Former All-Star Jeff Teague has signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. The veteran guard started five games for the Boston Celtics and averaged 18 minutes per outing.
Jeff Teague Signs with the Milwaukee Bucks
With this move, Milwaukee fills the void left by the departure of DJ Augustin. The point guard was sent to the Houston Rockets in the PJ Tucker trade, leaving the Bucks without a primary ball handler off the bench. The Bucks looked to the buyout market to add some depth and have seemingly done that by signing Teague. Teague and two future second-round draft picks were traded to the Orlando Magic for Evan Fournier. The Magic decided to part ways with Teague, giving more playing time to young players as they rebuild. The move also gave Teague a chance to sign with a contender, which he is reported to have done.
Reunited
Teague had a rather pedestrian run with the Celtics, averaging 6.9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. While it seems that the 32-year-old guard’s best days are behind him, Milwaukee is hoping that coach Mike Budenholzer can help Teague maximize his potential. Budenholzer coached Teague for three seasons with the Atlanta Hawks (2013-16), including Teague’s All-Star campaign in 2014. Don’t expect a drastic rise in Teague’s output, but this familiarity with the Bucks coach should mean an easy transition for the 11-year veteran.
What This Means for the Bucks
Milwaukee is currently third in the Eastern Conference at 29-16. The additions of Tucker and now Teague bring much needed depth and experience for the upcoming playoff run. While Teague’s numbers have taken a noticeable step back this season, he is shooting 46% from beyond the arc. If he can continue to shoot near that percentage for the Bucks, he will certainly help space the floor offensively. Teague’s playoff experience will be a valuable addition in late game situations. The combo guard should spell Jrue Holiday for a few minutes or share the floor with him in place of Donte DiVincenzo.
Final Thoughts
This move rightfully won’t get as much attention as the Andre Drummond or LaMarcus Aldridge signings. It makes a good team better and could be a great move should Teague be rejuvenated in this new setting. Milwaukee is a deep team with a lot of lineup flexibility, allowing them to match up well with nearly every team they face. Teague and Tucker add to this flexibility and give the Bucks a potentially dangerous small ball lineup to close games. The Bucks should feel confident in their chances to be in the Eastern Conference Finals this year.
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