Unexpected Update:Jazz Horton-Tucker labeled the worst player of the…

Talen Horton-Tucker had a subpar season with the Utah Jazz. Despite averaging 10 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.4 rebounds, his shooting percentages were lackluster at 39.6% from the floor and 33% from three, with 1.3 turnovers per game. While not the worst performance ever, it led to calls for his trade by the NBA Trade Deadline. The desire to trade him stemmed partly from his on-court performance but mainly from concerns about his contract, which, at over $11 million for the season, was seen as a means to facilitate a trade for the Jazz, who were focused on winning.

The $11 million salary could have been a valuable asset in trading for a major player, but instead, the Jazz chose to unload pieces rather than acquire them. This decision contributed to their decline, rendering the rationale for trading Horton-Tucker obsolete. Now a free agent, it’s unlikely he’ll command a similar salary in his next contract, possibly settling for around $11 million total. Despite his offensive shortcomings, Horton-Tucker’s defensive prowess warrants consideration for a return.

While he struggled as a starter and key rotation player in the previous season, he could thrive in a lesser role on a stronger Jazz team, providing solid defensive contributions off the bench. Though he tends to overestimate his offensive abilities, his defensive skills alone justify a spot on the roster, as long as he’s utilized primarily as a defensive specialist or as a bench player for specific situations.