Hawks may have finally found their point guard: Jeff Teague
Jeff Teague has been solid as the Hawks' emergency starter at point guard this series since replacing the injured Kirk Hinrich.
After an inspiring win over Chicago on Sunday night, the Hawks are all even in their second-round playoff series against the top-seeded Bulls going into Game 5 in Chicago. But regardless of how the rest of this series plays out, there’s one important positive that is being overshadowed when it comes their future: They may have found a legitimate starting point guard in Jeff Teague.
Teague couldn’t get off the bench for Mike Woodson. He couldn’t get off the bench for Larry Drew either, which prompted the Hawks to deal for Kirk Hinrich when they sent away Mike Bibby. When Hinrich was injured at the end of the Orlando series and scratched for the second round, few expected Teague would be a competent replacement.
But through four games in this series, Teague probably has been the Hawks’ best and most consistent player. He has used his speed and is gaining more confidence in running the offense and guarding the NBA’s MVP, Derrick Rose.
“I have to give Jeff Teague a lot of credit,” Joe Johnson said after Sunday’s 100-88 win. “He has really stepped up and played big in this series. He had a few big defensive plays where he got steals and came down the court and he maybe could’ve taken the shot. But he pulled out and ran the offense. That’s big for a second-year guard. He’s been unbelievable.”
Hinrich, who could be available for the Eastern Conference finals if the Hawks go on to upset the Bulls, said his replacement is “playing great. He’s taken advantage of his opportunity. He’s been solid, good defender.”
Surprised?
“As long as he would just go out and play and not worry about the scenario or anything like that, I thought he would be just fine,” he said. “Obviously he has the ability and he’s fast and he can finish at the rim.”
After all of the franchise’s miscalculations at point guard, it could be that the search is finally over.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Earlier: Hawks, Josh Smith bounce back in major way over Bulls
Earlier: LIVE BLOG: Collins starts but will Hawks show up?
Earlier: Hawks’ constant Sybil act reaffirms changes are needed
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169 comments Add your comment
AceDawg
May 9th, 2011
2:03 pm
Teague, even in limited glimpses, seemed to have a good knack for passing and ball movement. I imagine that on top of his coaches not giving him a chance, the Atlanta veteran culture of isolation, individualized play of Joe Johnson and J Crawford did not play well to Teague’s comfort level. He seemed to decide that he only had this moment to prove his worth, and I think he has shown the heart and skill to be a legit NBA starter. Now that he’s getting a chance, I think the Hawks players are buying into his ball movement too. As for his defense, Rose has still make him look bad a good bit, but that is probably true for all point guards, and especially considering Teague hasn’t played enough against a guy like that to be fully ready in the heat of the playoffs. I’m a big fan – Go Teague!
decriz
May 9th, 2011
2:05 pm
Teague has to continue taking it strong to the basket or making strong moves or being in constant motion. It’s the perfect remedy against ISO-JOE and stagnant passive basketball we’ve all come to hate.
J W
May 9th, 2011
2:10 pm
Well, some writers and fans may think so; and management does, as far as the contract and payouts are concerned, but unless and until the Coach and fellow players adopt this way ot thinking, this will not be a team that achieves total potential.
FACTS
May 9th, 2011
2:11 pm
@ Acedawg
Actually these guys are very familiar with each they both played each other quite a bit in AAU games they are from the same area ( Teague from Indiana & Rose from Illinois). As for making Teague look bad on a few plays, I think Rose has done that to just about every PG in the league this year! Teague won’t back down from Rose at all…he has seen this opponent many times before.
FACTS
May 9th, 2011
2:16 pm
Hey Hawks fans after just having watched the NFL Draft & hearing experts label past picks as ” A Bust” would it be fair to label Marvin Williams one…..considering were he was picked in the NBA Draft that year? I’m just saying……hmmm
Kelvin
May 9th, 2011
2:28 pm
We traded two first round draft picks for a point guard we already had. Mike Bibby was killing us because he couldn’t play defense and couldn’t distribute. He was basically a spot up shooter playing the point position and Jeff Teague couldn’t get on the court in front of this guy. What the hell are these coaches looking at? Keep up the good work Teague; you are succeeding in spite of not because of the coaching staff.
Basketball Jones
May 9th, 2011
2:37 pm
Keep Jeff Teague Free!!!!!
I CARE
May 9th, 2011
2:40 pm
Marvin Williams finishes plays w/ 0% expertise and 100% hope & prayer !
joey1
May 9th, 2011
2:43 pm
hawks played with such energy and heart last night. if they play like that josh driving to the whole the hawks can be a elite team, but the need to be more consistent.. hawks like i said in 6 ..hawks against boston east con . finals what a rematch that will be….
CONVEY
May 9th, 2011
2:49 pm
Teague is playing great. As he gets more playing time and confidence he will be even greater. ATL is a stronger team with more scoring threats. Josh is a late bloomer but better late than never.
Of course there are a lot of high expectations but team chemistry makes the difference with playoff teams. I believe that he can become an All Star and pick up a lot of triple doubles if he stops focusing on averaging twenty points a game. His points will come if he hustles and stays combative around the rim. (Reference my Josh Smith/Mark Bradley blog comments) Imagine what this same team would have been like if the Hawks had never gotten rid of Jason Terry (Who they got nothing in return for) As we witnessed him lead the Mavericks (9 three pointers) in Sweeping the LA Fakers. You have to really wonder what were they thinking because he is still a great role player that carried Atlanta when they had literally no talent. Potato Couches and Monday Morning Douche Bags, quit showing your ignorance. Championship teams are not built by taking away key players from the talent pool The key is to add more talent without giving your stars away. If you want to get rid of someone, fire who ever keeps sleeping on the top free agents and who drafted Marvin when they could have gotten Chris Paul, or who drafted Sheldon Wlliams, A.C, Law and Salim Stoudimire.
Let us hope that Teague will be different and help us forget.
dawggone
May 9th, 2011
2:50 pm
Is Marvin Williams still in the league and if so what team does he play for.
steve
May 9th, 2011
3:08 pm
We NEED to keep Jamal next year. How many times this year and even in the playoffs has the offense fallen apart and Jamal has kept us in the game till everyone else decided to start hitting shots again. That said, he wants more money and we know our fabulous ownership group won’t give it to him. (What a shame, imagine if we could keep this group for a whole year with both Kirk AND our newfound point guard Teague. We might even challenge for a title.) But the reality is that isn’t going to happen. What this playoff has shown me is that (I know if kills me to say this about the second pick in the whole damn draft, ahead of both Chris Paul and Deron Williams) Marvin Williams is a BUST! He is little more than a backup small forward and not even a very good one at that. Somebody like that we can pick up for peanuts in the off season as a free agent. He hasn’t done crap all playoffs and really, have we missed him? NO!. So, next year we have 2 great shooting guards, Joe and Jamal (and Joe can even slide over to small forward against some teams) and 2 good to great point guards (Kirk and Teague). We just give Marvin away for nothing to anybody willing to take on his $6 million or so salary (what a joke) and use that money to help sign Jamal. We use Joe and JSmoove at small forward. We sign a cheap free agent backup small forward who can play good defense (we don’t need any defense from him). Now maybe we can challenge for a title.
steve
May 9th, 2011
3:10 pm
Sorry, meant we don’t need any OFFENSE from a backup small forward
Jay Dubu
May 9th, 2011
3:14 pm
If JT and JC2 develope to potential, it bodes well for the Hawks’ scouting and drafting of players, which means that this team will have room to grow.
Provided there’s no lockout next season, the Hawks will move a couple of players (marvin Williams and maybe Crawford). If they do a good job replacing them, this team maybe on it’s way.
Joe11
May 9th, 2011
3:29 pm
Trade Josh and Marvin for Bynum!!
joey1
May 9th, 2011
3:35 pm
hawks played with such energy and heart last night. if they play like that josh driving to the whole the hawks can be a elite team, but the need to be more consistent.. hawks like i said in 6 ..hawks against boston east con . finals what a rematch that will be….
CONVEY
May 9th, 2011
3:48 pm
Are we watching the same team and the same games? Crawford makes big shot after big shot when it is really needed and a lot of you are still wanting to get rid of him. For who? Crawford is the Hawks best three point shooter. A consistent scorer off the bench. Need I remind you (Last years NBA 6 man of the year) Guys please,…What ever that is, you need to blow it out. Enough of the insanity. Pay him and keep him in a Hawks jersey or he will be the 6 man of the year again for some other team just like Jason Terry.
Seriously
May 9th, 2011
3:59 pm
Bynum is a punk. Even Bill Laimbeer, Rick Mahorn and Dennis Rodman would have been embarrassed by that cheap shot he pulled last night.
bigeasy830
May 9th, 2011
4:01 pm
Trade Mavin and Josh for D. Howard.
bigeasy830
May 9th, 2011
4:02 pm
Trade Mavin for a sack of beans.
bigeasy830
May 9th, 2011
4:02 pm
I meant Marvin
tyger
May 9th, 2011
4:13 pm
tyger
May 2nd, 2011
3:19 pm
Hawks in 7, here’s why?
1. LD will devise a D to neutralize Rose. I suggest a zone blitz.
2. Hawks mentally/physically/spiritually tougher after Magic series.
3. Individual matchups are pretty even overall.
4. JJ’s playing better, his domination of Korver/Brewer is key.
5. Teague contributes after watching Rocky I, II, III, IV.
6. Damian ain’t scared to throw ‘dem bows.
7. Smoove/Deng is a good matchup, younger legs prevail in 7.
8. Horford has Noah’s number.
9. Big lineup will neutralize Noah, Thomas, Boozer.
10. Watson scares me.
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rk
May 9th, 2011
4:21 pm
I agree that JT has done well given a chance, but he is still not the solution to the Hawks at PG. He is just another guard like JJ and JC who is good at getting his own shot. Just like those guys he does not create for others. Think how good JS and AH would be if we had Chris Paul, D. Williams or Ray Felton point guards we could have had instead of Marvin.
JSS
May 9th, 2011
4:33 pm
@ Davenpoop…
Regarding Teague, you’ve been one of his most ardent sponsors on the real Hawks blogs. I like the kid; ask Jeff Schultz about my “Wizard of Oz” photo shop one day… Still, we’ve got to get him to play some D and really set-up the offense instead of flip flopping with Joe (who handles and starts it more) in the half court… Just a thought on my part…
Zing
May 9th, 2011
4:36 pm
Hey Steve @3:08– You KNOW that as soon as we trade Marvin away, he’s going to have some kind of crazy breakthrough season, don’t you? That’s the rule around here…
And maybe my feelings will change over the summer, but what I saw out of Bynum is a player with issues. No thank you.
Zing
May 9th, 2011
4:40 pm
Regardless of whether the Hawks beat the Bulls–and I really hope they do, of course–what this series has shown me is that the Bulls are not the juggernaut that they were made out to be. At this point, I don’t see them touching the Heat (or the Celtics). The Hawks, on the other hand, could compete with both those teams.
clancy
May 9th, 2011
4:45 pm
Whoever suggested JT is doing this while guarded by D Rose, as if that says anything, hasn’t paid much attention to how the MVP plays defense!
JT is playing really well. I think it does get overstated, but I guess that’s understandable considering how long people have waited to see him get his chance. I personally would put him at solid and showing he can be a definite rotation player at worst going forward. The way the defense operates, I think he probably fits OK as PG – this system wouldn’t make great use of a traditional set-up point. Under the circumstances, he’s played better than the org had a right to expect – but objectively it’s still not more than solid (overall). He’s had some great moments.
Kirk does seem to be “cursed” with an awful lot of mentoring – but I think he wants to coach post-career, so it probably doesn’t hurt in the long run. I think he’d be a great coach.
SwagKing
May 9th, 2011
4:56 pm
I’ve been saying start J.T since last year (the last game vs Cleveland). He is a very good player and I am glad that he is finally getting his chance. We should have kept Jordan Crawford though
mike
May 9th, 2011
5:03 pm
“After all of the franchise’s miscalculations at point guard, it could be that the search is finally over.”
WOW way to soon to be making that statement Jeff lets what till he at least gets to start 20 games before we say forget about CP3
point-to-the-future !!
May 9th, 2011
5:24 pm
D-Rose ? Who cares ?!?!?!? We’ve got Jeff Teague…..wow, talk about steppin up….go get em young man, you have been an outstanding. Um, can you say “long term deal” ???? Hawks owners, get out your check book !!!!!!!!!! This boy is a baller, he is a gamer.
PD
May 9th, 2011
5:26 pm
They should have showed some balls and played the kid like they said they would at the beginning of the season. That way they could have kept Jordan Crawford and the 2011 1st Round Pick. Everything truly happens for a reason
L.A. Mont
May 9th, 2011
5:39 pm
Offseason trade possibility: Lakers need to get young and athletic. Hawks need a center. Both players “maybe” could use a fresh start after playing inconsistent in playoffs. Trade Josh Smith to the Lakers for Pao Gasol. I don’t know salaries how it would work if you had to “throw in” someone, but it make sense to me.
Reggie
May 9th, 2011
5:55 pm
Ok since we all throwing out crazy trade ideals the only one i kinda like is the Chris Kaman one…somehow we gotta get Venus Williams outta here…yea i said Venus because Marvin means he’s a man on the court and we all know that’s not true. Ok Marvin and ZaZa for Chris Kaman. Lets hope the Clippers have zero tape on Venus.
YourPoliticalAnimal
May 9th, 2011
6:06 pm
Shows us how blind leadership can be . . . this young man can rock and roll, and they’d better not bench him if and when Hinrich returns . . . Joe Johnson would do well to follow his example . . . and give him a share of his paycheck . . . which he clearly doesn’t deserve . . .
DHD
May 9th, 2011
6:37 pm
Good grief…he would have been the point this year if the coach had a clue. Somebody asked the other day…what is Josh Smith doing? The REAL question is what is the coach doing. When Josh shoots a couple of those stupid shots, sit his rear down. think about what a REAL coach would have done. This is the owners’ fault for not hiring a real coach.
BigDawg
May 9th, 2011
7:05 pm
Correction, Evander made hundreds of millions! Sad what a lack of education gets you. Ask Tyson, Vick, Hammer, Dorsett, O.J. and others who declared bankruptcy. I can’t imagine how one can spend millions of dollars and declare bankruptcy. Most people don’t make a million dollars in their lifetime!
Big Ray
May 9th, 2011
7:10 pm
Didn’t think so to begin with, but the fact is that Hinrich’s injury has been a boon to the Hawks.
Teague has emerged, and done so in fine fashion. You can “sample size” all you want, but playing well in the 2nd round of the playoffs in EACH GAME of the series is something a lot of veterans can’t lay claim to.
Teague is here. When’s the last time we had a point guard that can not only outrun everybody but the League’s MVP, but will also dunk the ball every chance he gets?
Oh, and how about that 3-to-1 turnover ratio…in the playoffs…against the League MVP?
Yeah. He’s a baller. No question. Teague haters are probably STILL in the closet right about now. Afraid to come out and get dunked on.
marvin williams
May 9th, 2011
7:12 pm
Its hard to play with a butt this big. Gee guys, have you all seen how I walk?
bo
May 9th, 2011
7:24 pm
This team scares me but I think we win the series
tremaine
May 9th, 2011
7:34 pm
“When Hinrich was injured at the end of the Orlando series and scratched for the second round, few expected Teague would be a competent replacement.”
Plenty of guys on this blog knew Teague was ready, thats why we been calling for him to start all season. BUT IT’S NICE TO SEE YOU FINALLY ON THE TEAGUE TRAIN!
bigcalidawg
May 9th, 2011
7:50 pm
He’s doin’ it at the highest level, facing the “current” MVP, (Which I agree is the MVP).
He’s stepped his game up. I have been worried, especially after Ed Gray………
YourPoliticalAnimal
May 9th, 2011
8:54 pm
Now watch the Hawks trade him for some no-name journeyman . . . and watch Teague end up on an NBA championship team . . . it’s just like the Hawks to screw the pooch . . .
Not Really
May 9th, 2011
9:08 pm
Teague is not intelligent enough to lead a team’s offense which is what a true point does. Teague is able to score because he is a no effect player. Chicago’s defensive resources are applied to JJ, JC and JSmoove. Teague and Horford cant beat you so they are not commanding any special scheming. I dont want to dismiss the Fact, that teague is fast(hes the youngest)quick,(hes the youngest) and error prone(hes the youngest.) Being quick and fast does not a point guard make. That is like having the right physical qualifications to Join the marines. It does not make you a marine. Whats in your heart head and soul does.
I cant account for Teagues soul or heart, but I can see that hes not the brightest bulb in the room. and doesnt appear to have what it takes to distribute the ball and run an offense.
Teague aint it.
Silver Surfer
May 9th, 2011
9:11 pm
Two quick points:
Point 1: I’m very pleased with the job Coach Drew has done as a first year NBA head coach. He gave opportunities to Jason Collins and Jeff Teague this season. During the season (apparently many of you have forgotten) when Teague was given an opportunity, he had flashes of solid play. However, as a young player, this is to be expected. As a new coach, Drew could not put his job on the line with this player until a more consistent pattern of play evidenced itself. As the season wore on, Drew gave Teague the playing time as it was warranted. I say Teague’s present stellar play is a direct result of the confidence placed in him this season by Coach Drew.
Point 2: We need to give Coach Drew credit for another (possibly the single most important) move that he made this year. By inserting Jason Collins in the starting lineup against certain teams (particularly the Magic), he completely changed the dynamics of the Hawks team. This move freed up the other players to take care of their positional business.
GO HAWKS!!!
Billy D Kidd
May 9th, 2011
9:12 pm
Woodson and Drew have been working with Teague for quite some time. Well he can score because nobody takes him as a threat. But hes not an orchestrator and hes not the point guard to lead the hawks.
JC
May 9th, 2011
9:27 pm
WAY TO PLAY HAWKS!! WAY TO DEFEND YOUR HOME COURT! NOW IT’S OFF TO CHICAGO TO HOPEFULLY WIN THERE AND CLOSE IT OUT IN GAME 6 BACK IN THE “BIG A-T-L” GO HAWKS!!!!
JC
May 9th, 2011
9:29 pm
HOW GOOD WAS JEFF TEAGUE LAST NIGHT??? WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO KIRK, I JUST THINK TEAGUE IS HOT RIGHT NOW AND NEEDS TO STAY IN THE LINE-UP REGARDLESS IF KIRK IS READY TO PLAY OR NOT..JOSH SMITH, JOE JOHNSON AND AL HORFORD PLAYED GREAT TOO!! GO HAWKS!!!!
Lon Krueger
May 9th, 2011
10:02 pm
Why do all of the fans always know so much more than the coaches who have been hired by the Hawks ? Why do the Hawks keep hiring these idiots who are too stubborn to give the young players even a whiff of playing time. During the middle of the insanely long season was the time to give this guy some playing time and find out what he could do. Imagine what was possible if he had been playing PG most of the year.
Kaye
May 9th, 2011
10:33 pm
LET’s GO HAWKS!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTY074F6Oio
ET
May 9th, 2011
10:33 pm
The Hawks have a long history of screwing up drafts & drafting the rignt man only to let him go. Does anybody remember that the Hawks were the ones to draft Pau Gasol only to trade him before he even played a second for us? I watched Jason Terry score 32 points last night on 9 for 10 shooting from 3 pt range for Dallas. I trust the Hawks will find away to trade away Teague this summer to get somebody that they can use for 2 years before they break down. Their player development is a joke in the Atl. They have screwed up many, many more than they gotten right…