When an NBA franchise has playoff aspirations on the horizon, the team generally uses the summer to add veteran talent. Typically, that player or players have a resume and credentials.
For instance, for a team that is looking to have a deep playoff run, a former NBA champion becomes lucrative and appealing. That is exactly what the Chicago Bulls thought when they signed this former Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz player.
Just a few days after Labor Day weekend, Talen-Horton Tucker signed with the Chicago Bulls. The one-year deal was for a little under $2.43 million. The former NBA champion is scheduled to be a free agent for the second consecutive summer.
Play-In Tournament is Horton-Tucker's Audition for Roster Spot Next Season
During the preseason, the Chicago native played hard enough to impress the Bulls' front office. Chicago guaranteed his spot on the roster on October 20, 2024.
Fast forward to the last two weeks of the regular season, Horton-Tucker has played at least 24 minutes in three of the Bulls' last four games. Despite playing just eight minutes last Wednesday against the Heat, the small forward has scored a total of 48 points during that four-game span.
"I’ve always been an unselfish player, I’m never out there just trying to score for myself. Every shot I shoot, is something I practice. I don’t want to take any shot out of my game. I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes shooting the ball too much."Talen Horton-Tucker, Bulls small forward
Chicago needs what they saw out of the former Iowa State Cyclone from Sunday's finale against the Philadelphia 76ers. Horton-Tucker recorded 17 points, three rebounds and six assists off the bench.
He led the team in minutes played Sunday afternoon with 29 and was one field goal away from besting teammate Kevin Huerter's game-high, 19 points. Horton-Tucker accounted for two of the Bulls' 10 steals against the 76ers.
Wednesday night's Play-In game at the United Center pits the ninth and tenth-best teams in the Eastern Conference against one another in a high-stakes game. Chicago has been a Play-In regular the past couple of years, while the Heat were in the NBA Finals two seasons ago.
The winner goes on and plays either the Orlando Magic or the Atlanta Hawks. The loser is eliminated from the postseason and their season is over.
With playoff experience under his belt from his days with the Lakers, this Wednesday will bring the 6'4'' forward his seventh playoff game. If Chicago were to win, at least one more could be had. If not, then his season could wind up like his tenure with the Bulls: over.
Thus, for Horton-Tucker, it is do-or-die. It is time for the former NBA champion to shine and show his current team, or another franchise, that he is a viable asset in a team's championship hopes.