Talen Horton-Tucker is only 23 years old, and yet he is going into his 6th season in the NBA! NBA champion with the Lakers in 2020, “THT” managed to land a contract with the Bulls, and even if it's at minimum salary, he couldn't dream of a better place since it will be at home, in Chicago.
“It’s a great feeling… I’ve dreamed of it since I was a kid. I never imagined it would happen this quickly” he explainedpreparing for his family and loved ones to be in attendance at the United Center. It must be said that like Derrick Rose, but also Jabari Parker, “THT” was born in Chicago, grew up and played there, and he attended the same high school, the Simeon Career Academywhom he helped win three titles in a row.
“To play here, you have to be tough, have a strong mind and be able to endure everything”he continues. “I feel like the way I play proves it: I play hard and I give everything I have. »
A profile different from other backs
After a discreet season at Jazz, still averaging 10 points, the former teammate of Anthony Davis and LeBron James was not really the favorite to land a contract. But his youth, his playing intelligence and his versatility made the difference for Billy Donovan.
“I congratulate him because he really didn’t expect anything” confides the Bulls coach. “He went out on the floor and fought every day… He’s a good teammate and he understands things quickly on offense and defense. He is young enough that it will be an incredible experience for everyone. »
Even the relative small size of “THT” (1m92) did not worry the management, while the team suffers from a huge lack of centimeters. “Sometimes it’s not even about size,” Billy Donovan justifies himself. “It's about having one more creator, someone who can dribble, penetrate, defend… It's obvious that he's a very good scorer and that he can attack the racket. He’s an extra dribbler – and I know we have a lot of them, but he’s different than Zach (LaVine) or Josh (Giddey) or Coby (White) or Ayo (Dosunmu).”
