Jeff Teague’s Streak of Making Playoffs Every Season is in Jeopardy

Dec 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) passes against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) passes against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Teague has been apart of the NBA playoffs in every year of his career. That streak is in danger, as the Indiana Pacers are currently the 9th seed in the East.

Could this play a part in Jeff Teague’s decision when he becomes a free agent this summer? It very well could. The Indiana Pacers had high expectations. To be the 9th seed and play as inconsistently as the Pacers have has got to be frustrating on a guy like Teague, who is so used to winning.

There’s still hope, but the Pacers don’t control their own playoff destiny. They have the same record as the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, but that’s when tiebreakers come into play. The Bulls and Heat have both won their season series’ vs Indiana or have more victories in the division.

Jeff Teague is easily having one of the best seasons of his career. Teague is averaging 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists. He will have plenty of suitors this summer. Making the playoffs in all of his previous seven years says a lot about the Atlanta Hawks organization.

Throughout all of those playoff games (62), Teague has averaged 13.3 points and 4.7 assists. His shooting percentages are low, with 40.2% from the field, 31.1% from beyond the arc, and 86.9% at the foul line..

The question for Teague is this: will he want to come back to a team that misses the playoffs, despite all the talent on the roster, and could be looking at a major overhaul if they were to deal Paul George? Teague is 28 years old, in the prime of his career. He’s not going to want to be stuck on a team long term that could go through some losing years. Especially considering he could generate well over a max salary.

Next: Potential Playoff Opponents For the Pacers

The Pacers have a big game tonight, as they face the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland. Lance Stephenson will make his season debut as a member of the Pacers. This game will have huge playoff implications.