NBA hidden gem: Talen Horton-Tucker, Los Angeles Lakers
Talen Horton-Tucker was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 46th pick in last year’s draft, and he has excellent upside as a versatile rotation wing. At Iowa State, before the draft, he averaged 15 points a game, four rebounds, and three assists. He should capability to be a 3-and-D wing.
In the G League this year with the Lakers, that talent has continued to show. Tucker in the G League has averaged 18 points, 6.2 rebounds, and four assists per game. He just needs to improve his three-point shot a little as he only shot 30 percent this season.
Tucker’s 6-foot-4 height to go along with his 7-foot wingspan bodes well for him to continue to grow on defense. His 1.4 steals per game projects well and his motor continually means he can be valued as a one-on-one defender.
With the Lakers looking to maximize the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era look for Talen-Horton Tucker, and Kyle Kuzma to be available.