Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons Talen Horton-Tucker was a good pick

2. Horton-Tucker can develop into a good defender

The Lakers need to play defense. They were bad on that end of the court last season — finishing 21st in the league in points allowed — and they just traded away two of their better defenders in Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart.

Davis is a three-time All-Defensive Team pick, but L.A.’s perimeter defense still needs to improve. Horton-Tucker can help in that area.

Hiss physical profile is unique, but he looks like a player who at least has the tools to be a good defender on the pro level. While he is short for a shooting guard or small forward at 6’4″, he has an abnormally long 7’1″ wingspan. His hands are reportedly the same size as Kawhi Leonard‘s. Horton-Tucker is also built strong and solid at 235 pounds.

Defensive versatility is a valuable asset in the NBA now more than ever, and Horton-Tucker has the potential to guard up to three positions effectively.

Heading into free agency, the Lakers have only a handful of players under contract. As top-heavy and star-studded as their roster may be for 2019-20, they’ll need defenders to be real contenders.

Horton-Tucker could become one of those capable defenders.