Rubio vs. Teague-let's continue to monitor

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I know some of you won't be interested in this thread, because you prefer to look forward. But while we all give Thibs high marks for securing Butler at such a modest price, his letting go of Ricky for a very late 1st round pick and signing Teague is a subject that should be discussed in terms of evaluating Thibs' GM capabilities. I was not on board with this deal, especially since it seemed like Ricky was just coming into his prime as last season progressed, but I was (and still am) open to the prospect of it becoming a good deal.

2 games is not enough time to form any opinions, but the marked difference in the two PGs in their first head-to-head (on the heels of a game where Thibs preferred having Jones as his closer against SA) certainly doesn't help the case of those who prefer Teague. I don't know what last night looked like on TV, but in person Ricky totally outplayed Teague in all facets of the game...as well as looking much longer than him and much more emotionally involved.

One of the arguments the Teague supporters gave for the deal was that Ricky's lack of shooting success allowed opponents to sag off our PG and take away his passing lanes. I pointed out during the summer that Ricky actually shot better than Teague the last half of last season...both from beyond the arc and on 2-pointers. Admittedly a small sample size, but also possibly evidence of a PG coming into his own as a shooter. Last night was only one game, but the trend of Ricky outshooting Teague continued.

For those who are interested, let's continue to monitor this comparison. I really hope that by the end of the season Teague is making 40% of his 3-pointers and Ricky 35%, and that other peripherals also favor Teague. But right now I am looking at this deal as a blunder.

[bleedspeed]

Thanks for starting this.

[thedoper]

Teague was significantly better than Rubio in every advanced defensive stat (Defensive win shares, defensive rating, NBA.com's, defensive rating) other than ESPNs DRPM last year. From what I can see Teague is quicker and better on the ball. Rubio makes up for his physical limitations with having a nose for the ball. But last year the stats point to Rubio being an average to really poor defender depending on the metric you prefer. If you prefer an aggregate like me, Rubio was a below average defender which matched up what I thought was really poor defensive play last year.

On the offensive side of the ball, Teague will be a better scorer and make timely shots in the flow of the offense. Ricky will get 3 easy baskets for you with his great vision. In all I think they are a wash big picture with the edge for our team going to Teague because of his on ball D (since our bigs rotate slowly) and his suitability off the ball. I like the option of Butler, Wiggins and Towns running some sets, we saw last year that Ricky is useless off the ball, Teague missed his 3s against the Jazz but his shooting is vastly superior to Ricky.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I've said this all along....I consider them both in the same tier of NBA starting PGs. I just thought it was needless churn by Thibs....basically spend more on an older player that is of similar caliber.

[Monster]

I'll comment here because these guys did actually play each other.

For fun I'll through this one out. Rubio was -8 while Teague was +1.

Personally I thought deciding which guy played better depended on what segment of a few minutes of the game you watched. Both guys had good stretches. Both guys had forgettable stretches. There were back and forth stretches where these guys probably played each other even both good and bad.

Simply Rubio is asked to do more for the Jazz than Teague is. Down the stretch Teague did his job well making Rubio's life pretty tough. A couple Shots Rubio hit were well defended long 2's Rubio hit it that long 3 he hit over Towns. Good for him meanwhile Teague missed some shots his resume says he would make. Shug

Now comparing how these guys fit and have fit in with their teams in 2 games. Rubio has a roster absolutely build well for him. He has 3 point shooters all Over the court and a guy in Favors who can shoot those long 2's Rubio is great at setting up. He has a big in Gobert that knows how to run to the rim. The style they want to play fits Rubio well and they really have only had to integrate Rubio and Sefelosha or something. That's not a massive amount of players.

Teague is playing with a team that has a significant turnover. He is one of the best pick and roll players playing with Towns who kinda sucks at half of that game. He is playing with a team that is asking him to just be a guy (18% usage so far) when in the past he has been a guy that runs the team. The idea he isn't a leader is unfair IMO. Ask Budenholzer if he is a leader or not.

Would Rubio have been seemless as a wolf with the current roster? I doubt it maybe it would be better than Teague but it's way early. People forget how poorly he played the first few games of last season before having a career year. Teague took a bit to get going with Indiana last year and the. Had an terrific stretch of a couple months where he played very well. Remember how after 15 games basically EVERYONE on this forum was willing to move Rubio for next to nothing. 20 Games from now we may be VERY happy Teague is on this team.

Again I wish Rubio well. I think Rubio is in a good spot in so many ways with the Utah Jazz. I think Teague will be a nice player to help the Wolves to the next level. If Tyus keeps showing ability to improve he could be the long term answer.

[60WinTim]

Good summary, monster. Especially the point about how much each player is being asked to do for their team. If Rubio were still here, I don't believe he would be able to dominate the ball as much as he has been able to do with Utah.

I am a big Rubio fan, but with the growth of Wiggins and Towns, and the acquisition of Butler, Teague's strengths are a better fit for this team than Rubio's strengths.

[thedoper]

Since we're relying on statistically insignificant sample sizes I think tonight proves the Teague is far better than Ricky.

[BloopOracle]

Since we're relying on statistically insignificant sample sizes I think tonight proves the Teague is far better than Ricky.

Agreed Ricky would have lost that game for us and we can now safely say Jeff Teague is twice the player Ricky Rubio will ever be

[thedoper]

Since we're relying on statistically insignificant sample sizes I think tonight proves the Teague is far better than Ricky.

Agreed Ricky would have lost that game for us and we can now safely say Jeff Teague is twice the player Ricky Rubio will ever be

There's always tomorrow to change our minds. It's the great part about being a Wolves fan.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Teague had a very good game. Now the Wolves are 2-1......just like the Jazz!