Portland Trail Blazers: 3 back-up PG’s to target next season
By Ryan Gaskin
![WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 06: Shabazz Napier #5 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 06, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 06: Shabazz Napier #5 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 06, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8d0d24b11c79fd209a9da8f7e4e5f03217f36cc7a723cbe366da82568f471a4d.jpg)
Option 1: Jeff Teague
Jeff Teague, currently playing in Atlanta, would be a perfect fit for Portland. On the season, Teague’s averages are solid; 10.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists. His shooting too, has been solid, hitting 87 percent of his free throws, and 36 percent of his three-pointers.
I prefer looking at Teague’s time in Atlanta as opposed to Minnesota this season when trying to evaluate his potential worth in Portland next season. Why? Because for 25 games, Teague has backed up All-Star Trae Young, and has been playing around 20 minutes a game. In these games, 7.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4 assists with extremely similar shooting percentages.
Another interesting note from Teague’s time in Atlanta is that his defense has been extremely solid, he’s stuck out (albeit on a poor Hawks team), and seems to have a bit left in the tank.
Teague, running the Blazers second unit, would fit in perfectly with the bench, in particular Gary Trent Jr. GTJ’s shooting and defense has took off this year, and would compliment Teague’s abilities very well.
Teague turns 32 in June, and will be coming off a $57 million contract. If he’s available for cheap, I think the Blazers would be wise to snap him up, as he could turn Portland’s bench into one of the best in the league.