The question has been raised by Boston Celtics beat writer Jon Karalis whether or not Isaiah Thomas is the preferable option to Jeff Teague at this point in the season:
At this point, cut Jeff Teague and sign Isaiah Thomas. Enough is enough
— John Karalis 🇬🇷🇺🇦 (@John_Karalis) January 23, 2021
Should the Boston Celtics pursue a reunion with IT in lieu of keeping Teague on the roster?
Teague has been inefficient overall from the field in this initial go-around in Beantown. His shooting from the field has cratered to a sub-par 32% from the field, and his role has shrunk since Payton Pritchard has ascended to the primary backup to Kemba Walker.
Granted, it hasn’t been all bad for Teague. His 3-point shooting is a sky-high 45%, though that was mostly the product of a hot-start pre-Pritchard explosion.
He likely also has had a tangible hand in the Oregon product’s early-season success. Having a solid veteran in the locker room is something that goes beyond on-court production.
But should the Celtics pursue a different veteran for the same role?
Karalis seems to think so. The Houdini also thinks that it should be considered if things don’t improve.
Isaiah Thomas is a popular name around these parts, and he is still looking to hoop. Jamal Crawford agrees that the former Cs hero can still contribute in a multitude of ways:
Lot of teams can use him! On and OFF the court. We know he gets buckets, but imagine a young guard getting knowledge from a player like that. Invaluable. https://t.co/OxkDd08AnQ
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 23, 2021
After showing flashes of brilliance on the Washington Wizards in 2019-20, Thomas got cut following a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. He didn’t partake in the bubble but has stayed ready.
Now it’s time for the Boston Celtics to bring Thomas aboard if the rosters expand…or if the team continues to get diminishing returns from Jeff Teague.