Soaring Down South
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Top 5 Point Guards in Atlanta Hawks History

By Collin Huguley

Apr 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers gestures during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. The Clippers beat the Lakers 103-81. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers gestures during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. The Clippers beat the Lakers 103-81. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) celebrates a made three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 110-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) celebrates a made three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 110-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jeff Teague

Years Spent with Team: 2009-2016

Statistics (per game with Atlanta): 12.1 points, 5.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals

Shooting Percentages with Atlanta: .476/.355/.838

While Jeff Teague‘s time in Atlanta just came to a close in favor of a younger, more exciting point guard (Dennis Schroder), many overlook the fact that he had a terrific run with the team and certainly earned a spot as a top-five point guard in Hawks history.

Teague finished his run with the Hawks in having the fifth-most assists, seventh-most steals, and eighth-most three-point field goals made in team history. Decision-making is regularly the first trait that is evaluated when it comes to assessing a point guard and Teague racked up assists, while keeping the turnovers down. He has a career assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.4/1, which is very solid.

Teague’s career stats may look a little low, because he played under 15 minutes per game in each of his first two seasons before taking off as a standout player. His speed, both on offense and defense, is what made him stand out the most on the floor. He effectively used his speed to create panic and chaos for the defense, while finding an open shot for himself or a teammate.

Teague’s play really stepped up when Mike Budenholzer took over as coach. He was able to utilize Teague in a similar manner that San Antonio used Tony Parker in his heyday, and Teague’s speed, stout defense and newly polished floor spacing ability made him a perfect fit as a floor general in Budenholzer’s offensive scheme.

Things may have gotten muddy with Teague in his last season in Atlanta, but his contributions to the organization were great. Which is why he deserves to be recognized as the fifth best point guard in Hawks history.

Next: No. 4

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