Jeff Teague
The former Hawks starter who earned All-Star honors in 2015 and capped his career with a 2021 championship ring.
Jeffrey Demarco Teague is an American former professional basketball player. Born on June 10, 1988, he played in the NBA for five teams between 2009 and 2021, spending seven of those seasons with his draft team, the Atlanta Hawks. Teague was selected 19th overall by the Hawks in the 2009 NBA draft after a standout college career at Wake Forest. His professional accolades include an NBA All-Star selection in 2015 and an NBA championship victory in 2021 with the Milwaukee Bucks. Since retiring, he has served as a player development coach and scout for the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks.
- Role
- Point Guard
- Affiliation
- Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Indiana Pacers (NBA), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
- Arrival Method
- Drafted 19th overall by Atlanta Hawks in 2009; Traded to Indiana Pacers in July 2016
- Status
- Former Player (Retired 2021)
- Key Attribute
- Playmaking and Defense
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Teague's professional journey began when the Hawks selected him 19th overall in the 2009 draft. After averaging 7.6 points as a rookie, he broke out in the 2011–12 season, starting all 66 games and ranking eighth in the NBA in steals with 106. His peak came during the 2012–13 season when he recorded career highs of 14.6 points and 7.2 assists, earning a spot as a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award. On January 29, 2016, he scored a then-career-high 40 points against the Washington Wizards. His playmaking prowess peaked in 2014–15 when he was named an All-Star reserve for the Eastern Conference, leading the Hawks to the top seed in the East. Although he left Atlanta in 2016 via a three-team trade to his hometown Indiana Pacers, he signed with the Charlotte Hornets in January 2020 before being traded back to the Atlanta Hawks later that February, finally finishing his playing days with the Milwaukee Bucks.
In Their Own Story
On December 30, 2016, while playing for the Indiana Pacers against the Chicago Bulls, Teague orchestrated an offensive masterclass that saw him record a career-high 17 assists in a 111–101 victory. This performance highlighted his evolution from a role player to a primary floor general capable of controlling the game's pace. Earlier in his career, on April 14, 2010, he had already shown flashes of this potential with a 24-point, 15-assist effort against the Cleveland Cavaliers as a rookie. His resilience was tested during his tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he battled injuries including a Grade 1 MCL sprain in late 2017 and multiple foot issues that eventually led to season-ending surgery in March 2019. Despite these setbacks, his drive remained evident until he secured an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
Reader's Guide
Jeff Teague's career offers a blueprint for development from a late-first-round pick to an All-Star and champion. Selected 19th overall by Atlanta in 2009, he spent his first two seasons learning behind veterans before earning a starting role that lasted through the 2015–16 season. His statistical peak occurred between 2012 and 2014, where he consistently averaged over 14 points and 7 assists while leading the league in steals and steal-to-turnover ratios. A pivotal moment came on July 10, 2013, when the Milwaukee Bucks extended a four-year, $32 million offer sheet that Atlanta matched to keep him. His journey continued through trades to Indiana, Minnesota, and back to Atlanta, culminating in his final season with Milwaukee where he won a title. Fans can track his progression by noting his All-Star appearance in 2015 and his career-highs of 34 points scored on both December 26, 2013, and March 18, 2014.
Did You Know?
- Teague scored a career-high 40 points on January 29, 2016, against the Washington Wizards.
- Teague was selected as an NBA All-Star reserve for the Eastern Conference in early 2015 and played in the game on February 15, 2015.
- Teague won his only NBA championship in 2021 while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
- During the 2016–17 season with the Indiana Pacers, Teague became the first player to start all 82 games for the team since Mike Dunleavy Jr. in 2007–08.
- As a sophomore at Wake Forest (2008–09), Teague led his team in scoring, assists, steals, and three-point percentage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jeff Teague?
He is a retired American professional basketball player who competed in the NBA from 2009 through 2021. Originally drafted by Atlanta as the 19th overall selection, he became well-known for his time as a starting point guard and All-Star selection in 2015.
What was Jeff Teague's primary role on the court?
He operated primarily as a point guard known for strong playmaking skills and defensive effort throughout his tenure. His ability to facilitate offense made him a key starter for several franchises during the early part of his career.
Which teams did Jeff Teague represent during his career?
Teague played for five different organizations, including long stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers. He also spent time with the Minnesota Timberwolves before finishing his playing days in Milwaukee.
How does Jeff Teague's story end?
His professional journey concluded after winning an NBA championship ring with the Bucks in 2021. Following retirement, he transitioned into a scouting and player development role for former teams like Atlanta and Indiana.
Why is Jeff Teague important to basketball history?
He remains significant as a high-draft pick who achieved All-Star status and eventually secured a title in his final season. His career path from college standout at Wake Forest to championship winner offers an inspiring narrative for observers.