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Utah Jazz: Why It’s Time to Start Operation Go Get Teague

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau

Jan 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) drives against Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Clippers won 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) drives against Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Clippers won 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s been rumored that the Atlanta Hawks are shopping Jeff Teague. The Utah Jazz could have a deal for them that they can’t refuse. Should they pull the trigger?

It starts from the top down.

There’s no “i” in team … but there is a “me” in it.

That “me” stance that people take is the reason why great teams eventually crumble. That’s how championship windows close. Look at the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’ Neal feud. The two at one point were considered among the top two at their position of all-time and they broke up a dynasty because they each wanted their own glory. They each wanted their “me” moment.

Related Story: 25 Best Players to Play for the Utah Jazz

Now to a much lesser extent in the 2016 NBA season, we have the point guards of the Atlanta Hawks following in their footsteps.

With this quote from Dennis Schroder (via Sports Illustrated) in October before the season even tipped off, it all but guaranteed the complete fall of the Hawks.

"“My goal is the starting spot. If it does not go forward next season, you have to talk to people and look for other opportunities,” Schroder said."

The desire to start isn’t bad. In fact, it should be embraced because Schroder is 22 and finally wants his chance to start and why wouldn’t he? The only problem is that the starting point guard Jeff Teague is only 27 years old and he’s still one of the best in the game. Since they both can’t share the backcourt together, it’s been said that Atlanta is open to hearing offers for Teague.

What’s bad is the Hawks are going to break apart a playoff team because of selfish ambition. The good news that Atlanta won’t have to worry about finding a potential suitor for Teague because there’s one small-market franchise who could make a deal today.

The Utah Jazz have trade assets including draft picks in order to get a deal done. Utah has been dying for a point guard (since Deron Williams) to play in Salt Lake City who’s playoff tested and intelligent enough to lead their franchise. With that being said, should Utah put in an offer to Atlanta that they wouldn’t be able to refuse for Teague? You better believe they should.

Jan 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) dribbles the ball as Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) defends at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 111-92. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) dribbles the ball as Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) defends at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 111-92. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Operation: Go Get Teague

If the Atlanta Hawks are dumb enough to trade away Jeff Teague, then it’s Utah’s job to convince them to do it.

Teague, the one-time NBA All-Star, is having another solid year and averaging 14.5 points, 5.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 39 percent from the three-point line. On a team that religiously loves to give each other praise and share the ball, the numbers would never do his game justice.

If Utah can get those numbers on their team then there’s no telling how good they would become. The biggest problem about the Jazz is a three-pronged answer. Due to the fact Utah doesn’t have a starting point guard, they play too slow, they don’t score enough points, and they don’t enough create opportunities for open shots.

*Could you consider how nasty a Teague crossover could be with a Rudy Gobert lob after it?* 

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Outside of the raw numbers, one of the biggest reasons why Teague would be a wonderful addition to the franchise is because he answers all of Utah’s problems. Teague is incredibly intelligent and he brings out the best out his teammates. Teague has proven it at every level, including during his time playing in college at Wake Forest and getting his team into the NCAA tournament.

That same galvanizing effect happened in Atlanta last year where Teague was the engine behind the best team in the Eastern Conference.

Teague is a quicker guard that looks to push the basketball ball but understands when it’s time to dial it back. He’s also intelligent enough to get the ball into the hands of the players who he feels can succeed. Still only 27 years old, he still can get better as a player.

Additionally, with his seven years in the league as a player, he would already come as a seasoned veteran compared to his Utah teammates. Also, his myriad of playoff experience could only be passed down.

Teague is known around the league as one of the few point guards with enough confidence and swagger to go against anyone and not back down. In a division where he’ll have to play against Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook on a regular basis, it makes sense.

Jan 25, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) drives to the net against Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) and center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) drives to the net against Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) and center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

What Does Atlanta Want?

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Since the Hawks are hellbent on making Schroder their starting point guard they’re going to need a replacement for the backup point guard role.

For the last three years, it’s seems like everyone’s been dying to get Trey Burke out of Utah and a new start in Atlanta could give him a rebirth in his career. The Hawks could have two young guards that both enjoy the spotlight and it would only strengthen their team. Additionally, what Utah could do is sweeten the deal by adding in draft picks.

The Hawks best player is Paul Millsap and he’s 30 years old. Al Horford is also getting up in age at 29 years old. Unless this team doesn’t want to crash and burn because of their eventual decline due to of age and physical stature, they need to get younger and more dynamic players.

If Utah doesn’t make the playoffs this year, they’ll have a lottery pick and that could give the Hawks a legit piece of a championship puzzle.

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Both Utah and Atlanta are trying to accomplish different goals. Utah wants to get to the playoffs and the Hawks want a championship appearance. A trade between the two teams could help each of them reach their goals.

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