Atlanta Hawks: What got into Jeff Teague?
Since back in December I believed Teague deserved to play more because of his improved production, the team’s need for his skills, Bibby’s decline and future considerations.
But I’m not going to front and act like I saw this coming.
Teague had some good moments during the season but he’s having his best moments on the biggest stage under challenging circumstances. He’s making the MVP work to get his, which might be expected given his quickness and defensive potential.
But Teague also has been Atlanta’s most consistent offensive player, sometimes showing more poise and better sitational decision-making that his veteran teammates. I mean, he’s got five turnovers in 206 minutes, for crying out loud.
“You saw he has that it in him, you just wondered when that was going to stick around longer,” L.D. said. “What he’s shown in playoffs is that he has arrived. He’s not doing it just against anybody; he’s doing it against maybe the top point guard in this league. I really take my hat off to the fact that he’s doing it like I haven’t seen it done under those circumstances.”
What the heck got into Teague?
To J.J., who said all season that the Hawks just needed to trust in Teague, the difference is simple.
“Just minutes,” he said. “Getting the opportunity.”
To Teague, the difference has not just been playing more; it’s knowing the Hawks need him to play more.
“I would say that’s the difference,” he said. “During the season I didn’t know if I was going to play one game and if I was going to sit the next. Now, knowing that I’m going to get an opportunity to go in every game, I just try to focus and give a good effort.”
That actually makes sense when you look back at the games during the season where Teague knew he was going to play. In those games he was never really bad. Sometimes he was good, other times just OK, but there were few outright dogs among those games.
There was that game at Boston when Joe and Jamal were out, a performance marred only by four turnovers. He was pretty good the next night against Charlotte, too.
The pattern continues: Jamal missed a game at Cleveland and Teague was good in 18 minutes. The Hawks traded Bibby, Teague started four games in a row and was solid in each one–if not always efficient offensively, at least holding his own against some good point guards.
There was, of course, that game against Portland, when L.D. benched Marvin, Teague got the start and changed the game with his burst of steals and scores. Teague started the next two games against Milwaukee and Denver and was pretty good–again, holding his own if not very efficient. Same goes for the final four games of the season, when the starters shut it down and Teague played big minutes.
Mind you, Teague was never as good as he’s been during this series. But clearly he was better when circumstances meant he knew he was going to play. Perhaps that’s not the right mindset for a player with something to prove but apparently that’s the way it is for Teague.
“I think that’s for everybody,” Teague said. “When something is put against you and you know you have to do it, you focus a lot more.”
Thing is, in L.D.’s, view, that was part of the problem.
(Aside: Some of my blog people have been wondering why L.D. hasn’t been “grilled” more about why he didn’t play Teague more during the season. He’s been asked plenty; it’s just that you haven’t liked the answers. Or maybe I’m just taking the wrong approach to this thing. Who wants to roll with me when I put Drew under a bright lamp and we can do good-cop, bad-cop until he breaks down and confesses he just doesn’t like Teague?)
Each time L.D. has been asked why he didn’t play Teague more, he’s said it’s because he didn’t think he was consistent enough. I asked L.D. once again if he had any regrets about not playing Teague more often, especially since Bibby was struggling:
“No. When I took the job I brought him in here and told him I expect him to really come in here and make life tough for Mike Bibby. That’s just being competitive and fighting for a position; that’s not taking nothing away from Mike Bibby, that’s just trying to get a guy you are hoping will be your next point guard and you are hoping will groom himself to do it. That didn’t happen, and the last thing I wanted to do was just to hand it over to him. I wanted him to come in and really show that he has some fire in his belly and not just push Mike—I wanted him to take it. And knowing Mike being the veteran he is, he is going to have his ways to make sure he doesn’t let it go. It was all on Jeff. I could have very easily not said a word to Jeff and see how he responded to it. I wanted him to know to know that I believed in him, I wanted him to know that I expected him to really, really push Mike. I didn’t get the response I was looking for and, again, I wasn’t going to hand it over to him.”
As it turned out, L.D. had no choice but to give Teague the controls in this series. And with the way Teague has responded, there can be no more questions about whether Teague deserves to play point guard for this team.
“He’s been great,” J.J. said. “As long as he continues to work and get better over the summer, sky’s the limit. This will definitely be his team to run.”
Less than three months ago the Hawks made a trade because they weren’t sure about Jeff Teague. It was only two weeks ago that Teague played a bit part against Orlando, though Drew says Teague would have played more against Chicago even if Hinrich hadn’t gone down.
Now Teague has been so good that L.D. said he wasn’t sure what he would do if the Hawks advance and Hinrich is healthy enough to play.
“It gives me options,” he said. “If it’s perceived as now I’ve got a problem [because] I’ve got a young point guard played his tail off and now I’ve got Kirk coming back if we go to the next round, then I would like to have that problem. That’s a very nice problem to have.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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275 comments Add your comment
niremetal
May 12th, 2011
3:03 pm
Apparently, the series is already over and we just didn’t know it yet:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/LeBron-James-Dwyane-Wade-Chris-Bosh-Miami-Heat-are-no-match-for-Derrick-Rose-Chicago-Bulls-051211
Ask the guys about this one, MC. Maybe they’re used it by now, but it’s clear they still don’t have much respect from the outside world.
truthspitter
May 12th, 2011
3:10 pm
I don’t buy the philosophy that Teague should have had to take the job all the way. I understand and agree with the principle but honestly as some say “mother nature is undefeated” and it had long ago defeated Bibby to the point of a guy that was basically a spot up shooter and good lob thrower. He would muster up a pick and roll or two every game as a bonus. The honest truth is Drew made this a he against Teague thing and dismissed all the warning signs. Why could he not respect mother nature and site that as a reason to atleast play Teague 20 minutes a night regardless to see what he had. You can’t beat mother nature. Drew has a losing mindsight as a coach. He is currently being real redundant with the energy and ball movement speech and his redundancy is going to lead the guys to quit on him soon here. Probably tonight, at some point you have to make adjustments and he sucks at that.
Fire Drew
Let Sund Walk
ASG= Sale
Do those 3 things and we can finally capitalize on having a bright future
niremetal
May 12th, 2011
3:13 pm
Perhaps that’s not the right mindset for a player with something to prove but apparently that’s the way it is for Teague.
That’s what I don’t get. Why didn’t he play with urgency whenever he hit the floor? Did Teague think he was entitled to minutes, and that he didn’t need to step it up until he was given a bigger role? That’s just not the way it works in the NBA for unheralded non-lottery picks. You have to earn your spot. And like I’ve said before, you don’t need a “rhythm” that you get from lots of minutes to move your feet on D or take the ball hard to the rim on offense, as he has done in this series.
Whatever. He’s stepping up now in the most important minutes of his life, and that’s all that counts.
Grandad
May 12th, 2011
3:14 pm
Yessir, another great day.
Some of yawl may have been wondering where I’ve been
durin’ this important stretch of the season. (or not)
Well, here lately, I’ve been droppin’ parts along the road
like a ‘39 Studebaker on the way to the junkyard.
My latest that Doc had to pull out was my gallbladder.
I don’t reckon you need one ’cause evidently
mine hadn’t been workin’ anyway.
Glad to hear My good friend ken Strickland is doing well.
gt
May 12th, 2011
3:18 pm
You got Teague playing up to his competition instead of down to his team mates.
truthspitter
May 12th, 2011
3:18 pm
niremetal
May 12th, 2011
3:13 pm
Perhaps that’s not the right mindset for a player with something to prove but apparently that’s the way it is for Teague.
That’s what I don’t get. Why didn’t he play with urgency whenever he hit the floor? Did Teague think he was entitled to minutes, and that he didn’t need to step it up until he was given a bigger role? That’s just not the way it works in the NBA for unheralded non-lottery picks. You have to earn your spot. And like I’ve said before, you don’t need a “rhythm” that you get from lots of minutes to move your feet on D or take the ball hard to the rim on offense, as he has done in this series.
Whatever. He’s stepping up now in the most important minutes of his life, and that’s all that counts.
You probably are the most ignorant poster I have ever read a post from
truthspitter
May 12th, 2011
3:23 pm
Grandad: Hope everything works out well for you. It sucks to see yourself deteriorate but it takes a strong man to be able to deal with it, stay strong!
drmaryb (*_-)
May 12th, 2011
3:26 pm
DUI
So, I misspelled Mel’ s last name, but I know exactly who he is.
Can, I get a warning ticket for misspelling a proper noun.
You know, names can be tricky.
Black-Berry keys are minuscule. Do, I get a pass? Please?
Grandad
May 12th, 2011
3:26 pm
*[sometimes old coaches.........]
Grandad
May 2nd, 2011
4:17 pm
This is Teague’s chance / No Excuses !
If he’s a player, a real basketball player, then…..
he will perform, he will show his mettle.
If he shrinks away from the glare of the Big Stage…..
then we will know, that he does not possess the right stuff.
In life, one only gets rare opportunities, This is his.
Those of us who wish him success, cannot belly-ache…..
saying he had lost his confidence, wasn’t prepared,
had not played enough, or whatever ? ? ?
Because, Now it’s purely up to him. This is his moment.
There are many who would cherish one [just one] Chance !
Knowing in their minds, they would make the most, if given.
Young Teaguer, We’re pullin’ for you.
Go for it !
Just do it ! !
Grandad
May 12th, 2011
3:32 pm
truthspitter
Thanks, and it’s a beautiful wonderful day !
Go Hawks !
niremetal
May 12th, 2011
3:33 pm
Awww, thanks truthspitter.
DinasaurFenton
May 12th, 2011
3:34 pm
MESSAGE TO JAMAL CRAWFORD: EARN YOUR MONEY TONIGHT OR GO HOME. ALSO, FORGET ABOUT GETTING A CONTRACT EXTENSION IF YOU DROP IN ANOTHER PALTRY 2 POINTS TONIGHT.
drmaryb (*_-)
May 12th, 2011
3:34 pm
“I understand and agree with the principle but honestly as some say “mother nature is undefeated” and it had long ago defeated Bibby to the point of a guy that was basically a spot up shooter and good lob thrower.”
_________________
I wonder what “Father Time” has to say about “mother nature is undefeated.” That’s a new one for me.
Sautee
May 12th, 2011
3:35 pm
Grandad,
No surprise that you were prescient about Teague. You can’t fool older eyes.
That wasn’t a slam as you know I’m older than you. Rode harder and hung up wetter, too. Glad you are feeling like posting.
truthspitter
May 12th, 2011
3:36 pm
drmaryb (*_-)
May 12th, 2011
3:34 pm
“I understand and agree with the principle but honestly as some say “mother nature is undefeated” and it had long ago defeated Bibby to the point of a guy that was basically a spot up shooter and good lob thrower.”
_________________
I wonder what “Father Time” has to say about “mother nature is undefeated.” That’s a new one for me.
You know what I mean. LMAO
Mike is back
May 12th, 2011
3:37 pm
Grandad, Welcome back…glad to hear the ole Studebaker is back on the road…keep pluckalucking on down road bro…I have had a couple parts replaced too.
Mike Pane…Halla @ Yo Boy.lol
KevinM
May 12th, 2011
3:39 pm
My bad Sautee, you sound offended…..
I didn’t look up the stats; I was going on what I remembered about his days, which apparently wasn’t clear.
Still trying to figure out where Drew gets his rationale….
drmaryb (*_-)
May 12th, 2011
3:42 pm
G-Daddy!
You did need that gall bladder or you would never had been given one.
I’ll break that down for you one of these days. -smile’
But, Get Well Soon! The blog is gonna’ need a TFD here soon.
Welcome back to insanity.
Zing
May 12th, 2011
3:44 pm
Sounds to me like LD had a strategy with Teague, it didn’t play out like he’d hoped, and then he didn’t know what to do. “I wasn’t just going to give it to him.” Well, even if you knew that the team would be better with Teague out there? Sounds like Teague just didn’t do it the way LD wanted, so he rode the bench. Understandable reaction, but bad coaching. Very Woodheaded.
SteveW
May 12th, 2011
3:50 pm
Sautee – And who else would you have as 3rd team C?
Al did have the fewest votes of anybody
And Rondo had more votes, but left off the team because he’s a G. Hence my points on All Stars All NBA or not necessarily the best players, but the best at their position.
So let’s see – Al’s competition based on votes – He had 62
Tim Duncan with 43 votes – but he had a terrible year, and plays PF really
Andrew Bogut with 13 votes – Really?
Nene with 11 votes
Bynum 9
Chandler 7
Marc Gasol 3
It wasn’t even close. And if Al will work out, work on his game, and play C 75% of the time, he may be this for quite sometime.
JJ got 0 votes
Josh got 0 votes
drmaryb (*_-)
May 12th, 2011
3:52 pm
Spitter!
I’m just having some fun with ya! Tryin’ to stay loose for the game tonight. LOL!
SteveW
May 12th, 2011
3:52 pm
“or” should be “are” in my last post
The Game Has Changed
May 12th, 2011
3:52 pm
@Grandad-Everything is gonna be alright. Stay strong. Now back to my Hawks. Lets do our thang tonight. Im nervous. I wish them the best. We need Jamal to be Jamal and Joe to be Joe
decriz
May 12th, 2011
3:55 pm
Marc Gasol unrestricted free agent.
Hawks should make a move.
SteveW
May 12th, 2011
3:55 pm
Monta Ellis, Kevin Martin, and Eric Gordon may have all passed JJ by – his days on All NBA may be over, we’ll see.
They all got votes while JJ got none
drmaryb (*_-)
May 12th, 2011
3:57 pm
* never HAVE been given one …
SteveW
May 12th, 2011
3:58 pm
We are living in the era of the PG – In order of All NBA votes
1st team – Rose PG
2nd team – Westbrook
3rd team – Chris Paul
Rondo
Parker
DeRon
Nash
All in the top 25 in total votes. So 7 of the top 25 players in the League are PG’s right now possibly.
SteveW
May 12th, 2011
3:59 pm
And you got Wall and Bledsoe, Lawson and those guys coming up at PG right now also – not to speak of jameer and co.
Lot’s of good PG’s in the NBA right now
decriz
May 12th, 2011
3:59 pm
i hope atlanta does move JJ already.
Joe Johnson for Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins.
drmaryb (*_-)
May 12th, 2011
4:02 pm
Hawks game 4 is on NBA TV Playoffs Play back now.
From 4 to 5 PM.
SteveW
May 12th, 2011
4:03 pm
“That’s what I don’t get. Why didn’t he play with urgency whenever he hit the floor?”
Because if he did, and made 1 mistake he was pulled and banished beyond Josh Powell and Etan on the end of the bench. He was in a no win situation.
Play under control, play with urgency, but don’t make any mistakes.
No win
Sautee
May 12th, 2011
4:03 pm
KevinM,
Not offended, but I thought it was an unnecessary poke. Do you think that Drew would rather Jeff not be playing so well? I think he’s delighted myself.
That said, as I told Big Ray last night, if Teague had a more reliable jump shot, he would have played more a long time ago. Even for Woody. Right or wrong, that’s the case, IMO.
So your point about the kind of PG he’d like is somewhat valid, but not your poke at his so-called “unwillingness” to share the ball as a player.
SteveW
May 12th, 2011
4:06 pm
No small Forwards in the League.
LeBron was the only true SF on the 1st 3 NBA teams – the rest were PF’s
Only Peirce and Carmelo received more than 1 vote beyond that, and the guy with 1 vote was Iggy
So out of 45 guys receiving votes only 4 were SF’s.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 12th, 2011
4:09 pm
I was a little surprised to see that nobody else on the Hawks even ended up in the “others receiving votes” section. I thought a #5 seed would get at least one other player in that column by default.
KevinM
May 12th, 2011
4:10 pm
I get it Sautee…..you would think LD knows what it takes to be a PG in this league. But no excuse for trying to develop one…it just seemed like he was taking the easy road and going with the core because they all ‘liked’ each other and wanted to play together.
Truth is, I can’t imagine Bibby doing very well against JT in practice, if that even matters in this situation.
At the end of the day, JT has saved this team from being stagnant and being a one-dimensional offense. I will say that Rose is getting his points, which makes it look like the defense JT’s playing in subpar.
DRose is just getting what he wants each time down the court. And like when Bibby was up front, the line of defense in the paint is not exactly Howard-esque. It just seems our drives to the basket are much more contested and more physical contact comes with that.
Have we won the FT battle yet in 5 games? In any playoff game this year?
Brandon
May 12th, 2011
4:13 pm
Congrats to Horford for making the All-NBA third team. He definitely deserved it. His stats and his impact on games during the regular season could not be disputed. Now, I just hope he steps it up tonight and in the (hopeful) future of these playoffs. Al definitely needs to have a larger role in this offense in the playoffs. I feel like he could be doing a lot more on the offensive end to help us win. A lot of that is on him for not being aggressive enough, and part of it is on the coaching staff and his teammates for not recognizing when he is in positive to score offensively. At any rate, I hope Al steps up tonight. I’d like to see 24 point, 16 rebound, 2+ block performance tonight. Something along those lines…
Sautee
May 12th, 2011
4:13 pm
SteveW,
Yeah, I get the format, but it’s just hard for me to think that Al is the 16th best player in the league. Particularly since Griffin took him down. And if you’ve followed my posts since he’s been here, you know I’m a supporter. Perhaps my expectations for him are too high, and the panel who voted have too low a standard.
Seriously, I’m happy for him, but it’s likely more of a comment on the dearth of quality centers than it is a ringing endorsement.
Let’s see an All-NBA game from him tonight. His aggressiveness needs to make a comeback.
Brandon
May 12th, 2011
4:14 pm
Correction on my previous post “…when he is in *position* to score…”
J from the A
May 12th, 2011
4:15 pm
From: http://hawksbasketblog.com/2011/05/12/game-6-notes-and-quotes/
“Josh Smith did not receive credit for a single block during Game 5 in Chicago. Per NBA policy, statistics may not be added to the box score after the fact, however, a statistic (rebound, assist, turnover, etc.) may be taken away if the tape reveals evidence contrary to the initial ruling.”
Really? Didn’t Josh block 2 shots on a single possession or am I getting my games confused?
BigTimeTECHFan
May 12th, 2011
4:34 pm
Guess this means Hawks will not get Steve Nash in the off season, looks like he will end up with the Knicks.
BigTimeTECHFan
May 12th, 2011
4:36 pm
Really? Didn’t Josh block 2 shots on a single possession or am I getting my games confused?
One for sure, second one was goaltending because he went through the rim
Slimjr
May 12th, 2011
4:38 pm
Slimjr is her to point out the obvious LARRY!!!!
IT’s a must win!!!! Bench Marvina PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
May 12th, 2011
4:38 pm
here^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
SteveW
May 12th, 2011
4:39 pm
Sautee – “Yeah, I get the format, but it’s just hard for me to think that Al is the 16th best player in the league”
He’s not. Alot of those other guys split the votes at a particular position, especially
G and PF. So even though he was 16th in total votes, some of the other players split votes at other positions.
“…but it’s likely more of a comment on the dearth of quality centers than it is a ringing endorsement”
And that is 100% correct.
Let’s not forget a guy who is coachable, steady, fundamentally sound, and is the best mid range shooter in the game according to one stat, and in the top 10 or so in rebounding is not a bad player.
He’s just not an electric kind of player.
Blast
May 12th, 2011
4:43 pm
Fans have said all there is to say about the emergence of Hawks next and newest point guard, Jeff Teague, and I need not say no more. All I want to add is that better Teague shows promise and bloom late, than never at all, like Acie and Salim who cannot even make an NBA roster anymore. I am just happy that the young fella is making his name on the biggest stage ever, and pray he keeps rolling. He has been Hawks most consistent player this series.
In the second half of game 5, I was most disgusted to see Jamal playing point with Teague in the game, and vexed with LD for playing Jamal and Marvin so many minutes. If Jamal and Marvin had given us half their usual contributions, Hawks would have won that game.
Having said that, the season is on the line tonite. I am deeply interested to see what Hawks come out with, and Josh was right. A new champion will be crowned this season, and it’s going to be a new young team that has never won the ring before, except for Wade of course.
The NBA trophy is anybody’s to win this season.
Thanks, Ken, Bulls fan. If Bulls knock Hawks off, they will be the team I will be rooting for.
Zaza or twin needs to start. Marvin needs to sit at the end of the bench. Damien needs to get Marvin’s minutes. Any NBA team that plays players based on who earns the most money rather than who will give me the most is bound to lose. Bulls coach went with his bench players to close out game 5, and it worked.
Go, Hawks, go!
drmaryb (*_-)
May 12th, 2011
4:43 pm
Chicago sports anchor found dead in Atlanta hotel
Story posted 2011.05.12 at 03:30 PM EDT

By Ty Tagami
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A sports anchor from Chicago who was in Atlanta to cover Game 6 in the Bulls vs. Hawks series was found dead in a downtown hotel room Thursday morning.
The cause of Daryl Hawks’ death has not been disclosed, but no foul play is suspected, said Sgt. Curtis Davenport of the Atlanta Police Department. The Fulton County medical examiner’s office said an autopsy is pending.
Hawks, 38, was found around 9:30 a.m. after he missed a wake-up call, according to an article on his TV station’s website, an NBC affiliate in Chicago.
He was staying at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center, Davenport said. He was rushed to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hawks was a three-time Emmy Winner and former Marine.
He leaves behind a wife, Sandy, and two children.
Atlanta Hawks spokesman Arthur Triche said via Twitter: “On behalf of the Hawks, we want to express our condolences.”
_____________________
WOW! This is awful. What a handsome young man, very handsome.
He looks like Mr. Lemon on CNN.
Nate ArchiBALL
May 12th, 2011
4:44 pm
@J from A -
Give Hawks spokesman Arthur Triche an assist. Scorers for Game 5 somehow managed to not credit Smith with any blocks despite having multiple clear-cut rejections. After Triche asked the league Wednesday to review video of four plays, Smith was awarded with three blocks. Unfortunately for the Hawks, Bulls backup Taj Gibson still had all of his 11 fourth-quarter points. Smith has 17 blocks in the series.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/hawks-notes-drew-undecided-943027.html
SteveW
May 12th, 2011
4:51 pm
Sautee – “…if Teague had a more reliable jump shot, he would have played more a long time ago. Even for Woody. Right or wrong, that’s the case, IMO.”
Jeff is a better shooter than Westbrook, Rose, or Rondo. I just don’t think your statement is true.
Josh gets a rap for being stupid and having a low BBall IQ. He doesn’t and he isn’t
Teague has a rep for being turnover prone and a bad jumpshooter. He’s not and he’s not.
Jeff has Magic Johnson’s set shot – always has. Shoots from the hip.
But off the dribble, he’s deadly. Go back to Wake. Shot 44% from beyond the arc his last season.
Westbrook and Rose both shot 33% from 3’s
Rondo – 23%
Jeff Teague 37.5%
And his defense is so solid, he should have been playing a long time ago.
It’s just incompetence plain and simple on LD’s part. Doesn’t make him a bad person, or a bad coach really, but he just blew it.
Sautee
May 12th, 2011
4:52 pm
SteveW,
Yeah, if he were a full time PF, he’d likely be in the “others receiving votes” category. I just wish he would embrace the center position more fully and work on his post up game and his left hand counter (which he lacks).
What he has is a LOT of intangibles like poking rebounds to teammates, tipping opponents passes, good defensive positioning, good anticipation, etc. But you are correct. He’s rarely “electric”.
I guess I WOULD put him in the top 30 or so though.
SteveW
May 12th, 2011
4:52 pm
To all the Jeff Teague can’t play Defense haters:
Tweet from MC:
“RT @NBAStatsCube: #Hawks allowing 10.6 fewer points per 100 possessions with Teague on court than off.”
Admit incompetence when you see it. LD blew it!!!!!!!!!
Now let’s move on and beat the Bulls