Knicks Rumors: Pros and Cons of pursuing Jeff Teague in free agency

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Apr 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) is guarded by Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Postseason Experience

If the New York Knicks are going to gamble on a player who doesn’t fit the timeline of a young player, they might as well know what they’re doing. The best way to determine whether or not a player is qualified for such a role is by evaluating what their individual success has translated to.

Teague has never been a superstar or franchise player, but it’s worth noting that he has a surplus of postseason experience as a starter.

Teague has appeared in a grand total of 66 postseason games over the course of eight appearances. He’s reached the Conference Finals once, and was a part of four teams that won a postseason series.

With 55 games of starting experience in the postseason, including the full 16 games during the Eastern Conference Finals run, Teague has perspective.

Over the course of his three most recent postseason appearances, Teague has averaged 16.1 points and 6.5 assists on 41.0 percent shooting from the field. Those aren’t spectacular numbers, but the reality remains that Teague goes where New York has been unable: to the playoffs.

Teague may not end up being the best of featured players on a postseason-caliber team, but he can play a starting role in such a situation.