In his second year starting in Head Coach Mike Budenholzer’s system, Jeff Teague took his game to another level. Many wondered if he could excel in what was undoubtedly going to be a similar style as the one played in San Antonio where Coach Bud was an assistant for 19 years, but Teague proved that he could.
Offensively, Teague was terrific. His 46% FG was near the top of the conference at the point guard position, and he also improved his three-point shooting. His points per minute and effective FG% both increased, as did his assists per game despite playing fewer minutes. Beyond the stats, he was outstanding at managing the offense, leading to the Hawks ranking near the top of every offensive category.
Defensively may be where Teague improved the most though. His activity increased to the point where his steals per game increased from 1.1 last season to 1.7, and that again is with him playing fewer minutes per contest. He held opposing players to 40% FG, which is 2.5% lower than what they shoot with other players defending. That -2.5% is much improved over the +.2% from 2013-14.
Teague’s effort this season earned him his first All-Star selection. Coaches voted him in after leading Atlanta to a franchise-best 60 wins and the top spot in the East.
The Hawks are in great hands at the point guard position with Teague, Dennis Schröder and Shelvin Mack all under contract next season.