Atlanta Hawks’ Best Players of the Decade: 10-6

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks brings the ball up court against Jeff Teague #44 of the Indiana Pacers in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 23, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Hawks defeated the Pacers 96-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks brings the ball up court against Jeff Teague #44 of the Indiana Pacers in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 23, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Hawks defeated the Pacers 96-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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Atlanta Hawks
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 22: Jeff Teague #0 of the Atlanta Hawks is seen during the game against the Boston Celtics in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2016 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2016 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

6. Jeff Teague

Jeff Teague was and will always be one of my favorite players, and not fitting him into the top 5 was a bit heart-wrenching.

Teague acted as the quarterback through two eras of Hawks’ ball, spending a total of just over half the decade running point.

He started 380 games over the 6 years, averaging 13.6 points and 5.7 assists.

2009’s 19th overall pick was/is (now for Minnesota) a bit of a jack of all trades, master of none. His defense was never the best, but never too bad either, he could hit a three, slash to the rim or pull up from mid range.

He made an average of 45% of his 10.9 shots per game over the decade for Atlanta.

Teague made his lone All-Star game appearance in 2015, when he helped secure the Hawks’ 60 wins that year.

He’s transitioned into more of a pass-first point guard in Minny of late, which was probably his best skill while in Atlanta, looking back.

He’ll be remembered fondly for years to come.

to be continued