With most free agency deals now complete, the NBA is in a barren landscape. However, for a few stars, deals have yet to be done. For them, the news cycle has been nothing short of tortuous as they await a potential call to join an NBA team.
Among those names is former Los Angeles Lakers player Talen Horton-Tucker. After completing the final year of his three-year contract he originally signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, Tucker has yet to receive an offer.
But what might be even more depressing for Horton is the future. Because if the rumors are true, then no deal is forthcoming, at least not immediately. Initially, there was some interest from the Dallas Mavericks. As a backup option behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Talen could thrive in Texas. However, since then, the Mavs have found an upgrade in the form of Spencer Dinwiddie. Now, adding THT would be a waste of resources for them.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Talen Horton-Tucker, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz: News
At this point, the only real interest in Horton-Tucker appears to be coming from European clubs, with his NBA career appearing to be in decline.
Where did it go wrong for Talen Horton-Tucker?
For most of his career with the Lakers, Talen Horton-Tucker was a relative unknown. However, during the latter stages of the 2020-21 season, when the team had virtually no hope of making the playoffs, Tucker came alive. He became a true scorer and creator with the ball, even scoring 40 points. Seeing the potential in the youngster, Los Angeles took the plunge and signed him to a 3-year contract extension worth $30 million.
Unfortunately, by the end of the following season, it was clear that there wasn’t much to do. Since then, there has been no real growth from this once promising name. Instead, in two seasons with the Utah Jazz, his career has stagnated.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Talen Horton-Tucker, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz: News
Last year, despite playing only about 20 minutes on a struggling team, Horton failed to top 10 points per game. Additionally, his three-point shooting percentage has been inconsistent, stagnating below 30 percent for his career.
After finishing his contract without any new offers, it may be time for THT to reevaluate his career path. Rather than focusing on developing himself as a star, he could play a supporting role as the primary initiator of reserve units. With contributions on a solid contender, increasing his value this way may be the best, and frankly only, option available to him.
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