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
O'Brien
February 17th, 2012
10:56 pm
KevinM,
My opinion on this is that Kaman = Horford, if not better..
I would much rather have Al. When is the last time you saw Kaman play? He is not the same player he was when he made the AS team.
I would love to do a Hinrich for Kaman trade, but I doubt the Hornets want Kirk.
O'Brien
February 17th, 2012
10:58 pm
High-sider,
I can’t wait for the Lin-bubble to burst. I’m sick of all the publicity this guy is receiving. He [Lin] is Tim Tebow all over again..
How is he Tim tebow?
Tebow: Heismann trophy winner, 2 time national champion, played in the best football conference in the country, and is one of the best college football players ever (debatable), and was drafted in the first round. Fans were also cheering for Tebow despite the fact that he was the 3rd string QB. And although tebow was winning for Denver, his numbers were terrible.
Lin: Played for Harvard in the Ivy League, went undrafted, and cut by 2 different teams. And not only is his team winning, his numbers are good.
How is he like Tebow?
MattP
February 17th, 2012
11:02 pm
ag,
I was laughing at all of Lin’s turnovers. The funny part is all of them were in the first half, I thought he was going to have 15+ turnovers at the end of the game. lol
But I do agree with you, the Hawks need to run pick and rolls, it seems like Drew does not even have offense plays and expects his PG to just throw the ball to someone open. The only time Zaza does a pick and roll is when McGrady calls him for one. Wonder if Drew even paid attention to the Sun’s offense, they ran for screens all the time.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 17th, 2012
11:13 pm
Anyone seen Pekovic’s numbers lately?!
#FantasyTeam
TMACfan
February 17th, 2012
11:24 pm
So, I was at the dining hall eating some food and the TV was on. Some idiot from ESPN said “is it time to replace Derick Rose with Jeremy Lin?”
I just about threw up.
MattP
February 17th, 2012
11:25 pm
Yea I guess you are right Rusty. Every time I try to get a glimpse of teague’s nuts while he’s running up and down on the court Drew takes him out of the game. That pisses me off. I just want to see his nuts one time. Like you said his nut bag. Are you gay too, Rusty? I am. I dont mind telling you. Lets get together some times.
MattP – Heart – Rusty.
TMACfan
February 17th, 2012
11:27 pm
Did anyone just catch Marcin Gortat right now? That’s how you’re supposed to take it to the rim.
MattP
February 17th, 2012
11:29 pm
Funny, troll has to hide on my name after I proved him wrong.
Wish this blog had user names with passwords.
soullrenaissance
February 17th, 2012
11:31 pm
I see a trend and it involves JT declining playing time no matter his productivity. As evidence in the last Suns game, Teague was in beast mode offensively in the 1st quarter only to be yanked out early for Hinrich. Lin turns the ball over abundantly but is allowed to play through his mistakes. Teague should get the Lin treatment and allowed to truly build of the breakout series last year. However, LD seems to hold some kind of contempt for JT…I like Hinrich and alot of what he brings to the table and JT can learn some vet tricks of the trade from Kirk but I am totally against them being a platoon or a two-headed hydra. The reins of the team should be JT’s to lose.
MattP
February 17th, 2012
11:33 pm
I hope Rusty cums back on the site tonight.
cdog
February 17th, 2012
11:43 pm
his problem is not playing smart on both ends of the court. he puts the ball in wrong people hands, he makes dumb fouls and passes, plus he doesn’t make the players better with him on the floor.the point has to be an extension of the coach. teague is always out of control, how can he control the game when he can’t control himself? jannero pargo is the closest thing to a point on the team.
MattP
February 17th, 2012
11:49 pm
I do not see Kirk Hinrich on that list… therefore Teague is the best option we have at running point right now.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 17th, 2012
11:53 pm
“The way we won these last five games was very impressive,” James said. “We went on the road and won by double digits in each of those games and in some hostile environments. It was definitely a big road trip for us, six games in 10 days. We took care of business.”
I doubt LeFraud was referring to ATL as hostile.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 17th, 2012
11:53 pm
Start Kirk vs Knicks on Wednesday
ag
February 17th, 2012
11:54 pm
soullrenaissance .. you hit the nail in the coffin! JT has to play at least 40 minutes. I watched the Suns run the pick and roll over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over x 10…. with a lot of success. i only see JT run pick and pops with JJ. I cringe when ZaZa tries because 50% he will pick up offensive foul, the other 45% he fumbles it away or misses a wide open layup.
UNLEASH JEFF TEAGUE!!!
I hope LT play JT over 40 minutes against the Knicks!
Rusty
February 18th, 2012
12:13 am
MattP was talking about DMann, your not really a homo.
MattP
February 18th, 2012
12:16 am
May mistake. I guess I did not notice those stats were after 48 minutes. I know now you guys are thinking that just because MattP is a homo, he cant see that teague is very low on the list for assist. You are probably thinking MattP looks funny with that penis in his ear. It aint my penis it belongs to Rusty.
Well, whatever.
Rusty
February 18th, 2012
12:16 am
JeJe ranting again ,your really not a grandmaster,FREE TEAGUE LD
MattP
February 18th, 2012
12:17 am
*My mistake
Rusty
February 18th, 2012
12:19 am
MattP yeah whatever
Gandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 18th, 2012
12:21 am
Rusty,
Learn proper grammar.
I am a legend.
The Great Grandmaster JeJe
February 18th, 2012
12:21 am
Rusty,
Learn proper grammar.
I am a legend..
tjhook
February 18th, 2012
12:23 am
Let’s bring Stephen Jackson back to Atlanta. Marvin Williams to the Milwaukee Bucks. Let’s DO That!!
MattP
February 18th, 2012
12:24 am
I know Rusty honey.
The Great Grandmaster JeJe
February 18th, 2012
12:28 am
Duck for ANYTHING
soullrenaissance
February 18th, 2012
1:13 am
word ag.
Buddy Grizzard
February 18th, 2012
1:31 am
Buddy Grizzard
February 16th, 2012
5:25 am
There will definitely be regression to the mean… Lin is not an elite shooter, passer or ball handler.
TMACfan
February 18th, 2012
1:32 am
tjhook, I haven’t really watched Steven Jackson play but does he play defense?
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2012
1:35 am
” you hit the nail in the coffin!”
Or maybe even the dagger in the coffin.
Grandad
February 18th, 2012
1:59 am
Najeh
If one hit the nail in the coffin;
would that be the death nail ?
Or the last knell in in the coffee?
Grandad
February 18th, 2012
2:01 am
Irreguardless;
‘`It’s like a chicken with a bad haircut`’
Grandad
February 18th, 2012
2:09 am
Farmers laugh at city folk who say:
‘`one more road to hoe`’
It’s – ‘`one more row to hoe`’
Whoever rode a ho ?
Grandad
February 18th, 2012
2:09 am
whoops
tyger
February 18th, 2012
2:15 am
Teague’s next step should be toward the bench…
List only shows how many better PGs there are…
How about ranking them from best to worst???
Real question is what is next step for Hawks?
Easiest way to get better is at PG…
If we could just “shoot” at that position, we’d be ok…
When did it b/c so hard to find a PG that could shoot?
Thought that was a requirement of the position?
Arenas can shoot it, but legs questionable…
Trade options: Hawks / New Orleans
Hinrich $8M Okafor $12M
Williams $7M Jack $5M
Teague $2M
Hornets clear $8M in space, get young PG, F
Hawks get true Center…
Trade Option 2: Hawks/Bucks
Hinrich $8M Jackson $9M
Williams $7.5M Jennings $2.5M
Teague $1.6M Delfino $3.5M
1st rd pick Sanders $1.8
Two smal/mid-size mkt teams that can help each other…
Jennings wont re-sign with Bucks….
Hawks need more dynamic young PG…
Bucks need Hinrich cap relief…
Marvin needs change of scenery…
Jackson/Delfino needs change of scenery…
Teague notch below, but gets the reigns…
Jackson is a pain, but can play…
Jennings incomplete, but has the package…
Bucks get solid pieces and cap space…
Williams, Teague, Illyasova, Bogan, Gooden, MBoute, Luer not bad…
EmirS.
February 18th, 2012
2:23 am
Agreed.
Teague just needs to learn how to finish. Like in the Chicago series last year. The dude is VERY quick. Once he becomes more consistent at finishing, more defenders will leave their man to challenge him. Once that happens…I believe his next step would be to improve his inside-the-paint passing game.
You guys remember all the Rondo comparisons? Well….we we’re right on. I believe he can become almost as good as Rondo. He has somewhat of a shot, unlike Rondo whose shot is non existent. But like Rondo…..Teague is quick and get to the hole in so many different ways. Just needs to finish at the rim better and more consistent as well as develop better court vision and limit turnovers.
I also feel a confidence issue is a looming factor with Teague. i think after this season that might issue might diminish.
High-sider
February 18th, 2012
2:39 am
@O’Brien
“How is he Tim tebow?
Tebow: Heismann trophy winner, 2 time national champion, played in the best football conference in the country, and is one of the best college football players ever (debatable), and was drafted in the first round. Fans were also cheering for Tebow despite the fact that he was the 3rd string QB. And although tebow was winning for Denver, his numbers were terrible.
Lin: Played for Harvard in the Ivy League, went undrafted, and cut by 2 different teams. And not only is his team winning, his numbers are good.
How is he like Tebow?” – O’Brien
Both players have been over-hyped way too early at the pro[fessional] level to the point that they have become novelty acts with cult followings. Lin and Tebow share the commonality of being portrayed as enigmas and unconventional success stories. Lin and Tebow have their fair share of flaws and shortcomings. Lin is showing signs of being a poor defender and turnover machine during his recent NBA run at the point guard position while Tebow as an NFL quarterback has completed less 50% of his passes, demonstrated poor throwing mechanics and struggled to read [defensive pass] coverages. Even though both players should, and have yet to, exemplify expertise in the most basic areas and facets of their respective positions, such as ball-handling for Lin and passing for Tebow, much of the mass media has glommed onto the “Lin-sanity” and “Tebow-mania” phenomenon.
Buddy Grizzard
February 18th, 2012
3:08 am
Nice post High-sider… I just listened to John Hollinger on True Hoop TV talking about how much it would improve the Lakers if they had an average point guard… like Jeremy Lin. As you can see… Bibby and Toney Douglas are so bad that even an average point guard improved the Knicks dramatically… same situation in L.A. with Derek Fisher looking positively Bibby-esque.
High-sider
February 18th, 2012
4:27 am
Thanks for the compliment, B-Grizz [Buddy Grizzard]. You’re not to bad yourself when it comes to commentary and analysis.
E43
February 18th, 2012
5:54 am
The only person that can make Jeff Teague better is he himself. He just like Marvin need to learn how to take it upon himself to assert himself in the offense. People need to stop pointing fingers around him claiming he isn’t the real deal because of XYZ not named Teague. These stats say nothing new. LD has always asked of him to be aggressive. Its Teague’s own fault if he defaults to his teammates. He is the #1 ball-handler on this team and would take the fall as the #1 ball-handler if he’s not making things happen.
E43
February 18th, 2012
5:59 am
The was no such thing a Iso-Joe in phoenix. Iso-Joe came because there were a bunch of guys lacking the attacking mentality. I’m sure a guy like Beasley wouldn’t be scrutinized as much as Marvin if he were a Hawk.
vava74
February 18th, 2012
6:10 am
Rod,
Jamal outplayed JJ in last year’s playoffs?
Joe Johnson G 12 GS 12 Mpg 41.4 FG% 0.439 3P% 0.429 FT% 0.810 Oreb1.50 Dreb 3.10 Treb 4.60 Apg 3.3 Spg1.08 Blk0.08 TOs 2.58 Fls 1.58 PPG 18.8
Jamal Crawford G 12 GS 0 Mpg 29.8 FG% 0.394 3P% 0.350 FT%0.824 Oreb 0.10 Dreb 1.30 Treb 1.30 Apg 2.5 Spg 0.75 Blk0.33 TOs 1.33 Fls 1.42 PPG 15.4
I grant you that his “points per minute” were higher, but he was stinking so bad in the CHI series after game 1 that his minutes and his production went down to zero.
Don’t give me the crap that CHI’s D focused on him to explain how he failed to break into double figures in 3 games after game 1 (also failed to do it in 1 game of the ORL series).
You don’t seem to give JJ any breaks when he struggles against defenses focused on him.
Even after a very good series against ORL (actually 5 good games out of 6 and a total of 6 good games out of 12) Jamal managed to finish the playoffs below .400 from the floor.
High-sider
February 18th, 2012
6:24 am
^Should have been “…Lin is showing signs of being a poor defender and turnover machine during his recent NBA run at the point guard position while Tebow as an NFL quarterback has completed less [than] 50% of his passes, demonstrated poor throwing mechanics and struggled to read [defensive pass] coverages…”
Buddy Grizzard
February 18th, 2012
8:02 am
http://www.blazersedge.com/2012/2/17/2807001/game-32-preview-atlanta-hawks-vs-portland-trail-blazers
From the preview:
“We know we’ll see Gerald Wallace bumping up against Marvin Williams, a TITANIC PHYSICAL BATTLE…”
LMFAO
Dawg
February 18th, 2012
8:21 am
I wonder how the Hawks are going to screw up the draft this year. Perhaps they will trade down to get a project in the 2nd round. Then they can trade that pick for a trade exception that they will never use.
That is a great plan!
Just Joe
February 18th, 2012
9:09 am
I’m very happy with where Teague is at this point in the season (and his career). The guy has started 40 games in his career after limited time on college where he also played off the ball some. Improved court vision will come with playing time. Limit the turnovers (averaging exactly 1 per game in Feb). Keep working on your shots (arsenal of floater, mig-range jumper & 3-ball). Stay aggressive on defense. Stay healthy.
The “stay healthy” part is why I am not concerned with the drop in Teague’s minutes since Kirk returned. 30 minutes a game is ideal. We’re just 30 games in to the season.
I don’t see Rondo in Teague. I see Tony Parker with a 3-pt shot. The difference is when Tony was 23, he already had 300 starts in the league. He was a better finisher & drew fouls at twice the rate of Teague.
15+ pts. 3+ rebs. 5+ assists. 1+ steal. That’s where Teague should be by playoff time.
Because of the 3-ball, (IMO) his potential is 20+ pts per game once he starts drawing fouls & finishing drives. However, I don’t think there is much potential for the other categories to improve. I don’t think Teague will ever be an 8-10 assist guy. Ideally, he would play with guys that do not have to be “set-up” to score (Parker had Duncan & Ginobli).
The Great Grandmaster JeJe
February 18th, 2012
9:17 am
Steve Nash has had a degenerative back since his third year in the league and is still a star with 2 MVPs.
Marvin Williams…..l
Samuel
February 18th, 2012
9:23 am
Jeff Teague will find a way to get better as he gets more experience. Being that said, the Hawks don’t have a product on the court, that can win a championship. Let’s take this a step forward, Atlanta is a horrible sports town. The Braves, Falcons and Hawks don’t seem like their in a position to win a Championship no time soon. I wish I could be proven wrong, but reality is, most fans don’t think so either.
Melvin
February 18th, 2012
9:27 am
I say we trade Marvin for Stephen Jackson. It would at least get rid of Marvin and Jackson contract is one year shorter than Marvin’s. Jackson and Josh would be free agents in 2013 along with Hinrich contract coming off the books at the end of this season. Hawks could have some salary cap flexibility in 2yrs….
steven A.
February 18th, 2012
9:28 am
Hawks scouting “system” is terrible. When the Hawks drafted Josh Childress, they passed over Al Jefferson. What a wasted pick. However, the same draft, they did draft Josh Smith.
justahawkfan
February 18th, 2012
9:38 am
Hawks scouting “system” is terrible. When the Hawks drafted Josh Childress, they passed over Al Jefferson. What a wasted pick. However, the same draft, they did draft Josh Smith.
So Steven A. what are you saying? Are intentionally being vague or you just don’t realize you being contradictory.