Grading Minnesota Timberwolves players at the All-Star break

#6 – Jeff Teague

Grade: C+

13.1 points, 44.4 field goal percentage, 37.9 3-point percentage, 2.9 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.4 blocks

Teague has been the guy who has faced  arguably the most scrutiny of anyone on the team. Is the criticism fair?

For the most part it has been pretty fair, although a lot of that has come from the comparison of former Wolves point guard Ricky Rubio and the improved play of Jones.

Ever since the Wolves traded away Rubio for a lottery-protected first round pick, fans were going to be critical of whomever the replacement was going to be. It also helps that fans have gone through some endured pains that have faced the organization. Drafting Rubio and Jonny Flynn right before Stephen Curry is just one example. Beyond that, fans were looking to get a player that can come in and become an instant stud.

Teague has been a major issue on the defensive side of things, allowing his player to score a lot points. One other issue with him has been his decision-making. There are times where he decides to take some questionable shots or even will hold on to the ball until there’s five seconds left on the shot clock.

Between his defense and questionable decisions, these driving forces has been a huge reason Teague has been a disappointment in a lot of people’s eyes. But it hasn’t been all bad. He’s ranks seventh in the NBA in assists with 7.1, and he’s by far a lot better shooter from 3 compared to Rubio, averaging 37.9 percent from deep.

When Teague is playing well he looks great, but when he’s struggling… boy is he hard to have on your team.