Atlanta Hawks: The next step for Jeff Teague?
I’ve noticed that when Jeff Teague drives to the basket, opposing bigs sometimes focus more on blocking out their man than aggressively helping to challenge Teague. I think some numbers explain why that might be.
Teague is tied for eighth among starting point guards in shot attempts per game at the rim (4.4) and is 14th in shooting percentage at the rim: 58.5, compared to an average of 60.5 for starting point guards. Teague ranks tied for 11th in the amount of shots he attempts per game from 3 to 9 feet (1.7) and is 12th in shooting percentage from that floater range: 35.4 percent, slightly above the league average of 35.1 for starting point guards. Teague’s free-throw rate of .25 is second-worst among his peers in the top 10 of shot attempts per game at the rim.
Here’s a comparison of the 20 point guards who attempt the most shots per game at the rim (stats don’t include Thursday’s games):
| Player | FGA/gm rim | FG% rim | FT rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Westbrook | 7.0 | 62.2 | .31 |
| Tyreke Evans | 6.6 | 62.4 | .36 |
| John Wall | 6.3 | 57.1 | .45 |
| Derrick Rose | 5.8 | 63.2 | .34 |
| Rajon Rondo | 5.7 | 62.0 | .43 |
| Ty Lawson | 5.5 | 62.0 | .30 |
| Tony Parker | 4.5 | 64.0 | .32 |
| Brandon Jennings | 4.4 | 58.2 | .20 |
| Jeff Teague | 4.4 | 58.5 | .25 |
| D.J. Augustin | 3.8 | 55.4 | .26 |
| Deron Williams | 3.6 | 52.0 | .33 |
| Kyle Lowry | 3.5 | 54.9 | .34 |
| Mike Conley | 3.5 | 65.6 | .23 |
| Chris Paul | 3.1 | 66.2 | .27 |
| Jrue Holiday | 3.1 | 56.0 | .17 |
| Brandon Knight | 3.0 | 56.8 | .17 |
| Darren Collison | 2.9 | 55.7 | .32 |
| Raymond Felton | 2.9 | 60.8 | .22 |
| Ricky Rubio | 2.4 | 52.1 | .41 |
| Jarret Jack | 2.2 | 64.6 | .26 |
I think if Teague becomes more of a threat to finish when he gets to the basket then he might start drawing more fouls. Theoretically, help defenders would be more aggressive in trying to stop him (and the refs might give him more benefit of the doubt), leading to more foul calls.
Since Teague can be such an emotional subject for some of my blog people, I feel like I have to add disclaimers to anything that can be perceived as even mild criticism of his game.
None of this means I believe Kirk Hinrich should take Teague’s minutes. Teague deserved his shot long ago and has used his opportunity to prove he’s a good scoring point guard. I just think these numbers show that, unless Teague somehow starts shooting from mid range like Steve Nash and Chris Paul, this is the best way he can become an even better scorer.
(By the way, peep my story on Zaza Pachulia that ran in today’s AJC.)
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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228 comments Add your comment
The Truth
February 17th, 2012
6:02 pm
“I’ve noticed that when Jeff Teague drives to the basket, opposing bigs sometimes focus more on blocking out their man than aggressively helping to challenge Teague. I think some numbers explain why that might be.”
My observation: he’s not driving, attacking or threatening to score enough.
Prior to the PHX game, Teague aggression had been on the declined compared to the start of the season. This may partially explains the Hawks offensive struggles in scoring lately. When he is not in “attack mode” with his offense and just facilitating, he looks like Mike Bibby, just standing around watching JJ or Josh or waiting for a “big” perimeter shot. This low-level offensive involvement perhaps is creating low % rate at the rim. This also creates 4 on 5 against opponents and a disadvantage for the Hawks offensively. Factoring in a passive Marvin (at times), teams will double or treble-team JJ without concern for threats from these players.
So a passive Teague is not the answer for the Hawks. At the same time, he should also create opportunities for his teammates. In some ways, Teague should learn from Hinrich; constantly moving, constantly threatening to score or he should actively setup others to score. He can’t just defer. He must build from his playoff successes and know he’s a big part of the Hawks offense.
When he makes a commitment to score, he’s a different player and the Hawks are a different team. He just isn’t committing obtain enough. If he modeled his game after aggressive PGs likes Steve Nash or Toney Parker, more so, than combo PG like Westbrook, he creates better efficiency and less stagnation. Hopefully that will come with experience.
So just changing the approach to his games can likely improve his stat numbers compared to his peers.
High-sider
February 17th, 2012
6:03 pm
vava74 and northcyde,
“Jamal Crawford had 19 off the bench on 7-18 shooting. That shooting percentage looked a lot better before the last four minutes of the game too. He kept the Blazers in the game with his second-half scoring. He kept the Blazers from winning the game with his late misses. But cruelly, he was really the only one who could do anything. Blame him for missing if you wish but his teammates did nothing to take the ball out of his hands, even if he had the instinct to give it up. He was the only one with enough energy and handles to get a shot as the fourth quarter progressed. Was some of that his own drive to dominate the ball? Sure…we all rely on instinct when tired and pressed. But again…nobody else even moved to take the ball. I don’t blame him for the period any more than I blame a game-show contestant for picking the wrong door when the host says, “You can choose between Door #1 and…that’s all. Just Door #1. What’s your pick?” Door #1 was a zonk tonight. But at least Crawford tried.” – Dave
High-sider
February 17th, 2012
6:08 pm
Teague sometimes doesn’t get the calls from the refs that he should when he’s going to the basket. On other occasions, his [Teague's] touch seems to be off.
Sautee
February 17th, 2012
6:13 pm
“That shooting percentage looked a lot better before the last four minutes of the game too.”
LOL at this. Excuse me, but isn’t that when you’d HOPE that a great scorer would ratchet it up a notch?
I’m not part of this debate (nor do I care to be) but Jamal is very good, but ever so streaky. If you cast your lot with him, you’ll be disappointed 60% of the time (statistically). I enjoyed watching him play here, and I admire his courage to take big shots, but that doesn’t make him any less streaky. And I certainly don’t think he needs to be a point guard.
drmaryb.[*_*].
February 17th, 2012
6:22 pm
Guarded!
“I am sick seeing a discussion of a guard from Portland.” -Dawg-
___________
LOL @ Dawg, I feel you bruh. It seems oxy-moronic to me when using the word “guard” and Jamal in the same sentence. LSM (laugh some more)
This guy couldn’t guard a baby with a loaded diaper. LOL
_______
Re: Teague? Just let him play his game and he will improve. Just leave Teague alone. Josh! Give him the damn ball and Drew? Stop benching him, he can play 48 mins per game. LOL
northcyde
February 17th, 2012
6:27 pm
Sautee, exactly.
That’s why he’s a roller coaster.
If Jamal was a ride at Six Flags, they’d name it “The Run & Shoot Express”.
Sautee
February 17th, 2012
6:34 pm
northcyde,
I thought it would be “The Up-chucker”!
I’m sorry, really, I am.
northcyde
February 17th, 2012
6:38 pm
We all will know that Teague is set as the future at PG, when he yells at one our main guys because they’re out of position.
When he yells at JJ or Josh like Anthony Johnson did Smith in a game, that will indicate that he’s ready to lead.
northcyde
February 17th, 2012
6:44 pm
Lol @ the Up-Chucker…a ride that vertically takes you up 200 feet in 3 seconds, lets you hang there for 15 seconds, drops you 50 feet, raises you back up quickly 50 feet, then dropping full speed for 190 feet before gliding to a stop.
You love the ride, but just realize you threw up on everybody.
High-sider
February 17th, 2012
7:03 pm
Mr. Instant Offense and super-sub, Jamal Crawford, is gone. Al Horford, the Hawks third leading scorer, suffers, a[n all but certain,] season-ending [pectoral] injury. During the summer, Marvin Williams undergoes lower back surgery to alleviate pain from a bulging disc. With two of the top four leading scorers from last years Hawks’ roster gone and no back pain issues, why is Marvin Williams’ scoring down? Marvin Williams, through 27 games played, is currently averaging below double figures in scoring [9.6ppg]. In his first year as a starter, Jeff Teague is even averaging 12.5ppg through 30 games played. Prior to this year, we [Hawks' fans] have heard all the excuses of how Jamal [Crawford] was taking shots away from Marvin [Williams] and that he [Marvin Williams] was suffering from back pain. With the aforementioned confluence of events coupled with the fact that a rookie point guard [Teague] took over the helm at the beginning of the season for the Hawks, this year should have been a breakout offensive season [or an offensive explosion] for Marvin Williams. What happened? One would think that with his [Marvin Williams'] seven years of NBA experience and under these circumstances Marvin Williams would be no less than the third leading scorer for the Altanta Hawks this season averaging between 14-15ppg. Is Marvin Williams at age 25 on an unyielding path of decline? For the Hawks’ sake, let’s hope not. If Marvin Williams continues this downward trend in scoring, it will be virtually impossible to move [trade] him, if the Hawks wanted to, based on his current salary structure. Is Marvin Williams’ current scoring slump a blip or a trend? I guess Hawks’ fans will have to wait for the next stretch of games for an answer.
Please do an article on Marvin Williams’ scoring slump.
Please write an article on Marvin Williams
cp
February 17th, 2012
7:04 pm
tyger you’re the same person who said Donald Sloan makes Teague expendable. How is that prediction working out for you.
Rod from College Park
February 17th, 2012
7:18 pm
“If Jamal was a ride at Six Flags, they’d name it “The Run & Shoot Express”
What would the Joe Johnson Ride be called? The 20 million Dollar Mute Express
What about the Marvin Williams Ride? The Disappearing Act, The Stumbler, The Hot Potato
If Jamal Crawford was better than both your all stars in the playoffs, then we must really be in trouble huh?
yodaddybrother
February 17th, 2012
7:23 pm
I’ve been saying that Zaza Pachulia could start effectively in this league you guys still wanted to sign Pzybilla and trade for lousy Chris Kaman….bloggers…smh
Jeff Teague is right on course….as long as Bonehead lets him play through his mistakes he’ll be fine.
Josh Smith is an all star. He’s always been better than Al Horford
Sautee
February 17th, 2012
7:27 pm
Rod, Marvin would be one of those Funhouse mirrors that make you look much smaller than you actually are!
High-sider
February 17th, 2012
7:35 pm
Based on his first two year’s limited and inconsistent playing time, I still consider Jeff Teague to be a rookie point guard. At best, Teague is still a very inexperienced point guard.
Buddy Grizzard
February 17th, 2012
7:40 pm
“He is a roller-coaster, all offense, no conscience, no team ball type of player.” – Vava74
Vava check out what Sam Smith said on NBA.com about why JR Smith was never seriously considered as an option by the Bulls organization:
“He basically was thrown off the Hornets after numerous disputes with Byron Scott. He was suspended in the playoffs by coach George Karl for refusing to run team plays. He was cited with a felony in a fatal car accident. He was suspended by the league for 10 games in a brawl with the Knicks. The NBA suspended him another time in a nightclub brawl. In China, he feuded with team officials and his sister got into a brawl with fans in the stands. With a Bulls team built on chemistry and teamwork I also find it hard to believe the Bulls wouldn’t bring in such a solid citizen and team player.”
This is why I say signing JR Smith is a huge risk for NY. The difference is that Denver was Melo’s team prior to the trade, so JR Smith played on a team that emphasized 1-on-1 play. In New York, Melo has already seen the fans turn on him because of his ball stopping. The Knicks are now Jeremy Lin’s team, point blank, no two ways about it. Melo now has NO CHOICE but to play within D’Antoni’s offense or the Knicks fans will run him out of town on a rail. Same thing with JR Smith. No other situation could have put this much pressure on two 1-on-1 players to play team ball. It’s a completely unique situation and I’m on the edge of my seat to watch how it plays out.
“I’ve been saying that Zaza Pachulia could start effectively in this league you guys still wanted to sign Pzybilla and trade for lousy Chris Kaman” – yodaddybrother
I’ve been saying for some time that, given starters minutes, Zaza is a top 15 center in the NBA. I feel that Zaza’s performance as a starter has confirmed my assertion. However, I never said I wouldn’t like to have Kaman or any other competent big man. My argument with Najeh was over Najeh’s desire to send out Zaza in a trade for Kaman, trading a highly durable but slightly less productive player in Zaza for an unreliable but slightly more productive player in Kama. If NO buys out Kaman’s contract and he decides to sign with the Hawks for the veterans minimum, but all means make Kaman the starter and return Zaza to his reserve role.
Rusty
February 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
LD is determined to screw JT. JT is head & shoulders better driving to the hoop & his outside shooting has been much better than KH’s.he is a much better defender.
Melvin
February 17th, 2012
8:10 pm
The 76ers guy didn’t show up to give us the game updates for Philly last game against the Magic. Will he show up tonight?
Sautee
February 17th, 2012
8:12 pm
Melvin,
As long as they are doing well he’ll come by. If not, well…
Melvin
February 17th, 2012
8:14 pm
Leuer started for the Bucks tonight and played 4:56mins in the fist half. He has more fouls than points…LOL
Sautee
February 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
Melvin, it looks like Leuer started at center against D12. No wonder he got two quick fouls.
Can you say “mismatch”?
D Mann.
February 17th, 2012
8:26 pm
Before Hoford went down we needed a Center because Al was a Scrub, Still is a Scrub and will be a Scrub when he gets back.
On Teague, I have to agree with MC Like Al Hoford there seems to be an emotional attachment that become vehement when you criticize Al or Teague. Its Cult like. The strange is part is either is average at best.
This Blog page is almost cult like with the passion and hatred. Let me be the first to feed you dragons
Teague Suck and is only average and not as good a Hinrich. I hope hinrich gets his starting job back because teague doesnt have the mind to run an offense and only knows how to be a ball hog. When we have those rare moments when he scores consistently its because the clamp and double is on JJ and Josh with no fear that teague can beat you. As for Distributing the pill I can only shake my head at the many many nights where he ends the game with 2 or 3 assist. and 2 of the 3 coming in garbage time. Reminds me of how Al pads that 12 pts 9 rebounds in garbage.
Ok haters get on your job.
D Mann.
February 17th, 2012
8:29 pm
Teague slows the Offensive flow. We often blow leads with teague in. We are still carrying teague. I hope we ship him when we ship Al.
Sautee
February 17th, 2012
8:31 pm
Well, good evening, T-s. Are you here to fess’ up that just maybe you exaggerated when you said that there was a “locker room fight”?
Or should I repost your damning earlier post that proved you DID SAY what you denied saying?
Either way, have a good evening.
MattP
February 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
Lin has 5 Turnovers in 10 minutes, lol.
D Mann.
February 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
What is our infatuation with average “joe” or more accurately “average AL, average Jeff”? why the fascination with the average?
Strange, then you complain about being an average team… and demand that your average players get more time to produce their average results and end an average season… then you complain….
D Mann.
February 17th, 2012
8:35 pm
Tip of the hat Sautee.
Please reproduce the blog post to which you have taken exception, by all means.
D Mann.
February 17th, 2012
8:41 pm
Zaza would be a top 16 center in a league that has 32 teams. I love his fight and hed keep us right in the average team of the year running, but then, so would Al who is also a top 16 center. Middle of the pack guys….middle of the pack.
I would rather keep and play ZAZA than trade for either of the two aforementioned varmints. In fact even when we trade Al and get a real center I hope we keep Zaza who is a great value for the money.
Sautee
February 17th, 2012
8:42 pm
OK, T-s, here you go. I can’t stick around tonight, but have a good one.
From the previous blog:
“Sautee, I see how you twist my statements. I said that MC published that there was drama in the hawk locker room I did not say there was a fight as in someone through and punch and some one countered with a punch.”
Here’s some of your own words. Tell me how I twisted saying that you spoke of a locker room fight?
System Update
February 1st, 2012
7:26 pm
“With Al going down, cohesion and focus increased”,
“I couldn’t agree more. All the constant bickering about wanting to play another position, the refusal to assert in the post, the locker room fights, Tito getting involved, the leaks in the press, boy, it wasn’t about winning or playing as a team. ”
So you didn’t mention “locker room fights”, eh?
Actually, as you can see, T-s, you DID mention “locker room fights”.
Just so we’re clear.
ag
February 17th, 2012
8:45 pm
Sometimes I think people just blog and don’t watch the games. The Truth is all off. i must admit jt appears to be driving less – I can partially understand after he almost broke his wrist in a terrible fall that was called an offensive foul on the Hawks.
But, did he watch JT being aggressive the 1st quarter in the Suns game – only to be subbed out with Marvin – despite leading the team in scoring?
LT
February 17th, 2012
8:46 pm
“I am sick of seeing a discussion of a guard from Portland.” -Dawg-”
Exactly!
Sautee
February 17th, 2012
8:49 pm
And before I go, are you saying you NOW value Zaza, who you previously denigrated as “not being able to even jump”, and “the only reason he’s a good offensive rebounder is because he’s too lazy to get back on defense”? That same Zaza? ROFL, how times have changed. Congrats, T-s.
C ya
D Mann.
February 17th, 2012
8:53 pm
Thats true Sautee, Al is a trouble maker,,,(Akon, convict music) I did use the word fight but you cant show me that I said there were fist fights. Michael Cunningham said there was struggles in the locker room and so yea, they were arguing/fighting but whether Al got beat down or not I dont know. You dont know either so lets just say there were fights, and you can decide whether they were verbal, Al got jumped by the other players, or Josh beat Al down. nobody knows
But there was some type of alter cation…. which could have been physical or verbal…
You nor me know for sure. Are you ready to admit that?
Grandad
February 17th, 2012
8:53 pm
LD has not put a leash onTeague.
If anything; Teague puts a leash on himself.
Type B personality, naturally meek and unassuming.
He will grow with maturity and experience;
but his personality will remain the same.
He is what he is.
D Mann.
February 17th, 2012
8:54 pm
not being able to even jump”, and “the only reason he’s a good offensive rebounder is because he’s too lazy to get back on defense”?
No doubt that was Al I referred too. Ive All ways been an Zaza fan.
Rusty
February 17th, 2012
9:07 pm
Is DMann in the nuthouse? Has he even seen one game. Look how LD screwed JT the last game.
Rusty
February 17th, 2012
9:09 pm
LD needs to be in the nuthouse with D Mann.
Rusty
February 17th, 2012
9:10 pm
And what the hell are you grandad?
Ra'mon
February 17th, 2012
9:25 pm
Is Ivan in LDs doghouse?
Rusty
February 17th, 2012
9:30 pm
I am surprised that JT has any confidence at all in his game the way woody & now Ld who is always playing games with him have treated him. No one would treat there their dog that badly. Was LD a great guard in his day, I doubt it,JT would run cycles around him.
MattP
February 17th, 2012
9:37 pm
“Was LD a great guard in his day, I doubt it,JT would run cycles around him.” – Rusty
That gave me a good laugh, that is probably why Drew hates him.
Buddy Grizzard
February 17th, 2012
9:48 pm
Fesenko update
The Bucks are trying to set up a meeting with unrestricted free agent center Kyrylo Fesenko next week, possibly in Denver, where he has been living.
Fesenko, who played the last four seasons as backup for the Utah Jazz, tore the meniscus in his left knee while playing for the Ukraine in the Eurobasket Tournament in September.
“He’s fine now; he’s ready to go,” said Stu Lash, Fesenko’s agent.
Besides the Bucks, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta are among some of the other teams showing interest in Fesenko.
http://www.journaltimes.com/sports/bucks-beat-jackson-skiles-are-all-business/article_f4847864-5918-11e1-bf4b-001871e3ce6c.html
The Great Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 17th, 2012
10:01 pm
Can we please offer Marvin for Stephen Jackson? Beg him to come back here
D Mann
February 17th, 2012
10:03 pm
I hope teague doesnt try that trick ball hogging trash where he shuts down the team offense and ends the game with 2 or 3 assist. Who ever heard of your point guard and offensive quarterback playing a game with 2 assist? Josh had to work 3 times as hard to carry ball hoggin teague. Nash had 17 assist against teague. and runs his team offense to perfection. IF we had a really guard like a Chris Paul we wouldnt be working the hell out of Josh.
The Great Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 17th, 2012
10:03 pm
JON LEUER PLAYED 7 MINUTES TONIGHT. SUPERSTAR
Ra'mon
February 17th, 2012
10:12 pm
I wonder what it would take Atlanta to get Jason Kidd. Really believe him and Odom would help the Hawks a lot.
MattP
February 17th, 2012
10:18 pm
“Who ever heard of your point guard and offensive quarterback playing a game with 2 assist?” – D Mann
And you are defending Hinrich because of this? Hinrich averaged 3.3 APG with the Hawks last season and 2.8 this season. Teague averages 4.7 APG this season. You are right Hinrich is so much better based on what you said… Smith and Green were carrying Hinrich on the Suns game. Wait, what happened to Hinrich love? You now have to compare Teague to Paul because you know Hinrich is no better than Teague.
If only Heat, Lakers, Magic, and most NBA teams had a PG like Chris Paul. You are one funny troll.
Rusty
February 17th, 2012
10:46 pm
MattP don’t waste your time on a nut bag who propbably just escape the funny farm.
ag
February 17th, 2012
10:53 pm
Many Hawks so called fans never address the real problems of this team. Josh has had his fair share of critics – now Jeff? JT could avg over 20ppg in this league, but he plays to the strenghts of this team. I will count the pick and rolls tomorrow – but aside of the few with ZaZa, nobody on the Hawks is rolling… if they did, his drives will be more effective than a couple of those circus shots.
ag
February 17th, 2012
10:53 pm
Knicks lose to Hornets!!! Lin 9 TO’s!