A return to the Atlanta Hawks for Jeff Teague is one that not a lot of people expected to happen. Even the veteran guard is surprised he was given a chance to reunite with the team that drafted him.
Before Saturday's showdown with the Detroit Pistons, Teague opened up how he couldn't believe that he was sent to the Hawks from the Minnesota Timberwolves. He then called himself lucky as he has always dreamed of returning to his former team.
“I didn't know what to say,” Teague said, per Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I was like ‘OK.' And then they said ‘Atlanta.' and I was like, ‘I can't be this lucky.' … I was happy, I couldn't believe it.”
Teague had his best years with the Hawks, and he even became an All-Star with the team in 2015. During his first stint with the Hawks from 2009 to 2016, Teague averaged 12.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steal per game.
Moreover, the team they had was one of the most fascinating examples of team basketball. Together with Al Horford, Kyle Korver, DeMarre Carroll and Paul Millsap, the Hawks of back then played outstanding basketball under the guidance of Mike Budenholzer.
Unfortunately for them, their run didn't result in anything productive, as they were playing in LeBron James' shadow. Moreover, the Hawks didn't have a true superstar in their roster.
After his first stint with the Hawks, Teague spent an odd year with the Indiana Pacers before settling down with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The trade will now allow him to reunite with the team that drafted him 19th in the 2009 Draft.
The Hawks badly need help on all fronts as the young team is struggling to win games. Jeff Teague should be able to help Trae Young with his playmaking duties. He will also be tasked to guard the opponents' top point guard from time to time.
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