Talen Horton-Tucker had a solid first season in the NBA G League with the South Bay Lakers.
When he was selected with the 46th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Talen Horton-Tucker was a relatively unknown prospect to most fans of the Los Angeles Lakers. Upon a closer look, however, the 6-foot-4 guard appeared to hold a unique, versatile skillset and possessed a huge 7-foot-1 wingspan.
After spending the majority of the 2019-20 season with the South Bay Lakers, the 19-year-old received his first real shot with the Lakers as the season resumed in Orlando. Scoring 10 points, consecutively, against the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers. Before recording 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in the regular-season finale against the Sacramento Kings.
Horton-Tucker did make two surprise appearances in Games 4 and 5 of the Western Conference Semifinal matchup with the Houston Rockets also. Where he scored 5 and 9 points, respectively.
Through 38 G League contests this past season, Horton-Tucker posted averages of 18.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.4 steals. On 42.5% shooting from the field, 30.9% from 3-point land.
Through November and December, the young rookie did appear to have some difficulty adjusting to the professional ranks. Whilst he averaged a respectable 15.1 points in that period, he did shoot just 36.2% from the field. Although, his well-rounded skill set was teased through his rebounding (5.7) and assists (4.5).
At the turn of the year, Horton-Tucker started to fire on all cylinders. On December 31, he lit up for 35 points against the Texas Legends, where he set a career-high for assists (10). Then on January 17, he scored a career-high 37 points against the Memphis Hustle.
His shooting average ballooned to 47.6% in January, as did his scoring (21.8) and rebounding (7). Even though this dipped ever-so-slightly in February, he did finish the season strong in March leading up to the G League suspension.
In the final 5 games of the season, Horton-Tucker averaged 21 points (48.2% FG), 6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1 steal. On an impressive 38.9% conversion rate from 3.
Horton-Tucker clearly holds promise. Aside from his scoring that consists of aggressive bursts to the rim and controlled mid-range jumpers, he has a creative eye. Carving out opportunities for others through his agile movements and speedy handles. Which are particularly impressive given his large frame.
His frame and quick lateral movement allow him to crash the boards and make him a promising defender, capable of switching and guarding multiple positions. In the G League, he has been a nuisance on the defensive end, consistently nicking steals and deflections. His defensive rating of 112.4 outweighed his offensive rating of 110 on the 2019-20 G League season too.
In-fact, his size and length could probably make him competent on this side of the ball in the NBA right now. However, it is to be noted that Horton-Tucker is still a very raw prospect. He was the second-youngest player on an NBA roster in his rookie campaign and he is still figuring out his craft.
His preferred position is still to be debated. He can set the pace at point guard, act as a 2-guard, but can also play out on the wing also. His 3.2 turnovers per game with South Bay are a slight concern, but understandable given his age and that he’s figuring out his game. His 121 turnovers over the course of the season were the 8th-highest in the G League.
Additionally, he has been a high-volume shooter for South Bay. He attempted the 7th-most field goals in the league (619) and was 6th in field goals missed (357). Although, South Bay didn’t exactly have the best season. They were inconsistent throughout and finished the season 19-25, 3rd bottom in the G League’s Western Conference.
Talen Horton-Tucker is definitely an intriguing prospect though. His skill set, with a bit more tuning, along with his size and length gives him NBA promise and could very well see him in the Lakers’ rotation in the near future. As proven with his Orlando bubble antics.
How soon that may be is to be determined. Either way, he certainly impressed in the NBA G League this past season regardless.