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Talen Horton-Tucker drafted, traded to Lakers: Reaction from NBA Draft analysts
The Gazette
Jun. 21, 2019 12:45 am
Iowa State's Talen Horton-Tucker was at one time considered a first-round prospect in the NBA Draft, but slipped to midway through the second round Thursday night.
The Orlando Magic selected Horton-Tucker — 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds — No. 46 overall and traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Chicago native averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in his one season with the Cyclones.
Here's a look what NBA Draft analysts are saying about Horton-Tucker. Click the links to read more.
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Jay Bilas, ESPN: You're getting an intriguing athletic profile: 6-4, almost 240 pounds, 7-1 wingspan, so he's freakishly long, yet really compact and powerful. He can handle the ball well, a really good finisher. When he gets down hill on you, it's like a truck coming at you. With that wingspan, he can extend to finish. He's got a very good passing feel. Good in-and-out dribble. Was a little ball dominant, frankly, at Iowa State, but very skilled and very talented.
Jonathan Givony, ESPN: '... question marks about his conditioning and approach took a toll on his stock, despite his intriguing upside. ... a player that is worth rolling the dice on to see how he develops in the G League.'
Talen Horton-Tucker is a first round talent. Unique player at 6-4, 240, 7-1 wingspan with ball skills. Really needs to continue improving his body and decision making but the ability is there. Interested to see how he develops in LA.June 21, 2019
Talen Horton-Tucker is a first round talent. Unique player at 6-4, 240, 7-1 wingspan with ball skills. Really needs to continue improving his body and decision making but the ability is there. Interested to see how he develops in LA.
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz)
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: 'Because Horton-Tucker has youth on his side, the Lakers can ease him along by helping him develop a shot. He may have to spend some time in the G League to refine his game, but there is a lot of potential for him to be a steal at this point in the draft.'
Christian Rivas, SB Nation: 'A season in the G League with the South Bay Lakers should help Horton-Tucker figure out his slow shooting stroke and conditioning.'
Kurt Helin, NBC Sports: 'The concern is his shot, he hit just 40.6 percent of his attempts overall and 30.8 percent from three. If his shot can come around, there is a role for him in the NBA.'
Sam Vecenie, The Athletic: "... I think he's a long way from competing for an NBA team at a high level. He has role player dimensions and people think of him that way, but he doesn't actually have those tools yet."
Iowa State's Talen Horton-Tucker is heading to the Los Angeles Lakers after an NBA Draft trade with the Orlando Magic. (The Gazette)