Teletovic a recent bright spot in Suns gloomy season
PHOENIX -- February was about as challenging a month as one could imagine for the Suns.
It began with a new head coach. Earl Watson took over the team on an interim basis on Feb. 1, a day after Jeff Hornacek was fired.
On Feb. 18, talented-but-troubled forward Markieff Morris was traded to the Washington Wizards.
And it took until their final game of the month, on Saturday, before the Suns were on the victorious end.
However, a bright spot emerged in the dark month, forward Mirza Teletovic. His latest performance in a strong February: a season-high 30 points in Thursday's 116-106 loss to his former team, the Brooklyn Nets.
"He hits shots," Watson said. "He made big plays down the stretch offensively and he's a good player."
It wasn't enough for Teletovic.
"It was OK I guess," Teletovic said. "It would have been much better if we had won the game."
Teletovic's production has gone up significantly since Watson was named interim head coach.
In the first nine games he played for Watson, Teletovic averaged 16.6 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game. In 49 games under Hornacek, Teletovic averaged 9.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. He is also seeing a lot more playing time, average 24 minutes off the bench for Watson after just 17 minutes under Hornacek.
Blood clots in Teletovic's lungs last season almost ended his career. He missed the final 39 games with the Nets after being diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary embolus. In July 2015, Teletovic signed a one-year deal with the Suns for a reported $5.5 million. This season he is back on the court and grateful he has the opportunity to continue playing.
"I feel great, I feel unbelievable," Teletovic said. "Just having the opportunity again and having the chance to play in this league is beautiful."
For the first time in his four-year career, he is averaging double digits in scoring, putting up 10.8 points per game this season. Teletovic appreciates the efforts Watson has put forward in his short tenure as head coach.
"We have the same goals. Earl is a great coach," Teletovic said. "I think it's kind of tough for him since he couldn't really make the team what he wanted. He's just trying to make the best out of it."
