For years, fans have berated the fact that high school players can no longer go directly into the NBA. We saw that happen in the past over and over, but it’s been a while since that happened.



The league has shown no desire to go back to the old ways. They still want players to spend at least one year in college or be removed from high school before being eligible.



That’s why Jeff Teague believes it’s a big waste of time. In the latest edition of his podcast, the former All-Star claimed that some players were ready for the pros already.



<h2>Jeff Teague calls college a ‘waste of time’</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Some guys like Cooper Flagg, I just feel like they should’ve been able to go out of high school. Like, Ace Bailey should’ve been able to go out of high school. Some of these guys, college is not really benefiting them,” Teague argued.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241228_BUS_302001_cooper-flagg1-1024x576_b3e9ee9b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="cooper flagg" class="wp-image-279675" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a dunk against the Lincoln Lions</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“You look at a kid like AJ Dybantsa. He getting $7 million for one year, and I think he cold. So I think he gonna go to BYU and have a heck of a year, but he don’t really need to go there,” he added.</blockquote>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


At the end of the day, it takes more than just skill to thrive in the NBA. And while we’ve seen players like Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, or LeBron James thrive right out of high school, most young players are still raw and need more polishing.

NCAAB News: Former NBA star re-ignites college debate with Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey

NCAAB News: Former NBA star re-ignites college debate with Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey - Bolavip US

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The Boston Celtics captured the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> championship last season by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals, with Jaylen Brown playing a pivotal role and earning Finals MVP honors. Brown’s performances cemented his status among the league’s top players. However, an NBA champion sparked debate this week by drawing comparisons between Brown and Oklahoma City Thunder’s rising star Jalen Williams.



“I think Jalen Williams is a premier player in the league,” Jeff Teague remarked on his Club 520 podcast this week. The 36-year-old, a 2021 NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, praised the young small forward’s impressive performance in his third NBA season and drew comparisons to the Boston Celtics star.



“I compare him to a JB kind of player—Jaylen Brown. I think they’re very similar,” Teague continued, leaving his co-hosts stunned. He elaborated further: “Both can attack the basket really well, capable 3-point shooters, good defenders. I compare them two. I think he’s a young Jaylen Brown.”



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jeff-teague">Teague</a>’s bold claim didn’t go unchallenged. Co-host Bishop Henn disagreed, arguing, “No, he’s not as good right now. If you put Jalen Williams on a team solo, it’s different than if Jaylen Brown was on the team solo.” Undeterred, Teague doubled down on his stance. “(Expletive), he is (as good as Brown). I’m saying he is,” Teague asserted, adding, “Why not? Go check the stats. You put Jalen Williams on the Celtics right now, it’s going to be the same (expletive).”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241215_BUS_292915_Jaylen-Brown-5-1024x576_8f33ca37.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jaylen Brown" class="wp-image-262199" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Jaylen-Brown-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Jaylen-Brown-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Jaylen-Brown-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Jaylen-Brown-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Jaylen-Brown-5-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Jaylen-Brown-5-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Jaylen-Brown-5-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Jaylen-Brown-5.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jaylen Brown of Boston Celtics controls the ball during the NBA match between Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics at Etihad Arena on October 04, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Brown vs. Williams: How they compare</h2>



Teague’s comparison equates an established NBA star, Jaylen Brown, with a young talent still carving his path in the league, Jalen Williams. Brown has continued his stellar form this season, playing a pivotal role alongside Jayson Tatum in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Celtics</a>’ strong performance.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jaylen-brown">Brown</a> is averaging 24.5 points per game, ranking as the NBA’s 17th-leading scorer, along with 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Meanwhile, Williams is making strides as a young star, averaging 21.8 points (35th in the league) and surpassing Brown in rebounds (6.1) and assists (5.0).



While Teague’s claim might be premature, Williams’ numbers at just 23 years old showcase his immense potential. As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oklahoma-city-thunder">Thunder</a> aim to become a dominant force in the Western Conference, Williams could soon solidify himself as one of the league’s brightest stars.


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<h2>Draymond Green also praises Williams</h2>



Teague isn’t the only NBA personality singing Jalen Williams’ praises. Last week, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-draymond-green-takes-aim-at-tyrese-haliburton-praises-thunders-rising-star">Draymond Green highlighted the Thunder star’s versatility, even ranking him above Tyrese Haliburton in potential</a>. “Jalen is 6’9″, can pass, shoot, get to the cup. Two weeks ago, he played center, then switched to point guard,” Green said on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.

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Former NBA champion sparks debate with comparison between Thunder’s Jalen Williams and Jaylen Brown - Bolavip US

LeBron James is currently in his 22nd <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> season. About to turn 40, he remains one of the league’s most influential players and arguably the top star for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, recent poor results and underwhelming performances have fueled speculation about the Akron-born legend’s future in the league, with even Jeff Teague weighing in.



“LeBron needs to rest a little bit, bro. Age is actually catching up with him. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen it like this. He’s really slowing down,” Teague remarked on the Club 520 Podcast, commenting on both the Lakers’ recent struggles and LeBron’s individual performance. Jeff didn’t hold back on his predictions: “I ain’t gonna lie—I think he might retire after this year.”



The NBA champion, who won with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, also shared a unique perspective on LeBron’s plans. “I think he wants to do it differently. He’s probably got a documentary going right now, recording everything he’s doing,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jeff-teague">Teague</a> speculated. “I can’t see LeBron having a year where he’s not still top 20 in the league.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241204_BUS_286333_LeBron-Teague-1024x576_ad6e32e2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cleveland, OH, USA - Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James is guarded by Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague, center, and Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis, left, during the first quarter in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference playoff game on Monday, April 17, 2017, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio." class="wp-image-286335" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/04155215/LeBron-Teague.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cleveland, OH, USA – Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James is guarded by Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague, center, and Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis, left, during the first quarter in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference playoff game on Monday, April 17, 2017, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Teague isn’t the only one speculating</h2>



In addition to Jeff Teague, other prominent basketball figures have recently weighed in on LeBron James’ future in the NBA, especially after his lackluster performances with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, including their 109-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last Monday.



“We get to a point when you’re a champion where we ask why you’re still playing, as opposed to stepping away on a high,” said Stephen A. Smith on ESPN, referring to LeBron’s current situation. “If you’re the Los Angeles Lakers and you’re not going anywhere, we’re asking… what are you still playing for?”



This statement is especially striking considering that just a few weeks ago, Smith himself had praised LeBron’s performances, calling him “a top-five player on the planet at age 40.” It’s a reminder of how quickly things can change in the dynamic world of the NBA.


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<h2>LeBron continues to shine</h2>



While the criticism of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a>‘ recent performances with the Los Angeles Lakers is valid to some extent, it may be overblown when considering the bigger picture, rather than just focusing on his most recent games.



Despite the struggles of the Lakers, LeBron has remained one of the team’s standout players, with only Anthony Davis posting better numbers. In comparison to the rest of the league, LeBron continues to hold a prominent position, even if he’s no longer the dominant force he once was. Currently, he ranks 30th in average minutes played (34.9), 35th in points per game (22.0), and 20th in defensive rebounds (7.1).



These stats show that LeBron still has enough left in the tank to remain a key figure in the NBA and continue playing an important role for the Lakers, all while chasing his fifth NBA title and adding to his already impressive record-breaking career.

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Is LeBron James retiring after this season? Former NBA champion shares shocking take on Lakers star - Bolavip US

Even though the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl-t20281" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NFL</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> had health and safety protocols to prevent big outbreaks, COVID-19 continues to hit <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/jurgen-klopp-imposes-veto-on-signing-unvaccinated-players-20211219-0013.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all major sports</a> left and right. The league has refused to pause the season, so teams have had to find other solutions.
We’ve seen some unlikely comebacks now that the league is allowing teams to sign players as emergency replacements, with Joe Johnson back on the court after 3 years away from the NBA.
Trae Young, James Harden, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are just <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/all-nba-players-out-due-to-covid-19-protocols-20211215-0006.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some of the players</a> sitting out with COVID. So, who could be next? Who should contenders sign to try and salvage this complicated season? Let’s take a look at the top 3 best free agents still available.
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<h2>NBA Rumors: The 3 Best Free Agents Still Available</h2>
Honorable Mentions: Wesley Matthews, Bismack Biyombo, Tyler Johnson
<h3>3. Marc Gasol</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20211225_BUS_181228_marc_gasol.jpg_22993414_6cde1e64.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Marc Gasol – Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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Marc Gasol wasn’t at his best the last time we saw him on the court but he could still provide 10-15 minutes off the bench. He’s smart, savvy, a solid playmaker, and a guy that can do a little bit of everything on the court.
While not athletic nor fast, Gasol is a solid rim protector and can also hold his own in the perimeter. He’s got a sweet shooting stroke from all three levels and should get another shot as an emergency backup.
<h3>2. Jeff Teague</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20211225_BUS_181228_jeff_teague.jpg_22993414_e9452439.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Jeff Teague – Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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Not so long ago, Jeff Teague was an All-Star point guard in the Eastern Conference. And while he’s no longer an explosive scorer nor a good defender, he’s still more than capable of leading an offense off the bench.
Teague can knock down shots from beyond the arc and is a veteran playmaker that could lead the way for the second unit. He may not flash with athleticism but can definitely give a team 15+ minutes.
<h3>1. Mike James</h3>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20211225_BUS_181228_mike_james.jpg_22993414_854b13af.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Mike James – Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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Mike James was actually pretty good for the Brooklyn Nets last season so it was kind of a surprise to see that they didn’t bring him back. He’s now playing for AS Monaco but he’s constantly stated that he’ll always have the NBA as a priority.
James is an explosive, streaky scorer that can knock down shots from all over the court. He likes to push the pace up and is a crafty playmaker that can play both guard spots. He could give any contender a massive boost.

jeff teague

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