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5 NBA free-agent signings who have disappointed so far this season

By Desmond Novack

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 26: Evan Fournier #13 reacts with Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on October 26, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User ex, 3 reasons why the Knicks should fire Tom Thibodeaupressly 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 26: Evan Fournier #13 reacts with Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on October 26, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User ex, 3 reasons why the Knicks should fire Tom Thibodeaupressly 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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NBA Free Agents
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 15: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center on November 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, 5 NBA free-agent signings who have disappointed so far this season. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

5 NBA free agents who have disappointed so far this season: Talen Horton-Tucker, Los Angeles Lakers

Talen Horton Tucker signed a 3-year, $30M extension to stay with the Lakers during the 2021 offseason.

This is a move that confused many people, including myself when it occurred. Why sign an unproven young player to a big deal instead of retaining a proven player like Alex Caruso?

Well, so far this season, it seems as if the Lakers may be regretting their decision. In 22 games played this season, THT has averaged 10 PPG, 2.6 APG, 4.2 RPG, on an abysmal 37.9 percent from the field and 21.4 percent from three.

These numbers are very bad for any player, let alone a player who was expected to play a somewhat big role on a championship-contending team.

It seems as if the Lakers expected Talent Horton-Tucker to make a leap this season to at least become a starting-caliber player. However, this has been far from the case.

Horton-Tucker did start the season off hot, however, averaging 23.3 PPG, shooting 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from three after missing the first 12 games due to a thumb injury.

However, after this hot start, THT has not been the same. Not even close. There have been 11 games in which he has failed to score over 10 points, alongside 14 games in which he shot one or more three-pointers and failed to hit a single one.

While Horton-Tucker is a solid defender, the Lakers let an elite defender in Alex Caruso walk in order to keep Horton-Tucker. As I previously said, this signing boggled my mind when it occurred during the 2021 offseason.

While there is still plenty of time for Talen Horton-Tucker to turn things around, as of right now, it is looking like this was the wrong move for the Lakers to make.