The Utah Jazz ought not to prioritize Talen Horton-Tucker’s playing time over Brice Sensabaugh’s.
The Utah Jazz have struggled significantly in their last 11 games with Talen Horton-Tucker on the court, boasting a 1-10 record during that stretch. Previously entrusted as a starter for the team, where he averaged nearly 30 minutes per game alongside Jordan Clarkson as the starting point guard, the decision was widely criticized at the time and continues to be viewed as shortsighted.
Horton-Tucker’s performance has not lived up to expectations, marked by poor shot selection, a high turnover rate, and inefficient shooting. Despite arguments that increased playing time might enhance his trade value, such notions are deemed unrealistic. It’s unlikely that NBA teams are unaware of Horton-Tucker’s limitations, and further poor outings are unlikely to enhance his stock, particularly considering his contract expires this summer.
With only 26 games left in the season and playoff aspirations dwindling, the focus should shift towards evaluating the team’s future prospects. As Horton-Tucker is set to become a free agent, there is little incentive to continue investing minutes in him. It’s time to prioritize players like Brice Sensabaugh, especially if the team aims to assess the potential contributions of rookies Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte George.
Sensabaugh should be given opportunities alongside his fellow rookies, even if only for limited minutes each game. It’s imperative for Jazz head coach Will Hardy to recognize that Horton-Tucker’s current contributions offer little value to the team. In essence, it’s time to pivot towards nurturing talent that aligns with the team’s long-term objectives.
