Fansided

Clippers reverse course on Milos Teodosic

By Rucker Haringey

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 25: Milos Teodosic #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles the ball as DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 25: Milos Teodosic #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles the ball as DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

When the Clippers spent a first round pick on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander it seemed to spell the end for Milos Teodosic. Apparently, that’s not the case.

No one can accuse the Los Angeles Clippers of heading into the 2018-19 season short on talent at the point guard position. The team’s decision to retain Milos Teodosic gives Doc Rivers a wealth of options at the position.

Teodosic exercised his $6.3 option last month, but the Clippers had until Sunday to cut him before the full amount was guaranteed. Los Angeles Could have paid the 30-year-old point guard just $2.1 this season if they’d exercised their option.

Absent a trade, the Clippers will almost certainly keep Teodosic for the full season now. That allows him to join a pretty crowded back court. Competition for minutes will be particularly fierce at the point guard position.

Assuming Patrick Beverley makes a full recovery from last season’s injury he should be in position to serve as the team’s starter. His ability to hound opposing ball handlers and hit open threes makes him an ideal fit in any lineup.

The team will also want to get Gilgeous-Alexander some minutes. His role might be minimal early on, but he should progress quickly enough to get meaningful minutes as the season rolls along. Playing a brittle 30-year-old in front of him doesn’t seem like great roster management from a Clippers team that is unlikely to contend this season.

Don’t expect Teodosic to be pushed out of the rotation though. The team’s decision to fully guarantee his contract is a clear indication they believe he has a role to play in 2018-19. he did an effective job of initiating the team’s offense when he was healthy last year. Unfortunately, plantar fasciitis limited him to just 45 games. He’s expected to make a full recovery this year, but that type of injury has a high rate of recurrence.

Next: NBA Free Agency: 5 most overrated players

Teodosic isn’t someone the Clippers are going to build around, but he should provide a nice, veteran presence in the backcourt for the team this season. His experience could help young players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson transition their games successfully to the NBA. If he can help those two become legitimate rotation players, his contract will prove to be a bargain for the Clippers.

Home/Los Angeles Clippers