NBA Atlanta Hawks

5 Reasons Why Jeff Teague Should Be An NBA All-Star Starter

5 Reasons Why Jeff Teague Should Be An NBA All-Star Starter

Jeff Teague Atlanta Hawks
Chris Humphreys

Jeff Teague is having a phenomenal individual year, and as a result his team is enjoying the fruits of his labor. NBA fans should reward Teague by nominating him to start for the Eastern Conference All-Stars, and here are five reasons why.

5. Career Year

Jeff Teague
Chris Nicoll- USA TODAY Sports

5. Career Year

Jeff Teague
Chris Nicoll- USA TODAY Sports

Since coming into the league five years ago, Teague has improved in every statistical category. This being his sixth, he’s putting up 17 points a contest and dishing out seven assists a game. He’s averaging career-highs in points, assists, rebounds, field goal percentage and steals.

4. Leader

Jeff Teague
Brian Spurlock- USA TODAY Sports

4. Leader

Jeff Teague
Brian Spurlock- USA TODAY Sports

Since Atlanta decided to part ways with Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, Teague has assumed the leadership position. Al Horford is slowly recovering from his various injuries which gave Teague the opportunity to develop. Teague has been the catalyst for the Hawks’ outstanding run.

3. Defense

Jeff Teague
Dale Zanine- USA TODAY Sports

3. Defense

Jeff Teague
Dale Zanine- USA TODAY Sports

Teague is leading by example on the defensive end -- he’s pick-pocketing players twice a game. Defense begins with the point guard applying pressure to the opposition. Atlanta boasts a top five defense led by Teague’s pressure.

2. First Place

Jeff Teague Al Horford
Dale Zanine- USA TODAY Sports

2. First Place

Jeff Teague Al Horford
Dale Zanine- USA TODAY Sports

The surprising Atlanta Hawks sit atop of the Eastern Conference (26-8). They’ve often been compared to as the San Antonio Spurs of the East. The point guard position is an intrical piece to Mike Budenholzer’s system and Teague is the protagonist for the Hawks' success; he is a definite MVP candidate.

1. Atlanta Hawks Are Hot

Atlanta Hawks
Jason Getz- USA TODAY Sports

1. Atlanta Hawks Are Hot

Atlanta Hawks
Jason Getz- USA TODAY Sports

As of Nov. 26, the Atlanta Hawks are 19-2. The team is steam rolling through the NBA, and Teague has turned himself into a great floor leader. He positions his troops on the court, and he’s a dangerous point guard on both ends of the floor. He puts pressure on teams offensively and defensively, which rubs off on his teammates.

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