3 Atlanta Hawks Who May Have Played Their Last Game For the Team

3 of 3

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 14: Brandon Goodwin #0 of the Atlanta Hawks controls the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Phoenix Suns at State Farm Arena on January 14, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Jeff Teague and Brandon Goodwin

I put these two point guards together as what’s true for one is true for the other.

The Hawks’ starting point guard spot is locked down by Trae Young and they should be looking for a good back up in the draft or free agency.

After starting the year with Evan Turner backing Trae up, the Hawks acquired Jeff Teague via trade and gave more playing time to two-way player Brandon Goodwin.

Goodwin found success in spurts, specifically in two games. He scored 21 points in 21 minutes in a late December game in Orlando, then a few weeks later completely took over the fourth quarter of the Clippers game, finishing with 19 points in as many minutes.

That earned him a deal with the big league club, signing a multi-year deal with Atlanta on February 12th. Those two games, along with the fact that’s an Atlanta native made quickly made him a fan favorite as well.

Despite this, I don’t think he’ll be on the team next year. Yes, he signed a multi-year deal, but so did Deyonta Davis and Jaylen Adams a year ago. Adams was cut during Summer League, and Davis wasn’t lucky enough to make it that far.

Goodwin averaged just 10 minutes per game since signing his deal, racking up a few DNP’s as well. When he did play, he wasn’t very good, averaging 3.7 points per game, shooting 18 percent from three.

Meanwhile, Teague is in the midst of his 11th NBA season, his second stint with the Hawks after being drafted by the team in 2009. He hasn’t had any breakout performances like Goodwin but has been more consistent. In his 25 games back with the Hawks this season, Teague averaged 7.7 points and 4.0 assists per game.

He’s set to be an unrestricted free agent at the age of 31, likely looking to cash in on one more contract. For that reason, I don’t think he’ll be on the team next season. Despite his ties to Atlanta, Teague will be looking for money this summer, and I doubt he’s on the team unless it’s on a cheap deal.

If the Hawks do want to win and compete for a playoff spot, neither should be brought back. Goodwin is streaky at best offensively, and somehow worse than Trae defensively. Teague is a nice veteran but doesn’t quite fit in Lloyd Pierce’s system and is visibly running out of gas.

Guards like D.J. Augustin, Jordan Clarkson, Goran Dragic, Kris Dunn (restricted) and Reggie Jackson will all be available via free agency, as are even cheaper options. The draft features LaMelo Ball, Killian Hayes, Tyrese Haliburton, and Tre Jones as point guard options, all of which I’d like to see in a Hawks uni.

light. Must Read. NBA Mock Draft 2.0 | Hawks with 4th pick

In the end, neither Teague or Goodwin are ideal backups if the Hawks are truly ready to start winning. With the number of options that’ll be available in the summer, I see Atlanta cutting ties with both.