Teague’s time may have finally come
Go ahead. Say “I told you so.” Two games is a small sample, but second year man Jeff Teague may finally have seen his ship come in. With the trade of Mike Bibby to the Washington Wizards, along with the arrival of veteran point guard Kirk Hinrich, many of us wondered if Jeff Teague’s “role” with the Hawks was going to change or not. So far, it has, and in semi-dramatic fashion.
Here Comes “The Pest”
It was kind of hard sometimes, watching Jeff Teague play in spurts in the early season. He would come onto the court and show that he had another gear beyond everyone else in some games. In others, he played like he knew he would be yanked within two minutes. Where was the consistency? At the same time, the same could be asked of Head Coach Larry Drew, who would compliment Teague after a good game, then inexplicably assign him a DNP or play him in spare, all but useless minutes. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before….
It seemed that Larry Drew had embraced the idea of going with shooting and offense first, rather than speed and harassing defense. Speaking of which, last night’s game against a talented Golden State backcourt was a pretty good testament to how bothersome Teague can be to opposing point guards. It’s not like hasn’t shown flashes of this ability before, but the starting role and extended minutes (he played over 25 this time) were a confirmation of sorts. In case you think this is just a case of home cooking with local media, you need to check out some particular notes on the game from a more national perspective. On a side note, I would encourage everybody to take note of some interesting comments from Al Horford within that same article.
The Chicken vs The Egg…and Promises, Promises
Before we get too excited about the early success of Jeff Teague’s new (and possibly temporary) role, we have to recall that it has only been two games, one of which was a loss (though that loss can’t be blamed on Teague, per se). Can we expect a consistent performance out of him from the defensive end, and to continue to push the pace on offense? Will he defer if he’s in the game with Jamal, or is that simply a lineup issue that is solely Larry Drew’s responsibility? Is the future rotation at point guard forming itself before our very eyes, or is this just another flash in the pan?
Obviously, this calls Larry Drew’s past decisions into question. One quote from the above link may be condemning in some ways, depending on interpretation:
QUOTABLE II: “I’m not concerned about whether he makes or misses shots. . . . The biggest threat [from] him is when he utilizes his speed and his quickness, and when he harasses people defensively. That’s two straight games where I’ve thought he’s done a really good job with his energy.”
– Larry Drew on Teague.
Okay, that’s also two straight games where Teague has had the opportunity to prove that he can do these things that Drew claims he wants, during times in the game when it will actually matter. Did Drew have reason to believe Teague could not do this before? Was the playing time he gave Teague adequate to prove the argument in either direction? Some feel that Larry Drew would have never given Jeff Teague this chance if the trade had not occurred. Drew says he doesn’t care about Teague hitting shots. Something doesn’t seem right here, but is that even important now?
Here is the last and most obvious set of questions – will Larry Drew continue to give Jeff Teague significant minutes during games (as in 20 mpg or more)? Will he revert to using Jamal in tandem with Kirk Hinrich if Teague has rough games?
That remains to be seen, but for now, it seems like Teague’s time may have finally come.
Big Ray, Hawks Fan Nest
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570 comments Add your comment
niremetal
February 28th, 2011
2:49 pm
O’B,
The Hawks couldn’t sign Bibby before March 25 even if they wanted to because of the 30-day waiting period rule.
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
3:08 pm
Ray, I would fully expect a younger player to say that teams should play younger players. And if you’re Josh Powell, you probably feel like teams should play guys with experience. My guess is that every player on the roster would be able to wax poetic about why they should get some playing time (even Etan Thomas).
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
3:31 pm
If memory serves me correctly, Speedy started to complain that he was healthy but wasn’t playing in his last few weeks on the Hawks. If a player isn’t playing and isn’t complaining, then that is a major problem.
Dept. of Unintended Irony
February 28th, 2011
3:53 pm
How ironic if Bibby ends up with his Boston fans.
Rufus1
February 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
I hope Bibby goes to Boston…I would go to LA(They have taller “Bigs”.
If he goes to boston, Teague could then pressure him full court(Lol)….Also watch him try to defend the Pick-n-roll(Lol)….GO AHEAD BOSTON, PICK UP BIBBY!!!
doc
February 28th, 2011
4:56 pm
not sure when this was put up on the ajc but worthy of notice:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-thrashers/several-non-disclosure-agreements-856187.html
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2011
5:10 pm
Bibby signs with Heat per ESPN.
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
5:20 pm
Corey Brewer is a guy who the Hawks should really consider adding to the roster after the Knicks buy him out…. Tell Horford to put in a good word for him…
“Marc Stein: Just filed to ESPN.com: Sources say we’re about to have a surprising late addition to the buyout market: New York is buying out Corey Brewer Twitter”
vava74
February 28th, 2011
6:14 pm
Corey would be nice for us. If only we bought out Jamal…
vava74
February 28th, 2011
6:19 pm
Corey will sign with celts IMO. With Marquis out they need a swingman with those characteristics badly.
Ray
February 28th, 2011
6:20 pm
@ Astro Joe
I think Josh Powell deserves some meaningful PT as well.
When it comes to it only these people on the team will be playoff ready those are JC1, Marvin, Horford, Johnson, Smith, probably Hinrich too. That’s just 6 people.
That to me is horrible can’t win with just 6 people got to have all 12 committed to being ready. I know you can have 15 players on roster, but still only 12 will be playing.
Besides that though with only 6 people being truly ready that leaves the others out high and dry cause can you actually blame Zaza or Powell for not showing up when they don’t get much time, or can you blame Teague for not being Rondo when he’s not given a legit chance(I know he’s played pretty good past couple). I just wish against a team like say Minnesota Win or lose L.D just lets the bench players get the most burn and rest our starters.
There is a reason the starters disappear in the playoffs especially joe the entire season has taking it’s toll on them come playoff time. So because of that you have last season drubbing by the Magic, and then the season before with the Cavs.
MannyT
February 28th, 2011
6:44 pm
@Najeh
You are ahead of the Bibby cycle. He has to clear waivers first…which he will. Then he might join Heat. Bibby did waive his salary for next year to be let go this year. I was a little surprised in that I’d think he would ask for something, like a mil from Wiz to clear that $6 mil off next season’s cap.
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
7:03 pm
I’m surprised Bibby waived his salary for next year. $6.2 mil is alot of money for him to give up, because at his age, and with his play declining, and a new CBA, I dont think he will make that money back next year.
From hoopshype;
Brian Windhorst: With several teams chasing Bibby (esp. Portland) it wouldn’t be a surprise if Heat promised Bibby he’ll eventually be the starter at PG. Twitter.
How bad is Miami’s PG situation that Bibby might be the starter?
Chris Tomasson: One agent called it “crazy” Mike Bibby giving up all $6.2 million salary for next year. Said he’s a minimum player so would lose $5 mil. Twitter.
Well, it looks like Rick is off the hook for next year
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
7:27 pm
Bibby spent most of his career with a really good and exciting Sacramento Kings team. He then pushed the Hawks into the playoffs and experienced winning here. He has made plenty of money in his career and has been a winner more often than not. No need for him to chase a little coin playing for awful teams at the end of his contract. When his career is done (which will be within the next 1-2 seasons), he won’t have much to apologize for and will very likely have had a career that will top any member of this current Hawks team. I applaud him for chasing a ring over cashing in a check on the bench of an awful, awful team.
This also likely means that he has saved/invested his money wisely because he doesn’t appear burdened by the potential labor unrest this summer. My guess is that a bunch of players couldn’t do this if they wanted (heaven knows that JC1 has been practically begging for an extension for the past 6 months, as if his nest egg isn’t quite what it could be).
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
7:38 pm
doc, I bet you the properties of the ASG will be “priced to move”. Once Gearon decided to take the sale beyond the inner circle of the NHL/NBA hallways, he clearly wanted someone to take one or more of these properties off his hands. My guess is they won’t do the hard-core negotiations that seemingly have taken place in the Pistons sale process. I just hope the firm they hired to help them with the sale process don’t “botch” anything. Maybe they can use Legal Zoom to get another opinion before signing anything this time.
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
7:49 pm
I sincerely feel bad for Cleveland Cavs fans. They don’t deserve this level of basketball fandom suffering.
SpearsNBAYahoo Marc J. Spears
Cavs forward Antawn Jamison expected to miss 5-7 weeks after having surgery to repair a fracture of his left little finger tomorrow
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
7:54 pm
Ray, guys like Zaza and Powell know what the playoffs are all about. Most teams go with a 7-8 man rotation in the playoffs. IMO, playing time (now or later) won’t be the thing that keeps this team form post-season success. What is the saying? Something about rearranging deck-chairs on the Titanic?
doc
February 28th, 2011
8:03 pm
aj, surprised it took such a short time for the askg to make a move like this from the time the belkin law suit was settled? maybe it is just to find another investor to buy some shares. what ever takes their place i hope they are not underfunded and cash strapped for the sake of the fans otherwise we continue to have the worst situation in terms of fan angst except for seattle and it will continue. if there is a lousy group it could be lights out for the franchise. in the mean time i guess we enjoy what we have and be glad the east has gotten better.
good for bibby, miami might be able to carry the luxury of bibby. we couldnt.
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
8:19 pm
doc, they announced that they are looking for more investors but it is a little hard to believe that someone with a lot of cheddar would take a minority stake with these guys. And also hard to believe that they would find someone willing to only buy the Thrashers and keep them in Atlanta. So my guess is they will either sell the Thrashers by themselves (and they get moved to Canada) or they sell a majority share of everything to another group and try to keep the teams here. And by majority share, I’m guessing 60%+.
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
8:46 pm
Oh Oh. MC Tweets that Hinrich is out with a right calf injury. It looks like Teague and Jamal will be the PGs tonight.
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
8:48 pm
Sund also said that after not trading Jamal Crawford’s expiring contract the Hawks would attempt to re-sign him: “I’ve said from Day One I’m a big fan of Jamal. Once we figure out what the new [CBA] rules are we will do everything in our power to re-sign him.”.
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
9:03 pm
OB, sounds like Jamal is a member of the “sacred core”. And we shouldn’t be surprised when Hinrich misses games… he tends to miss a game or three.
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
9:07 pm
Here’s a shocker:
ajchawks Michael Cunningham
#Hawks GM Sund says team unlikely to sign any of waived/bought out vets
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
9:15 pm
Teague needs to start making shots though.
Teague with the block on Ty Lawson. Lawson is only 5′10″ though, so Teague has him by at least 4 inches.
Josh’s stroke looking good early. Is it fool’s gold?
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
9:19 pm
LD said that he doesn’t want to get into a track meet tonight… that may impede Teague’s effectiveness.
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
9:24 pm
AJ,
Good point. LD says he wants the Hawks to slow the tempo.
Hawks need to try and continue going inside though.
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
9:24 pm
Yeah Josh….
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
9:24 pm
Josh with 8 and 4 already.
Hopefully, if his jumper stops falling. he will know to go inside.
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
9:26 pm
Well least see if ZaZa can play well for two straight games…
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
9:32 pm
I just dont get LD infatuation with playing Jamal at PG….
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
9:34 pm
Melvin, at least for tonight, what are his other options?
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
9:34 pm
Astro,
Did you see Captain Josh giving Jamal pointers he approach the bench? I wonder if he’s talking about Jamal offensive play…
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
9:36 pm
My badd, i didnt realize Hinrich was out for tonight’s game.
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
9:37 pm
I figured he was trying to tell Jamal how to shoot jumpers.
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
9:38 pm
Damn, Zaza… Birdman blocked that back to Atlanta.
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
9:50 pm
Marvin is playing well…
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
10:13 pm
Al needs more FGAs if the Hawks are going to win tonight.
Astro Joe
February 28th, 2011
10:25 pm
Come on Joe.. your team needs you to do something good in this 2nd half.
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
11:00 pm
The Hawks are not going to have anything left in the tank for Bulls on Wednesday…
lukas
February 28th, 2011
11:06 pm
This team has 6 years without a small forward.
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
11:14 pm
I dont know why LD thought he could play Al and Joe so many mins on a back to back game in Denver of all places…
niremetal
February 28th, 2011
11:14 pm
I missed it. What happened to Josh?
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
11:19 pm
strain MCL…. he got kick in the knee area in the 2nd qtr…
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
11:21 pm
Big Ray,
Please delete my 9:50 post. I wish the blog monster ate it b/c that guy didn’t do anything in the 2nd half… SMH… Get Corey Brewer in here.
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
11:48 pm
Sund should had included Ethan in the trade with the Wizards. Especially since we gave up Jordan. It would have free up enough money to sign a player to the vet min for the rest of the season…. Dang it.
vava74
March 1st, 2011
7:22 am
Another 4th quarter with Jamal on the floor for 12 minutes, another melt down…
vava74
March 1st, 2011
7:26 am
Astro,
I did not watch the game (yet) but Teague is 22 and has not played that much. If there is someone who has the legs to play 45 minutes its Teague.
Teague posted a +6, the best in the whole team since Smoove’s +6 does not count due to his limited play.
What is there to understand about this?
This is the 1000th time LD plays Jamal part of the 3rd quarter (to close it) and the whole 4th quarter.
The results have been abysmal, so WTF?
vava74
March 1st, 2011
7:28 am
By the way, Jamal posted a -18 (worst in the team) and a -11 for the above mentioned period spanning the last bit of the 3rd quarter and the whole 4th.
His +- for these 3rd+4th quarter periods have been consistently horrible.
O'Brien
March 1st, 2011
7:59 am
Did not see the second half. But it sounds like a winnable game if we had Hinrich and Josh for the whole game.
But from the comments and the box score, Marvin had 14 shot attempts (making 4), while Al only had 15 (making 10)? LD needs to find a way to get Al more shots, especially in the 4th.
I know LD’s first plan is to go to JJ, but teams are aware of that, so we must be ready to adjust.
I guess we saw Bad Marvin tonight (even Teague outrebounded him). It looks like Teague played well on defense, but struggled on offense. And 2-19 from 3’s as a team…were they open shots, or were they good looks that we missed?
Hawks might want to invest in a 3rd PG, because if HInrich gets banged up occasionally, then LD will have to go with Jamal at PG for extended stretches, and that is usually a bad thing.
If the Hawks take care of business at home, there is a slight chance they could move up to 3rd (especially if they beat the Bulls all 3 games). Hopefully Hinrich will be ready to D up Rose on Wednesday.
Astro Joe
March 1st, 2011
8:36 am
vava, Teague can’t consistently make shots. He gets his shots blocked at the rim and he is not a good jump shooter. With Josh and Hinrich hurting, LD would have been playing 2 on 5 (Joe & Al) if Teague played a lot of minutes in the 2nd half. Marvin was aggressive but missed too many jumpers (after doing a better job of driving the ball in the first half). Jamal had to play big minutes with Josh and Hinrich missing in the 2nd half, that was the one and only chance the team had to win. I understand that LD sometimes misuses Jamal, but last night was not one of those times.