Thunderous Intentions
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2018 NBA Free Agency: OKC Thunder must pursue passing guru Milos Teodosic

By Lawrence George

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 25: Milos Teodosic #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles the ball as DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 25: Milos Teodosic #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles the ball as DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on March 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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NBA Free Agency
TORONTO, ON – March 25 In first half action, Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) and LA Clippers guard Milos Teodosic (4) battle for the ball.The Toronto Raptors took on the LA Clippers in NBA basketball action at the Air Canada Centre (ACC) in Toronto.{man} 25, 2018 (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Defense

In a vacuum, Teodosic struggles defensively in open space because he lacks speed, lateral quickness and strength to keep opposing guard in front of him. However in team defending situations, the Serbian is excellent.

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Despite all his physical limitations, Teodosic possesses excellent defensive awareness and communication skills. He fights through screens and seldomly leaves his man wide open. If beaten off screens,

Teodosic calls switches early and rolls onto opposing bigs. 99 percent of the time, opposing big men will score if he’s left on an island. Understanding that he’s over-matched down low, the Serbian attacks the entry pass or fouls immediately.

Net Rating:

In his 45 games played last season, the Clippers amassed a 29-16 record with an overall net rating of plus +2.2. In wins, Los Angeles possessed a plus +12.3 net rating with a defensive rating of 101.4. On the flip side however, the Clips were minus -15.4 with a defensive rating of 116.8 in losses. Essentially, if Teodosic struggled, the Clippers typically struggled as well.

Should OKC target him?

After years of failing to move the ball consistently, Oklahoma City need to make a change. Russ is a score-first guard whose learned to play the point. Because his natural instincts drive him to get buckets over looking for open team mates, OKC’s offense will remain limited. Acquiring a player of Teodosic’s skill set to take-over some of the play-making roles opens the door to OKC’s untapped  offensive potential.

Next: Complete NBA Free Agency primer for all 30 teams

Rumor has it that Teodosic may be available on the open market. The Clippers have a logjam at both guard positions and are likely to waive him in favor of younger talent. If I am OKC and he is available, I am taking him without hesitation.

2018 NBA Free Agency: OKC Thunder must pursue passing guru Milos Teodosic

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