Knicks Rumors: Pros, Cons Of Pursuing Jeff Teague In Free Agency

Jan 7, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) shoots the ball during warmups before the game against the New York Knicks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) shoots the ball during warmups before the game against the New York Knicks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 6
Apr 8, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) calls out a play in the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) calls out a play in the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Pro: Playmaking Ability

The triangle offense asks less of a point guard than most systems. In the triangle, point guards spend an extended period of time off-ball and are thus asked to be more of situational shot-creators than they are true playmakers.

In the modern NBA, however, every team needs a point guard who can create on a consistent basis—even Phil Jackson’s New York Knicks.

Teague is a quality scoring threat who carries a career scoring averages of 12.6 points per game and 16.8 points per 36 minutes on a slash line of .447/.355/.844. Since 2011-12, he’s averaged 15.2 points per game and 17.3 points per 36 minutes on a slash line of .450/.358/.847.

A quality 3-point shooter who can create consistent penetration and finish at the rim, Teague can be a quality third scoring option in a functioning motion offense.

Teague is also a quality playmaker who may not necessarily be elite, but is of a high enough caliber to create for his teammates. Over the past five seasons, he’s averaged 6.9 assists per game and 8.0 assists per 36 minutes with a solid assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.48.

Considering no Knick has averaged at least 5.0 assists per game since 2013-14, when Raymond Felton averaged 5.6 in 65 games played, Teague would be a breath of fresh air.