The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a state of stasis as they try to make the playoffs in a stacked Western Conference. While they still have no established point guard, they have good options in Jeff Teague and Shabazz Napier.
While there's still a minute of NBA basketball to be played, Napier has come forward and handed the starting position to Jeff Teague. He's not afraid to hand over the spot to the vet as it gives them a better chance of winning.
Star Tribune's Chris Hine detailed Napier's reasoning for his decision to cede the starting spot:
“Obviously there is a point guard slot needed,’’ he said Saturday. “We have Jeff [Teague], and, obviously, I just thing with my growth throughout my NBA career, I feel this is a great opportunity for me to come in and showcase what I’ve been continuing to work on.’’
“The NBA nowadays, the point guard is usually a scoring guard,’’ he said. “I’ve been a scoring guard my entire life. On top of that I’m a willing passer, able to pass the ball with my left and right hand, being able to see the court.’’
“I’ve experienced so much,’’ he said. “The top of the highs and the lowest of lows. It’s a combination of everything, but I think the biggest thing is the experience of the game.’’
It's a good call for Napier, immediately getting him brownie points with his teammates. He's not a bad baller himself. Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, he averaged 9.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
However, Teague has run NBA offenses better for longer. He has career averages of 12.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 10 years of pro ball. He will more likely connect better with Karl-Anthony Towns than Napier.
It's still going to be a long season for the Timberwolves, but they can at least expect decent production from their Teague-led starting unit.
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