Rayjon Tucker has been perhaps the top player in the G League this season but even he was surprised to learn that the Utah Jazz were interested in signing him to a contract.
Tucker, an undrafted forward from Little Rock, was a free agent playing for the Wisconsin Herd, the G League affiliate for the Milwaukee Bucks. In 16 games played, Tucker averaged 23.8 points per game, good for fourth among all players.
His performance last weekend in the NBA G League Winter Showcase in Las Vegas is likely what finally saw him land an NBA contract. Tucker recorded 34 points and seven rebounds for the Herd on Friday as the game marked his fourth straight recording at least 30 points.
Tucker did not play with the Herd on Sunday as a healthy scratch, prompting many to believe a deal was in the works. As he told reporters on Thursday when he joined the team, his agent delivered the news on Monday that the Jazz offered him a contract.
I can say this week has definitely been a blessing, probably the best Christmas gift I’ve ever gotten. … My agent called me about 9, 10 o’clock and was basically like, ‘I think this is what we’re going to do; guaranteed for the rest of the year.’ My reaction was I was kind of in shock. I was kind of amazed, I didn’t really know what to say. It’s definitely exciting. I instantly called my mom, let her know what was going on. I can definitely say I was really excited about the move.
Rayjon Tucker details learning he was joining the Jazz, and recounts his mom’s reaction in three parts pic.twitter.com/LI6JBf9lWq
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) December 26, 2019
Tucker signed a multi-year contract with the rest of the 2019-20 season guaranteed. Tucker did not play with the Jazz in a 121-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, though he could offer the team a scoring punch off of the bench once he is acclimated to the system.
Tucker has proven to be a versatile offensive option. He shot 38.6% from 3-point range in the G League and is capable of scoring from virtually all over the court, which certainly attracted the Jazz to sign him.
The Jazz play next on Saturday against the L.A. Clippers.
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