Recapping Jeff Teague’s season with the Atlanta Hawks.
In a reunion that practically no one saw coming, the Atlanta Hawks traded for Jeff Teague back in January. Teague, who spent seven seasons in Atlanta after being drafted by the team in 2009, came from Minnesota along with Treveon Graham in exchange for Allen Crabbe.
The trade made sense for two reasons. First, the Hawks were getting little to no help from their veterans, on or off the court besides Vince Carter. Offseason acquisitions Evan Turner, Allen Crabbe, and Chandler Parsons didn’t seem like they wanted to be on the team and played poorly when given minutes.
Second, Atlanta was still searching for a backup to Trae Young, even with Brandon Goodwin having a few good games. Teague fit the veteran point guard role to a tee, and his return gave fans something to be excited for.
Teague suited up 25 times for Atlanta this season, and while it was great to see the former All-Star back on the team, his play was so-so at best. He shot just 41 percent from the field and had a hard time fitting into the Hawks’ three-point barrage style of offense, making just 33 percent of his deep attempts.
His veteran presence was felt in the play-making department, however, and his assist to turnover ratio of 2.50 was best on the team. Teague showed he can still be a viable starter in the NBA while filling in for Trae Young in early February, racking up 18 points, six assists, four steals, and a rebound against the Celtics.
Overall, he was serviceable and a more than solid backup veteran. Having the former fan favorite back in Atlanta was great, especially given the rampant turnover the Hawks’ roster has had in recent years.
Teague is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and if the money is right, I would have no problem with the Hawks bringing him back to serve in a similar role next season.
Season Grade: B –
Should the Atlanta Hawks re-sign Jeff Teague?