Talen Horton-Tucker is turning heads with the Los Angeles Lakers in the preseason, which isn't a surprise to a former All-Defensive wing defender. While the second-year forward makes a name for himself, Tony Allen shared a story on when he knew THT was the real deal.
Story time! Tony Allen (@aa000G9) saw Talen Horton-Tucker in person last year and they had an interaction that made TA know he’s for real. pic.twitter.com/oH6Ean0pm5
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) December 15, 2020
Tony Allen recalled a time last season when Talen Horton-Tucker was playing in the G-League for the Lakers. THT seemingly told Allen that he shouldn't be playing in the G League and proceeded to make a 3-pointer in the game.
The Iowa State product has taken that confidence into the preseason this year and is showing that he could be a key contributor for the Lakers. In the preseason opener versus the Los Angeles Clippers, Horton-Tucker recorded 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals.
He would then follow that up by notching 33 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and four steals against the Clippers on Sunday night. As a result, Horton-Tucker's performances have caught the attention of plenty of NBA stars, including his teammate in LeBron James.
Seeing that the Lakers have Wesley Matthews, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, and LeBron on the wing, Los Angeles may have a hard time finding minutes for Horton-Tucker. But given how he's performed thus far in the preseason, Frank Vogel is likely going to have to make room in his rotation for him.
When Allen was in the league, he defended some of the best players in NBA history. Provided that, when he says a player is the real deal, he likely knows what he is talking about.
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