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

Jan 27, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) throws a pass against the Sacramento Kings at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) throws a pass against the Sacramento Kings at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 15, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) shoots the ball during warmups before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) shoots the ball during warmups before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Off-Ball Offense

As previously alluded to, Derrick Rose averaged 18.0 points per game to Jeff Teague’s 15.3. Those are both solid marks, but Rose seemingly has the advantage as far as putting points on the board is concerned.

Rose is undeniably superior in isolation, and that element of his game would be missed, but Teague is better suited for team play.

Teague isn’t an elite 3-point shooter, but he’s a significantly better option than Rose in that regard. While Rose knocked down 21.7 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc in 2016-17, Teague checked in at 35.7 percent.

With 200 3-point field goals made over the course of the past two seasons, Teague has proven more than capable of knocking down an open shot from distance.

Perhaps most importantly, Teague has converted 100 catch and shoot 3-point field goals over the course of the past two seasons. He’s done so on 43.5 percent shooting, which establishes that he excels at playing off-ball.

Even without the triangle offense in place, the Knicks need a point guard who can provide value without the ball in their hands.

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The question is: Should the New York Knicks take a chance on Jeff Teague? Or would Steve Mills be better off looking elsewhere?