NBA

Time running out for Nets’ Teague to make impression

With the Nets season officially in the books, it’s time to look back at the year that was. We’ll look back at a different player each weekday, before wrapping up with the coaching staff and front office. Next up: Marquis Teague

Regular season stats (combined Bulls and Nets): Averaged 2.7 points, 1.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.1 blocks per game. Shot 31.9 percent from the field, 27.8 percent from 3-point range, 74.3 percent from the foul line in 11.1 minutes per game over 40 games (3 starts).

Playoff stats: Did not appear in the postseason.

Contractual status: Signed for 2014-15 for $1,120,920; Nets have additional team option for 2015-16 season.

Season recap

Teague came to the Nets on Jan. 21 on a busy day of transactions: They sent Tyshawn Taylor and cash considerations to New Orleans, shipped Tornike Shengelia to Chicago and Teague came to the Nets. A 2012 first-round pick by the Bulls, Teague fell out of favor in Chicago after shooting a dismal 24 percent from the field and 20 percent from 3-point range in his second season.

Teague’s shooting improved in 21 games with the Nets — 41.5 percent overall and 37.5 percent from 3-point range — but he wound up barely playing over the final two months after Jorge Gutierrez signed in early March. He didn’t play in any of the 12 playoffs games.

Outlook for next season

This upcoming season will define Teague’s career, though he only turned 21 in February. After two disappointing seasons, the younger brother of Hawks point guard Jeff Teague almost certainly will have his fourth-year option declined by the Nets next fall, meaning this will be his final guaranteed year of salary.

If Teague can’t improve significantly, it’s hard to see him sustaining a long NBA career, even at his very young age. But with Shaun Livingston potentially leaving in free agency and Gutierrez on a contract with a very small guarantee, Teague could have a chance to earn some playing time.

Tomorrow: Mirza Teletovic