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5 things to know about Timberwolves’ Jeff Teague

By Adam Ziobrowski

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 10: Free Agent signee Jeff Teague of the Minnesota Timberwolves poses for portraits with Scott Layden and Tom Thibodeau on July 10, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 10: Free Agent signee Jeff Teague of the Minnesota Timberwolves poses for portraits with Scott Layden and Tom Thibodeau on July 10, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 23: Jeff Teague
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 23: Jeff Teague /

His athleticism fits with the roster

Sure, Ricky Rubio is an ideal point guard on the Wolves roster because of his pass-first mentality. However, Jeff Teague’s athleticism and ability to score and/or dish on a fast break makes him a better fit with the rest of the team.

Where as Rubio could run pick-and-rolls all day, Teague can do so while being more explosive to the hoop. That, or he can give a pretty no-look behind the back pass to Towns or anyone else setting him a screen for the finish. Remember how easy Teague and Al Horford made the pick-and-roll look during their time in Atlanta? Imagine running it now with Towns, Gorgui Dieng, Taj Gibson, and the rest of the big men on the team.

In fact, Teague ranked in the 86th percentile on pick-and rolls last season, according to Synergy. As for Ricky Rubio, he ranked in the 51st percentile. I can Teague’s ranking only getting higher this season with the scorers surrounding him.

His athleticism makes him a great shot creator as well. Yes, this is another trait Rubio wasn’t as good at. Teague’s off-ball shooting is something he can use this year to his advantage. With much attention on the rest of the Wolves stars, Teague can create space and pull the trigger anytime. Check out this clip from the 2015 playoffs.

Hopefully we will be seeing tons of this out of him this season.

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