Despite reports coming out that the Clippers are glad to have Milos Teodosic back, that doesn’t mean he needs to play a ton.
Another year of Milos! According to Brad Turner of the LA Times, the Los Angeles Clippers are seemingly excited to have Milos Teodosic back. Milos opted into his $6.3 million option a couple weeks back, but the team had until Sunday night to waive him and would only owe about $2 million of the contract.
This isn’t a bad thing for the Clippers. In his rookie season, Milos averaged 9.5 points on 41.9% shooting and 4.6 assists per game. He did this all while dealing with a torn plantar pascia, which eventually ended his season early. There were a good amount of flashy plays, with one even being nominated for Assist of the Year.
Despite his solid inaugural season, he should stay on the bench this season and there’s one main reason:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
If the Clippers are serious about this kid, he needs to be the one getting backup minutes. (I would argue he should get the starting position, but that’s neither here nor there.) In order for his game to develop, Shai needs the reps. If he is slotted behind Milos, those reps might only come during garbage time or for a few seconds at the end of quarters.
From a coaching standpoint, there’s just no feasible way to play all of the guards the Clips currently have on their roster. There are currently eight guards on the roster and only two positions. The team could occasionally run three guard lineups which would help more guys get some run, but it still won’t solve the problem. Someone has to lose minutes.
Milos seems like the likely candidate simply by the process of elimination. He’s not a part of the future of the franchise. He’s not a great defender. You know exactly what you’re getting with him on the court. Shai needs time to run the offense against NBA talent, especially if the Clips see him as their guard of the future.
Milos, I’m glad to have you back, but please take this role and let the young guy develop.