Jeff Teague: Pursue
Here is an interesting one.
Jeff Teague was once the All-Star leader of the fearless Atlanta Hawks that seemed to be on the verge to take over the East. But it lasted very short, actually, and things dropped fast for Mike Budenholzer’s Hawks.
Teague joined later the Minnesota Timberwolves, which promised to be an immediate contender, and got stuck, instead, on a mediocre team. Following a short return to the now young Hawks, he is now set to become a free agent and there could be still some good basketball to squeeze out of him.
His production and reputation have been affected by the teams he has been part of lately, but the 6’3″ point guard is still 31 years old and a veteran to take a look at, whose price should be exactly around that mid-level exception the Lakers can offer.
At his peak, Jeff was a proven leader for a contending team, something that would give him a proper place leading the Lakers’ bench. His skills in navigating the pick and roll and managing the team would make up for Rondo’s possible loss and Vogel could count on him to have the rein of the situation when LeBron is not on the court.
At this point in his career, Teague should be willing to do whatever necessary to get the championship, thus salvaging his legacy and possibly extending his time in the NBA. As of now, few people seem to remember what he accomplished earlier in his career and the kind of player he was, this could be his chance to resurface.