Jeff Teague Knows This Could Be the Final Ride for These Atlanta Hawks

BOSTON — Jeff Teague has spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Atlanta Hawks, but as recently as two months ago, it wasn’t clear the point guard was still wanted in Atlanta. 

The 27-year-old’s name constantly popped up in trade rumors ahead of February’s trade deadline, as the Atlanta front office considered disassembling vital parts of the team’s current core, despite the fact Teague had helped the Hawks continue a run of nine consecutive trips to the postseason. Selling high on Teague, in his prime and on a friendly contract ($8 million per year through the 2016-17 season), was one potential option with Dennis Schroder, 22, waiting in the wings.  

Ultimately, Atlanta elected to stand pat, holding onto Teague and soon-to-be free agent Al Horford for at least one more playoff run. Since then, the Hawks have been rolling, closing the season out with a 17-7 record, largely thanks to Teague’s improved play.

The veteran averaged 16.8 points and 6.9 assists per game after the All-Star break, and the team’s net rating was a sensational plus-12.5 with him on the floor since Feb. 26, per NBA.com’s John Schuhmann. During Atlanta’s first-round series against the Boston Celtics, he has led the Hawks in both scoring (19.7 ppg) and assists (7.7 apg) over the first three games. 

Bleacher Report caught up with Teague before Sunday’s pivotal Game 4 in Boston to discuss his recent resurgence, how he handled the trade rumors and whether this could be Atlanta’s final chance at a playoff run with this core.   

Bleacher Report: You guys won 60 games last season and closed out this year with a 17-7 stretch and the best defense in the Eastern Conference. Yet, Atlanta is rarely mentioned. What gives?

Jeff Teague: It’s been like that ever since I’ve been in Atlanta. We’ve always had talented teams here that get overlooked. We just have a good group here. We don’t care about …

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