The J-Notes
Fansided

3 Young Utah Jazz players to watch down the stretch

By Jared Koch

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Talen Horton-Tucker #0 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Yu/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Talen Horton-Tucker #0 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Yu/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 20: Talen Horton-Tucker #0 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a dunk during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Vivint Arena on March 20, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 20: Talen Horton-Tucker #0 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a dunk during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Vivint Arena on March 20, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

1. Talen Horton-Tucker

Since missing a few games at the start of February, Talen Horton-Tucker has been on an absolute tear. In the 24 games since returning, Horton-Tucker has averaged around 17 points per game, five rebounds per game, and six assists per game. A big jump from his previous average this season of seven points, two rebounds, and two assists.

Since March 29th, Horton-Tucker has also managed to put up four consecutive 20+ points games. With this recent surge, the Jazz need to continue to rely on Horton-Tucker’s recent production going forward.

The important part of playing Horton-Tucker really comes with the current status of his contract. Horton-Tucker is entering the offseason on a player option worth about $11 million. It’s an option he could easily look to decline based on his recent play.

These final few games can be a great help for the Jazz later in the summer to help indicate whether or not Horton-Tucker can be worth a long-term deal going forward.

If Talen continues to ball out in the final three games of the season, the Jazz could look at that late-season production and be potentially more inclined to pay him. Or, if he continues to play a bit streaky or inconsistent, could also help the Jazz in negotiations to lower his cost.

Regardless, Horton-Tucker is a player that needs to continue to be a focal point of the offense going forward.

Home/Jazz News