 21, 2019
Talen Horton-Tucker is a first round talent. Unique player at 6-4, 240, 7-1 wingspan with ball skills. Really needs to continue improving his body and decision making but the ability is there. Interested to see how he develops in LA.
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) June 21, 2019
Lakers came into this draft without a pick and came out with excellent value with THT at 46. Hope he pans out but I liked him coming in.
— Gary Kester (@garykester) June 21, 2019
I'll give the Lakers the benefit of the doubt that they went by their draft board - I do know they just missed out on Bol Bol, bet that was their pick if he was there
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) June 21, 2019
I borderline considered THT as an option with no. 11. He's awesome. Incredibly switch-y guy, wide bodied, huge shot upside, young with tons of upside, this is an incredible pick in the mid-second. Home run by the Lakers. Blown away. Well done, Pelinka.
— Ben Rosales (@brosales12) June 21, 2019
As one of the youngest players in the draft, this is a bit more of a developmental pick for the Lakers. Due to the Lakers lacking depth as of now and viable players on the NBA roster, they might have been better suited to draft a more experienced player. However, Horton-Tucker does provide them with some upside.
dark. Next. 3 Starters to target in free agency
Horton-Tucker will certainly have to work on his shot over the summer, but he could be a valuable bench piece for the future.