Boston Celtics: 3 players that could benefit from Kemba Walker’s absence

Player who could benefit from Kemba Walker’s absence No. 2) Jeff Teague

The obvious choice for this list is, of course, the newly acquired point guard from 2020’s free agency, Jeff Teague.

Brought in to replace former backup, Brad Wanamaker, Teague is in a fantastic position to show that he still has what it takes to step in at a moment’s notice and properly lead an offense — something we’ve been boasting about as a reason for the team to add him for months now.

In his most recent campaign, the 32-year-old saw himself serving as a savvy veteran for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Atlanta Hawks. Through 59 games played in 2019-20, the former All-Star averaged 10.9 points, 5.2 assists, and just shy of a steal per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from deep.

Though he spent a majority of the season serving as his respective team’s backup option, Teague did wind up starting 17 total games and, in turn, produced admirably to the tune of 12.5 points, 7.5 assists, and a steal per game on 38 percent shooting from deep.

No, he is not the talent that Kemba Walker is. That said, when surrounded by studs like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, while also serving in a Brad Stevens-led offense, you don’t have to be a superstar to be a superb option to run the point.

Still a quality floor general with the knack for getting his teammates involved, Teague could thrive while serving as the starting point guard for this ball club to start the year off.