Los Angeles Clippers lost their starting point guard once Chris Paul went to the Houston Rockets. Even though Patrick Beverley came to LA in the deal, he’s not ready to be the man on a contending team. So the Clippers found their new guard far, far away from the States. Especifically, they found their man in Russia. And he goes by the name of Milos Teodosic.
Teodosic first appeared on the radar of NBA fans in the 2016 Olympics, where he caught the eye of several scouts due to his performances with the Serbian National Team. He always said he wanted to jump to the NBA sooner than later, and his wish was granted. The Clippers signed him to a two-year, $12.3 million contract. The idea is for him to replace Chris Paul as the starting point guard. And while it’s hard to imagine him being an upgrade over one of the best PGs in the league, he is talented enough to be a valuable player on his own.
Even though he’s not exactly a young player, the 30-year-old Serbian guard’s timing couldn’t have been better. This is the best era to be a European player in the NBA. Teams love players who can shoot. And most of the European guys who come into the league can shoot from range. Guys like Kristaps Porzingis are the norm over there.
Teodosic is not the best shooter in the world, though. Not even close. In fact, the Serbian can definitively score in a number of ways. But he’s better known for his passing abilities. Most experts believe he is the best passer in the world, even over guys like Chris Paul and John Wall. And while he will need a period of adjustment to the league’s pace, there is no doubt he will thrive as soon as he steps into the hardwood.
The numbers don’t lie. Even though the Euroleague is a few steps below the NBA in terms of quality, it’s the best competition in Europe to determine the value of a player. And Teodosic has been a valuable player on Europe’s biggest stage. He averaged 11.8 points, 4.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game. As if that wasn’t enough, he shot 52% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. Those might not be superstar numbers, but they are solid. And that’s what he will be in the NBA. A solid starting point guard who will make his teammates better.
Are the Clippers looking for the new Chris Paul? Unlikely. They wouldn’t have signed Teodosic. But the franchise will move in a different direction now with Blake Griffin as the leader of the organization. And on that scenario, Teodosic will have a big role as the one pulling the strings of the team’s offense.
Only time will tell if he will adjust to the league or not. But if we judge him based on talent alone, then there is no doubt he will be a competent NBA player as soon as he debuts.