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Minnesota Timberwolves: It’s time for Jeff Teague to elevate his game

By Aaron Burg

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 21: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates being fouled on a shot by the Houston Rockets in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated 121-105. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 21: Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates being fouled on a shot by the Houston Rockets in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated 121-105. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Jeff Teague has developed a solid NBA career. But much like the rest of the Minnesota Timberwolves, he must raise the bar to elevate himself and his team to reach star status.

You won’t see this player trending on Twitter, see his highlights on TV, or mentioned much by the media, but Jeff Teague sits in the obscure category of mediocrity.

But then again, so does his team.

The Timberwolves have plenty of star power ready to make a splash in the 2018-19 season. However, it’s just not enough to get them in the elite category that will be needed to seriously compete.

It’s time for Jeff Teague to step up to the next level, both for himself and his team.

Teague has been a solid player for his nine year career. However, that is the problem that Minnesota now faces; both are stuck at the point of just being average. Their identities seem forgettable and just won’t cut it anymore if they want to truly win.

Entering his tenth season at 30 years old, Teague has the perfect balance of being a seasoned veteran, but still has some prime years left in the tank. Averaging 14.2 Points per game and 7 assists per contest last season, Teague is right on the cusp of getting back to his former all-star form and needs to bump his play up now to keep his team in the running.

A common theme with true NBA Championship contenders is the leadership of a point guard.

While Teague won’t steal the thunder of Jimmy Butler or Karl-Anthony Towns as team leader, he can show more leadership as a playmaker. With all of the offensive firepower on the team, Teague has the perfect opportunity to become an assist machine.

Teague has the best lineup that he has ever played with in his career and can utilize the offensive savvy of his teammates to improve his playmaking abilities and play a higher brand of basketball.

Few players have the young talent that Teague has at his disposal to set him up as a star player and key leader. The ideal reality of setting up plays for Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns or Andrew Wiggins every night is something Teague needs to further embrace and take full advantage of while he can.

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The re-signing of Derrick Rose and the potential of Tyus Jones should also motivate Teague to elevate his game. Rose showed what he can do during last season’s playoffs and it’s not out of the question that Rose could surpass Teague over the course of the season if Teague doesn’t improve.

Jones, on the other hand, has not seen much playing time overall. However, he has shown enough flashes of potential and has made his frustrations about playing time known in the past, possibly leading to Coach Tom Thibodeau giving him more minutes to show what he can do.

As of now the Timberwolves are a solid team with a solid point guard. But if Teague doesn’t take his game to the next level he will leave his team and his career in a state of mediocrity and maintain a forgettable identity.

It’s time for Teague to take the reins and raise the bar for himself and his team. Both of their legacies depend on it.

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