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Feb 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leads his teammates in a cheer before a game against the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leads his teammates in a cheer before a game against the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The champions, Los Angeles Lakers, had one of the finest off-seasons in the NBA. During the pre-season games, the new players got their due game time, but only one player dominated the headlines, Talen Horton Tucker.
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The 20-year-old, who spent most of the 2019-20 season in the G-league, had an appearance or two last season. But he jumped onto the scene when he torched the LA Clippers in the first 2 preseason games.
This amazing start to the season has seen him play more minutes for the Lakers and has been a part of the rotation. An all-round player, Tucker can be a potent weapon in coach Vogel’s arsenal.
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In a recent episode of the Backstage Lakers, coach Vogel revealed that the 6’4″ guard is a secret weapon for the team. He said, “Last year Alex was my secret weapon. This year Talen is my secret weapon.”
That’s some high praise from coach Vogel, especially given how inexperienced THT is. Is he really the X-Factor for the Lakers?
"Last year Alex was my secret weapon. This year Talen is my secret weapon." pic.twitter.com/4xHqsgESVY
— pickuphoop (@pickuphoop) February 10, 2021
Is Lakers’ Talen Horton Tucker the real deal?
When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Talen Horton Tucker as the 46th pick in the 2019 Draft, the expectations were not too lofty. Although he dominated the G-League, opportunities in the Lakers rotation were sparse for him.
Fast forward to a fantastic pre-season, THT has played almost 4 times the minutes he played last season. He has been used as a backup guard for the roster and used more of a spark plug for now.
The 20-year-old has all the ingredients to be a great 2-way player. He has a massive 7’1″ wingspan, making him a potent addition to the defense.
He has also shown flashes of brilliance on the offensive end, with a good finish across the rim and a decent jumper shooting 31.6% from the perimeter.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 28, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) handles the ball while defended by Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose (25) during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
He has already notched some memorable performances this season. Against a fierce opponent in the Denver Nuggets, THT came off the bench and put up a show scoring 17 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals in just 22 mins on the court.
He is yet to find some consistency on the floor though, but given how inexperienced he is, it is understandable. The Lakers have an absolute steal in THT. Can they help him reach the next level?
