Marquis Teague Waived, Should the Lakers Be Interested?

Marquis Teague was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers, along with Elliot Williams and Travis Outlaw.

The Lakers are suffering from injuries to current players.  Nick Young is out another 2-4 weeks minimum.  We still haven’t heard much from Xavier Henry.  Ronnie Price is recovering from a bone bruise.  Steve Nash is out for the season. Wayne Ellington appeared to suffer a concussion.

The Lakers recently cut Roscoe Smith and Jabari Brown from the roster.  While the Lakers have a full roster of 15 players, the Lakers did apply for the Medical Exception for Steve Nash.  One spot on the roster may be open for the Laker team.

Marquis Teague is a late-first round pick out of Kentucky.  He has all of the physical tools.  Draftexpress.com has him listed at 6’1″ with a wingspan over 6’7″.  (Video and draft profile link found here.)  Along with good measurements, he has great athletic tools as well.  He measured with a maximum vertical over 40 inches.  His lateral agility time tested at 10.65 seconds.  Anything in the 10 second range is considered elite.  His 3/4-court sprint was timed at 3.19 seconds.

The past two years he has struggled adjusting into the league.  While playing for the Brooklyn Nets, he had his best shooting stint as an NBA professional.  He shot 41.5% from the field  and 37.5% behind the arc, scoring just 3 points per game in under 10 minutes of play.

Statistically, he does not look like an NBA-caliber player.  Everything else about him, his size, speed, ball-handling, and athletic abilities say otherwise.  Keep in mind, he left Kentucky as a freshman player and is only a 21-year old player.  He had a solid 14-point, 6 assist outing against the Pacers during the Summer Pro League.

He didn’t even take a jump shot.  What he did do is push the tempo, get the ball out in transition, and burn defenders with his quickness. He drew a couple of And-1’s. He passed ahead, finding teammates under the basket or open behind the arc.  He’s not afraid to attack.

Jordan Clarkson is an impressive rookie despite his late-round drafting.  He is comfortable as a combo guard; as a shooter behind the arc, or creating the play in the half-court set. Marquis Teague is a combo-guard himself. While he displays some natural point-guard ability, he does have a scoring mentality.  They could be a great blend together as a maturing backcourt.

Also, if Marquis Teague is willing to listen, and Steve Nash is a part of the Laker organization for the rest of the season, there could be a huge growth process for Marquis.  Marquis Teague could tear defenses with Nash’s patience with the basketball, efficient pick-and-roll play, and consistent shooting mechanics.  Jeremy Lin already incorporated Nash’s ability to probe a defense and be patient in the painted area.  That one play alone has been worth a basket or two since he incorporated it.

The Lakers are trying to develop a championship mentality.  Right now, the roster isn’t ready for that high level of play.  What will be fun this year, is watching player development.  Hopefully, Byron Scott can implement the championship mentality as the players continue to grow.

The Lakers also need healthy players.  Players with youth and upside can develop well in the current structure.  Marquis Teague can improve on his skills and the Lakers may have a future point guard as well.  There would be no pressure early on with Jeremy Lin ahead of him.  It looks like a win-win situation to me.