Talen Horton-Tucker isn’t just wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey—he’s living a lifelong ambition.
The 24-year-old guard, who signed with the Bulls ahead of the 2024-25 season, called playing for his hometown team “a dream” in an interview with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
His emotional connection to the franchise goes back decades, long before he entered the league.
“The Bulls I used to watch on WGN in my house almost every day the Bulls came on; pre-Derrick Rose, during Derrick Rose, after Derrick Rose,” Horton-Tucker said. “I’m a 2000s kid so I didn’t see Jordan play live but, my mom and my brother would show and explain it to me.”
Now, Horton-Tucker is part of that story—one that he’s helping write on the floor of the United Center.
Through 12 minutes per game this season, he’s averaging 6.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, contributing off the bench in Chicago’s effort to stay alive in the Eastern Conference Play-In race.
The Bulls are currently ninth in the East at 37-43, just one game ahead of the 10th-place Miami Heat.
Horton-Tucker believes the Bulls’ midseason surge stems from their resilience.
“Just the way we’re playing together,” he told Robinson. “Just being able to stay united through the ups and downs of the season.”
Chicago has endured injuries and inconsistent stretches but has remained within reach of postseason basketball with just two games left in the regular season.
The former Simeon Career Academy standout sees significance in representing the city that raised him.
“Being able to live your dream to play for your home team is super fun,” Horton-Tucker said. “And being able to do it and being part of the success is good!”
“Just continuing to fight and playing meaningful basketball is always important,” he said. “And being able to get the opportunity.”
Chicago’s recent climb in the standings surprised many, but the fourth-year pro said the group always believed.
“Oh yeah, of course we already knew what we can do as a team,” he said. “So being able to have more to put more of a chip on our shoulders motivates us all the time.”
