Former All-Star PG Jeff Teague on free agency: ‘I want to win’ – Yardbarker

After making the playoffs in each of his first nine NBA seasons, Jeff Teagues teams in Minnesota and Atlanta have fallen short of the postseason during the last two years. He hopes to reverse that trend in 2021, telling Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that he's looking to join a winning team as a free agent this fall.

Although the Timberwolves didnt enter last season expecting to tank, the club fell to 10 games below .500 and was pivoting to player development by the time it traded Teague to the Hawks. In Atlanta, the veteran point guard joined a 9-32 team that was no closer to entering the playoff picture. Having spent this past season with a pair of rebuilding clubs, Teague isnt looking to repeat that situation in 20-21.

I dont want to go to a team where were trying to build for the draft, Teague said.I dont want to do that.

The 32-year-old, who averaged 10.9 PPG and 5.2 APG in 59 total games (24.8 MPG) in 2019-20, shouldnt have to reduce his list of potential destinations too significantly by focusing on teams looking to win.

Many of this years 14 lottery teams are either veteran-led clubs hoping to bounce back after injury-plagued seasons such as the Warriors or Wizards or are young teams that will push to make it back to the playoffs, like the Suns, Pelicans and Hawks. Speaking to Scotto, Teague suggested he wont be opposed to joining a younger roster as long as the team is prioritizing winning over rebuilding.

I get along with all the young guys. Me and the young guys have strong relationships on most of the teams Ive played on, Teague said. I like to take them under my wing and try to be a leader to them.

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Former All-Star PG Jeff Teague on free agency: 'I want to win' - Yardbarker

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