Milos

Teodosic

Teodosic isn’t expected to miss a long period of time, but, unfortunately, he won’t be able to recover in time to play in China. This is a big blow for Serbia, who expect to be the biggest challengers to Team USA. Teodosic, who just signed a multi-year deal in Italy, suffered from a plantar fascia tear during his time with the Clippers.

Teodosic came over to the NBA two years ago, but failed to live up to expectations. Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, he never saw consistent minutes with the Clippers.

The Clippers waived Teodosic at the trade deadline after he failed to earn a spot in L.A. rotation. There were some rumors he might sign with another NBA team or a European squad, but it sounds like Milos is planning to play two games for the Serbian national team and then rest until the summer.

Milos is a gifted passer and a talented offensive player, but his defensive shortcomings resulted in him being unable to crack the Clippers rotation. He appeared in just 15 games this season, averaging 10.0 minutes per contest. It’s possible another NBA team picks him up after the deadline, but Milos may choose to return to Europe.

The Clippers have explored trade offers for Teodosic over the past few weeks, but talks haven’t gotten far. He could make some sense in Orlando or Chicago, but should he be bought out of his contract, Maccabi Tel Aviv of Europe is reportedly willing to offer him a lucrative, long-term deal. Teodosic has grumbled about his lack of playing time this season, so given the choice, he may opt to head back overseas.

Teodosic typically isn’t in the rotation anyway, so his playing status is irrelevant in fantasy hoops.

“They say it’s not a bad hamstring but I’ve never heard of a good one,” said Rivers when discussing Williams’ timetable. With Williams on the sidelines, there will be more minutes available for guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Milos Teodosic and Tyrone Wallace.

Earlier this week, Teodosic admitted he was unhappy with his role in Los Angeles. “I think I definitely won’t stay here because… I came, I saw how it looks and somehow… I enjoy more and it’s nicer for me to play in Europe,” said Teodosic. “So, I will return to Europe for sure, will it be during this season or at the end, we’ll see.” However, Doc wants to keep Milos stateside. “We want Milos to be happy, too,” Rivers said. “He’s a great guy and he’s great for this organization. Obviously, he hasn’t played the minutes or the way he wants to, but we love him around here, so we’ll figure that all out.”

“I think I definitely won’t stay here because… I came, I saw how it looks and somehow… I enjoy more and it’s nicer for me to play in Europe,” said Teodosic. “So, I will return to Europe for sure, will it be during this season or at the end, we’ll see.” Teodosic has essentially fallen out of the rotation this season, and if the 31-year-old wants to see quality minutes and a key role, that probably won’t be happening in the NBA. It sounds like a buy-out could be coming.

The veteran attempted only one shot, a made 3-pointer, and he’s still far off the fantasy map. Doc Rivers has been going small with Luc Mbah a Moute (sore left knee) out of commission, and the Clippers have won two straight, so there’s at least some daylight in very deep leagues.