Since adding LeBron James in free agency in 2018, the Los Angeles Lakers have attempted to build a long-standing core around him, although their cast has largely been a revolving door of players.
After Talen Horton-Tucker and Alex Caruso were initially deemed ‘untouchable’ by the Lakers and their fans, both quickly wound up on other teams, with Caruso winning a ring last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Horton-Tucker, in 2022, was traded to the Utah Jazz and last played on the Chicago Bulls, averaging 6.5 points per game. Next season, he will suit up for Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, the club announced officially on September 20.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: LeBron James #6 and Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena on March 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Talen Horton-Tucker Was Once Praised By LeBron James
After being drafted 46th overall in 2019, Horton-Tucker showed steady improvement over his three seasons with the Lakers before being traded to the Jazz in a deal for Patrick Beverley. Horton-Tucker did not suit up in the 2020 Finals, although he averaged 5.7 points that season and played solid defense.
While Horton-Tucker’s NBA career seems to have ended for good, there was a point in time when he was considered one of the best young guards in the NBA. In 2021, the Lakers were looking to improve their point guard situation and were linked to Kyle Lowry, although the Toronto Raptors wanted Horton-Tucker, and the Lakers refused to budge.
“The holdup, I’m told, on both teams is the inclusion of Talen Horton-Tucker from the Lakers and Tyler Herro from the Miami Heat,” reported Shams Charania that offseason. “The Raptors clearly want one of those young guards who have bright futures. Talen Horton-Tucker is going to be a significant player.”
Horton-Tucker also had the backing of LeBron James, who called him a “special” player after a 19-point game in 2021, capping off a solid streak of 15 games to start that season.
However, as Los Angeles realized that it needed veteran talent and Horton-Tucker’s progression slowed, the Lakers eventually flipped him to the Jazz.
Horton-Tucker’s Career Will Continue in Turkey
Fenerbahçe, one of seven top-level basketball clubs in Istanbul, is the most successful Turkish team, and Horton-Tucker should find a starting role quickly.
The Canaries, as they are known, boast two EuroLeague titles and a record 15 Turkish League championships.
Horton-Tucker will not be the only former NBA player on the roster, as Wade Baldwin, Nicolò Melli, Brandon Boston Jr., Onuralp Bitim, Devon Hall, Bonzie Colson, and Khem Birch are all on the roster.
While Horton-Tucker was once treasured by the Lakers for his offensive potential and solid defensive play, his inability to devolp a reliable 3-point shot and his turnover numbers quickly caught up to him, and in an effort to maximize James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers moved on from him for a more etsbalished player, although Beverley never found massive success in Los Angeles, either.
As the EuroLeague and Turkey enjoy more attention when it comes to basketball, there is a chance that Horton-Tucker will regain NBA notoriety, and at only 24 years old, there is a serious chance that a team on the rise will add him in free agency in order to round out their backcourt.
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