Atlanta Hawks: Drew says Teague ‘has got to earn’ Bibby’s spot
Teague will have to go all out for gig.
You might have noticed Bob Bender stood in for Bibby during Camp Drew and figured that means Bibby, not Teague, heads into 2010-11 as the starting point guard.
And you’d be right.
When Hawks camp opens on Sept. 28, Bibby will be the incumbent at point guard. Rook’ is going to have to take the job from him.
“He’s got to earn that,” L.D. said. “It’s not just going to be handed to him. If he proves it, he has an opportunity. I will come back with the starting lineup we’ve had in the past. Unless somebody clearly, clearly beats somebody out, [then] that’s something I would have to take a look at. But I am going with the normal guys [to start].”
That’s not surprising since Hawks coaches spent much of Summer League saying they’d like to see Teague be more assertive. Plus, Teague has yet to do anything to show that he deserves the job. There’s a chicken/egg element to it–did he never really get the chance to prove he’s ready to be lead dog, or did he never really get the chance to be lead dog because he’s just not ready? Now he gets a real shot to show he deserves the gig, and it probably wouldn’t be good for L.D. or the team to bench a popular vet like Bibby until that happens (if it does).
Also remember Bibby still has value as a good spot-up shooter with a low turnover percentage. That’s two areas where Teague needs work. On the flip side Teague is a better defender, can push the pace and should be able to set up baskets as he learns to play under control (he actually posted a higher assist percentage than Bibby).
It’s probably best not to get too caught up in which guy starts, anyway. Bibby played a career-low in minutes last season and didn’t always finish games. Those trends should continue. L.D. is going to give Teague an opportunity to run with the starters and he’s said he will be patient. The rest is up to Teague.
– Steve Rosenberry officially joined the Blazers as an assistant GM to Rich Cho. It’s a promotion for Rosenberry, who was director of pro personnel/college scouting for the Hawks.
Hawks assistant GM Dave Pendergraft is a candidate for GM jobs in Denver and Phoenix.
– For those who have asked, Josh Powell has picked jersey No. 12.
MC
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383 comments Add your comment
Fundamentals
August 13th, 2010
3:05 pm
How can a “Rook” get the “Woody Treatment” if Woodson is gone?
Let it and ghosts of draft days gone by go. Where is Priest Lauderdale anyway?
Fundamentals
August 13th, 2010
3:07 pm
Couldn’t stand it, Priest went from China to Iran after some work in Bulgaria. Seems he’s not exactly dominating the Iranian leagues.
GT Alum
August 13th, 2010
3:10 pm
I have no problem with competition, but I’d rather he say I don’t have a starting PG right now and that will be determined during camp.
Also, didn’t LD say that players will be expected to hold their own defensively and that he doesn’t plan on switching to cover up defensive weakness? That sounds to me like Bibby needs to step up on the defensive end or he should be spending most of the game on the bench.
Rondo
August 13th, 2010
3:11 pm
@JC Act like a Rook get treated like a Rook. Don’t blame Woody Blame Teague.
Astro Joe
August 13th, 2010
3:12 pm
Co-sign Melvin @ 3:04. Who finishes the tight and late games is how you determine who has earned the coach’s (and teammate’s) trust.
Rondo
August 13th, 2010
3:14 pm
It would be more exiting if Teage and JC2 were fighting for the starting job.
SteveW
August 13th, 2010
3:24 pm
This is a good move. Bibby is a former All-Star who was a missing piece when acquired who really took this team to another level.
Teague is raw, or else with his other tools, he would have been better than the 6 or 7th PG taken in last years draft.
In my opinion – we are handling Teague perfectly. If Teague has the want to and the drive – and he seems to based on Summer League – very obvious the dude’s been doing some serious conditioning – in 5 years or so, we’re looking at one of the top 8 PG’s or so in the league.
This year he will show flashes I would guess, next year solidly entrenched as the starter, with a very good backup in Bibby – if we retain him with the 6.2m contract.
And alot depends on Bibby – Andre Miller at 34 is still going strong.
Look what Dereck Fisher did at 35 or so last year.
But if Bibs pulls a Jason Collins on us – alot depends on his drive and determination this off-season as well. It only takes a few weeks of intensive training to very much improve lateral quickness.
Hopefully Bibs is taking full advantage of our strength and conditioning guy.
Fundamentals
August 13th, 2010
3:25 pm
Why can’t JC2 compete for it? Sy even? Should be open to anyone, honestly.
tony
August 13th, 2010
3:26 pm
Teague is a sg trying to play pg. Should of drafted Darren Collison. Until we get a new owner and the right gm who knows how to build a team the right way the hawks a worth a hill of beans.
The Truth
August 13th, 2010
3:26 pm
With so much riding on Teague’s development, it will be “high-stake drama” (no don’t) to see how this all plays out. As I understood, Drew sold himself based on his innovative offense along with the development of Teague. This created a perception of a real departure from Woody with high expectation for change. However, if that turns out not to be the case and liability-Bibby at the helm remains liability-Bibby at the helm, then this whole “new voice” idea with Drew “blows up” before it gets started. Since Sund has basically ignored the outcry of acquiring quality depth, adding this additional drama to the mix only makes the situation worst. Since we are in August with no games played yet, the voices of “just wait and see” can continue to have a credible argument at least until tip off. Until then, the “doubting Thomas observers” will have to endure the “premature exuberance” as this debate continues.
SteveW
August 13th, 2010
3:30 pm
I think JC2 may get looked at a #3 type guard in the future – 1st guard off the bench like Jamal, and can play either PG or SG – if he develops.
Hate we’re losing the scouting director guy – he actually looked like he may know what he’s doing as opposed to some of the guys in the past!
SteveW
August 13th, 2010
3:33 pm
Tony – I agree to a point that Teague right now is more Jason Terry than a natural PG. Remember, that’s why we traded Jason – he couldn’t handle point for us.
But unlike JT, I think Jeff T is a little more comfortable at PG than JT was this early in his career.
Rondo
August 13th, 2010
3:37 pm
Its a shame that the AJC don’t even believe in the hawks. It has a promo on the main page telling fans not to come see the Hawks play, but rather to come see your favorite team to come play the Hawks. MC you have to turn this movement around.
layinlow
August 13th, 2010
3:43 pm
I’m personally not sold on Teague. In fact I believe the future backcourt could very well end up being jordan crawford and JJ. I was way more impressed with crawford then teague during the summer league games.
Fundamentals
August 13th, 2010
3:51 pm
Who can run the point and manage the team. Summer League asks both players to dominate subpar competition. The real matter will come in which can lead our team and contribute against starters? Niether will average 15 pts, but can they run the offense effectively and provide adequate defensive pressure against 1st teamers?
I think both can with time on the floor – JC2 & JT
rusty
August 13th, 2010
3:57 pm
if we have to depend on bibby,we will have the same offense as last year,also he plays no defense. he lost the job last year even tho woody didnt think so .we should have gone after a pg in the draft if we thought teague could not handle the job. i thought he played great in the summer after starting out shaky.
he brings defense & penetration which bibby cant do. this team will go no where with bibby. he doesnt penetrate or make great passes,in other words he dont break the defense down. teague should be told that the job is his unless he cant handle it & in that case i would start grooming jc2. with bibby we will still have that damn slow offense making jj the primary ball handler. i thought that ld had some guts,this leads me to think that much hasnt changed from last year.
HawkStr8Talk
August 13th, 2010
4:08 pm
Let’s keep it real – theoretically, I support Drew talking about earning a position and if that happens at EVERY position on the court. Great. But realistically, whether Teague outplays Bibby in training camp or not – Teague’s your Game 1 starting point guard if you have any aspirations of this team reclaiming last season’s 3 seed. Simple as that…www.hawkstr8talk.com
Grandad
August 13th, 2010
4:11 pm
tony / Rondo / others
not arguing – just talkin’
As for Teaguer bein’ a [2] playin’ the [1]
Billups did okay making the switch after college.
Teaguer is a [1] / no doubt.
Before you start;
No way do I think JT ever becomes Billups.
Who I think is one of the *all-time* greats.
Now, as far as Jordo is concerned,
I do not see him in the pt g competition.
Junior
August 13th, 2010
4:13 pm
MC, was there any discussion of how much PG will be played by Jamal Crawford?
Rondo
August 13th, 2010
4:15 pm
Teague-Lacks confidence,has to be pushed and babied,still behaves like a Rook, do-boy
JC2-Very confident, aggressive, ready for any challenge, determined to get better
Bibby- Kind of a malcontent, lost determination to drive to basket, great spot up shooter, great motivater while on bench
Teague future = A.C. Law if he doesn’t get it together
JC2 = Future starter-Better fit for L.D.’s offense
Hoops
August 13th, 2010
4:16 pm
IMHO every position should be up for grabs everyday. You’ve got to earn it everyday. Keep’em hungry!
Who finishes the game is much more important than who starts the game anyway!!!
Prediction-The Hawks will make a trade before the trade deadline that includes Mike Bibby.
Astro Joe
August 13th, 2010
4:17 pm
Grandad, how long did it take for Billups to become the player that you respect and admire? Like maybe 5-6 years and 2-3 teams?
KevinM
August 13th, 2010
4:23 pm
Steve W, I agree….Bibby could very well be a Fisher type player here. Saying that, I would not be surprised at all if LD gave him the spot. That won’t bode well for JT’s future here either.
I just think if you are talking motion offense and precise passing and having 40 percent of your shots go in, then I think Bibby has an advantage, especially if you are considering your PG to be a 3pt threat. Right now, I think JT would be a boost off the bench. I still think minutes are limited because of the 2 SGs having their hands on the ball quite often.
MsDee, I believe when Rondo came to camp, it was at least a 2 man battle with Sebastian Telfair, who came over in the Garnett deal. I would have liked for us to have the same scenario with a Collision or a Conley to come in here and compete head on with Teague.
Rondo
August 13th, 2010
4:25 pm
Grandad doesn’t jc2 have a better chance of becoming a Billups type guy. He’s athletic has a great shot and has decent handles.And in L.D.’s offense he won’t have to handle the ball that often. I just feel jc2 should be groomed to be the point over Teague.He is more of a threat on offense and defense. Is taller and has better range. They are about equal on their ball handling skills. Teague just get too rattled and doesn’t look confortable at point. Hope to see him prove me wrong, starting with camp.
JeJe
August 13th, 2010
4:35 pm
So is MC not even going to mention how Jamal might hold out of TC if not given an extension? Apparently Sekou knows this and he isn’t even with the Hawks anymore.
jason
August 13th, 2010
4:36 pm
Have we ever looked at starting jocraw? He put up better numbers than bibby and teague did in Xavier. He a little of mike bibby and teague. He’s a good defender and is a shooter. Coach drew If we are to have any respect in the East lets start a guy who can play. think about it………
Grandad
August 13th, 2010
4:39 pm
G-dad’s ~~~> Trade o’ the Day:
*(this trade cannot be completed until mid Sept)
*(due to Ajinca being included)
Dallas gets:
*Bibby
*Marv
Hawks get:
*Ajinca [1 yr contract]
*DeShawn Stevenson [exp contract]
*Shawn Marion
*Jose Juan Barea [iyr contract]
The numbers work.
Dallas motivation;
*They -must- move Ajinca
Marv younger than Marion
get rid of Marion’s contract
plus Bibby, 1 yr ins @ pt g, then cont becomes exp.
Hawks motivation:
*Alex Ajinca*
Barea = competition @ pt g
(Marv haters get your wish)
*Marion aging but great defensive [3].
**well suited for motion off.
*** “Offense: Very adept at moving off the ball and finding spots to receive a pass and explode for a finish. Doesn’t miss around the basket. Runs the floor like a deer.”
per ‘DraftExpress’
DS = exp contract
-note- I always try to provide motivation for both teams.
Grandad
August 13th, 2010
4:42 pm
*Jose Juan Barea [iyr contract]
[ 1 yr contract ]
1 have no 1dea what a i yr. contract 1s.
The Real JC
August 13th, 2010
4:44 pm
Ok, let’s get to the heart of this matter: Jeff Teague takes WAY better pictures than Bibby. Don’t believe me? Search Teague and Bibby in Google images. Teague has awesome facial expressions when he drives to the rim. Bibby looks bored and stoned.
The Real JC
August 13th, 2010
4:49 pm
@Jason – Jo. Craw = 0 NBA game experience. Teague = at least some NBA experience. You want to replace Teague because he doesn’t have enough experience with a guy who has never played in an NBA game? Also, we’ve had our fun playing SGs at point. Time to grow up and use a real PG.
dan stry
August 13th, 2010
4:49 pm
Is Jonathan Bender or Patrick O’Bryant still on the market? The hawks need a legitimate 7′ and even though they won’t make a big impact, it will be nice to have a REAL bigman down low. I hope we dont sign another 6′9 pf and try to turn him into a center.
The Real JC
August 13th, 2010
4:51 pm
@ Rondo – “Come see your favorite teams play the Hawks” is an advertisement purchased by ASG, not the opinion of the AJC. Also, that’s not a new slogan, they’ve been using it for years because it works better on Atlanta fans.
Fundamentals
August 13th, 2010
4:54 pm
So ideally we need to change Atlanta fans from NBA bandwagon riders to HAWKS fans. Good luck…tough one to sell here.
Ken Strickland
August 13th, 2010
4:54 pm
LDrew was hired to correct the problems the team had under Woodson, and making players accountable and earn their positions is an excellent start and departure from the favoritism Woodson practiced. One thing I have a problem imagining is Bibby in the motion OFF cutting to the basket to receive a pass and laying it up.
I’m not saying he won’t be able to do it this season, but based on last seasons performance, it’s just hard to imagine. The motion OFF will give us a tremendous advantage when closing out gms. DEF’s won’t be able to lock onto certain players, like JJ or Jamal, and everyone becomes both an inside and outside scoring threat.
For me, this is going to be a very exciting season. I see LDrew getting more efficiency, consistency, and overall OFF and DEF production out of our players and team.
Najeh Davenpoop
August 13th, 2010
4:55 pm
“Teague is a sg trying to play pg.”
I thought the same thing when he ws drafted, but he actually did a better job of setting up teammates last year and in summer league than he did scoring from different areas of the floor. The one thing he does consistently well as a scorer is get to the free throw line. I actually think his outside shot and his floater in the lane need a lot more work than his point guard abilities.
Rev in Tampa
August 13th, 2010
4:59 pm
@BigTimeTECHFan – “Don’t Agree: There should be cases where a player can lose his starting job. I Think bibby did that last year.”
What happens if you diss Bibby and then find out that Teague is not up for the task of starting right away? What you’ve potentially done is burned one bridge and found out that you can not cross the river on the other.
A little perspective. This is not the start of the playoffs. It is not even the start of the season. We are talking about the start of training camp.
And for those of you who are writing off Teague because Drew is not handing him the starting job, I need to ask, “Are you just trying to bait us into argument?”, because I cannot come up with any other rational notion why you cannot see Drew’s motives & method.
Najeh Davenpoop
August 13th, 2010
4:59 pm
Grandad, what exactly do you like so much about Alexis Ajinca? The guy has done nothing in the league and at 7′1″ still somehow weighs less than Joe Johnson. What exactly makes you include him in your trade speculations so often?
Paddy
August 13th, 2010
4:59 pm
Bibby no longer can play at a high level and his replacement can’t even hope to replace him as a starter. Thats more bad news! We are still waiting for the ASG to go after free agents aggressively. Is that not what we heard at the start of the free agent period? Liars!
JSS
August 13th, 2010
5:00 pm
@ Michael Cunningham…
My compliments, I’m not a big fan of banning people Still, you’ve been top shelf since the Bucks series with timely information…
Najeh Davenpoop
August 13th, 2010
5:04 pm
Jordan should also be given a fair shot at the PG position, but i have a hard time seeing him beating out two non-rookies for that spot. He’s got good instincts as a passer, but whether he can actually handle the ball and direct the offense against an NBA first team defense remains to be seen.
JSS
August 13th, 2010
5:11 pm
@ JeJe…
Not coming to Cunningham’s defense; but he addressed the Yahoo Sports rumor about Crawford holding out on a earlier blog…
Fundamentals
August 13th, 2010
5:19 pm
Ajinca was a good defender, rebounder and shot blocker in the D League. He might be a prospect that makes the trasition. Seems like a hungry kid looking for his opportunity. We’ve got one. Why not? I’d rather see him than Collins!
Fundamentals
August 13th, 2010
5:21 pm
There were several legit 7 ft kids itching for a 10 day last Feb, we chose Mario to help us rebound and defend down low. I love Rio, but all we did was mess up the first good thing he had going. Now where is he? I guess a bit richer, but still no lasting home.
Rondo
August 13th, 2010
5:27 pm
JC- I know because the slogan works on me everytime. But i live 2 hours and 45 minutes away from Atl so I have an excuse.
KevinM
August 13th, 2010
5:32 pm
A top 10 of intriguing coaching watches this season….
http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/shaun_powell/08/03/coaches/index.html
And no, LD is not on this intriguing list. Looks like no expectations are in order.
SWAT Native
August 13th, 2010
5:41 pm
@ The Real JC – that look on JT’s face in the photo above is a groan of frustration at seeing Crawford headed back to the scorer’s table.
pedro el gitano
August 13th, 2010
6:15 pm
para acabar con el tema recuerden esto:ultimo partido de temporada regular contra cleveland,teague 24 puntos 15 asistencias si no me equivoco,algo que bibby no ha hecho nunca!!
The Truth
August 13th, 2010
6:18 pm
One obvious advantage Drew is having as Woody’s ex-assistant coach, is the knowledge of the AC Law experiment. Acie was drafted as the Hawk’s 1st round 11th pick PG and publicly hailed as the Hawks future pg by BK. This turned out to be a big mistake as Drew obviously took notice. Declaring publicly a “just drafted” player the Hawks future pg by the GM set the stage for Acie’s lackadaisical non-aggressive attitude. When he was given quality minutes to run the team, he played the pg position as though he was “entitled” and showed no hunger for the job full time. This is primarily what led to his disappointing tour with the Hawk. By Drew going on record with a position that Teague must “earn” the starting job, sets the proper tone for him to prepare his mindset. Since Teague has a 2011/12 and 2012/13 team-option structured contract, his motivation should be clear. Take Bibby’s job or risk losing his job and possibly be traded. After this year, the honeymoon is over.
N.D.T.K.A.
August 13th, 2010
6:21 pm
Bibby last season seemed pretty mobile and actually played well early on in the season. It was as the season wore on that his deficiencies in mobility and defensively seemed to hamper the Hawks and even included some off shooting nights.
I wish the Hawks would trade Bibby, that being said, LD seems to be giving Bibby the benefit of the doubt as a veteran pg with experience and hopes Bibby will come back to camp motivated to perform and to mentor Teague.
Teague is a very athletic and quick point, if Teague develops an aggressive pg first mentality, he will be starting by mid-season.
JeJe
August 13th, 2010
6:39 pm
BIBBY HAS NEVER MADE AN ALL STAR TEAM
STOP CALLING HIM A FORMER ALL STAR