While there are many question marks regarding the potential fit of Serbian guard Miloš Teodosić in the NBA, plenty of teams are looking into signing the CSKA Moscow player. The Brooklyn Nets have been after him for quite some time, and it seems quite a lot of NBA teams are after him as well, with the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz also interested.
Brian Lewis of the New York Post was the latest reporter to bring up the subject, taking the angle of the Nets being the main contenders for the 30-year old’s services, although they are no longer the only horse in the race like they were a short while ago. Teodosić is coming off losing with the Russian team in the Euroleague Final Four to Olympiakos in the semifinal (he finished with 23 points). Last season, along with former San Antonio Spurs player Nando de Colo, Teodosić helped the team to the Euroleague title. He helped his national team to the Olympic silver medal almost a year ago, losing to the United State in the final.
There’s a lot to like about Teodosić, who has been one of the best guards in Europe for quite some time. His vision and passing ability is considered by some to be the best in the world, although he might try to do too much with it at times. He’s a good shooter, he has length and size which gives him the ability to play both positions in the backcourt. Signals from his “camp” might indicate that he’s finally fulfilled himself in European basketball, and is ready to make the leap, just so he can know whether or not he has what it takes to make it in the NBA, not to mention the money being offered isn’t bad at all.
But Teodosić isa player in his prime or maybe a year past it. He’s not the world’s greatest defender and European wings and guards need a while to adjust to the different pace and athleticism levels in the NBA. And for teams that already have a point guard that’s not going anywhere, like the Hawks and Nets among those in the list, putting Teodosić on the floor might not be that simple: While he can be used as an off-the-ball guard, it’s almost a waste with him, considering he’s far less effective that way. Teodosić is the kind of player who needs a team to base the offense on him, and trying to force him into a different role doesn’t make a lot of sense.
The Raptors might end up losing Kyle Lowry this offseason. The same goes for the Jazz with George Hill, while the Denver Nuggets need a point guard, period. Teodosić could end up being a starting point guard for someone, but I don’t see it being the Hawks or the Nets.