KEY POINTS

  • The Bucks take chance on Teague who will reunite with Budenholzer
  • Austin Rivers will likely be signed next by the Bucks
  • The Bucks' chances in the NBA playoffs are a bit gloomy with most teams beefing up

The Milwaukee Bucks know they need to fill in some voids after dealing off D.J. Augustin to the Houston Rockets for P.J. Tucker.

Two names have now been surfaced, one of whom was already signed in Jeff Teague. Considering Mike Budenholzer is left with few options, the 32-year-old is perhaps among the top choices he can get from NBA free agency right now.

Teague became a free agent after he was waived by the Orlando Magic. The All-Star guard was part of the Evan Fournier NBA trade deal but was not meant to suit up for the franchise.

Regardless, he remains a valuable player that any team could use considering his years of experience.

But the problem here is that Teague is hardly a shade of his old self in the last two NBA seasons. He hardly made an impact with the Atlanta Hawks, and his last tenure with the Boston Celtics leaves a lot to be desired.

This season, Teague averaged only 6.9 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 rebounds in 34 games.

One thing going for Teague is that he and Budenholzer have worked together in the past when both were still with the Hawks.

Hence, if there is anyone who can properly put Teague to good use, it would have to be Budenholzer.

Beyond that, the Bucks are still expected to go after Austin Rivers. The 28-year-old is seen as a better player over Teague right now, hinting that the latter may end up getting spot minutes from the bench.

Rivers also became a free agent after he was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder by the New York Knicks. He was waived not long after.

Jeff Teague #55 of the Boston Celtics
Jeff Teague #55 of the Boston Celtics Getty Images | Jason Miller

Beyond that, attention will be on the main stars of Milwaukee. Hence, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Donte DiVincenzo may have to help out in playmaking duties for the rest of the way.

Jrue Holiday is still around, but the Bucks appear to be saving him for the postseason wars.

Teague and Rivers offer alternatives to the Bucks who remain on course for another NBA playoff stint. They are currently at the third spot of the Eastern Conference behind the Brooklyn Nets and the surging Philadelphia 76ers.

Considering a lot of teams in the East have souped-up or are performing well, it will be interesting to see if Budeholzer has enough to hopefully reach the NBA Finals.

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