Boston Celtics: 3 replacements for Brad Wanamaker as C’s primary backup point guard
By Mark Nilon
Jeff Teague
Recently, we discussed the idea of the Boston Celtics pursuing the likes of soon-to-be free agent veteran Jeff Teague this offseason. Since it’s publication, frankly, I can’t help but feel he’d be a great fit with the C’s and within coach Brad Stevens’ offensive scheme that’s widely considered friendly for point guards.
Prior to the league’s COVID-19 induced hiatus, Teague found himself in the midst of his second stint with the Atlanta Hawks after being traded from Minnesota in mid-January. Through 59 outings in 2019-20, the 31-year-old point guard was posting averages of 10.9 points and 5.2 assists on 44 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep.
Though no longer an All-Star or, honestly, in the prime of his career Teague still could provide a team — specifically one in a position to win — with many sufficient attributes, namely, his experience in the postseason.
Through a decade of play the point guard has reached the postseason nine times — 2010-18 –, four of which saw deep runs. With him in tow, this young Celtics squad (average age hovers around 24 years old) a seasoned vet they could very much use as well as an improvement at the backup one spot they so desperately need.
Though now mainly seen and utilized as a second unit point guard, Teague has shown through both his play and numbers that he’s more than capable of stepping into the primary position when his number is called upon to do so — averaged 12.5 points, 7.5 assists and a steal per game on 38 percent shooting from deep in 17 starts this year.
With the lingering knee issues we’ve seen starter Kemba Walker deal with throughout the season — and reportedly while in self isolation — the team should be very interested in bringing in a savvy & adequately experienced veteran point guard who can fill the void at the one and lead a team if ever needed to.
Jeff Teague, despite what some may think, truly has proven to still be capable of checking off both these boxes and could prove to be an incredibly valuable asset to have for this championship aspiring shamrocks squad.