Jeff Teague's Role

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Keep in mind, KAT is averaging more assists in fewer minutes per game than Wiggins, so it's not just Andrew making plays....

I actually see a lot of benefits of swapping Teague for Culver in the starting lineup, but at some point defenses are going to basically dare him along with Graham to beat them from outside as they load up on Wiggins and KAT and force them to pass. And that's where it could get problematic. Teague, while a reluctant shooter, is certainly more of a threat out there than Culver.

[apollotsg [enjin:6592798]]

Keep in mind, KAT is averaging more assists in fewer minutes per game than Wiggins, so it's not just Andrew making plays....

I actually see a lot of benefits of swapping Teague for Culver in the starting lineup, but at some point defenses are going to basically dare him along with Graham to beat them from outside as they load up on Wiggins and KAT and force them to pass. And that's where it could get problematic. Teague, while a reluctant shooter, is certainly more of a threat out there than Culver.

Two of the past three games I have noticed they are doubling up on Wiggins and not Towns, but the team as a whole has done a pretty good job of spacing for kick outs and teams are honoring our spacing, even for Okogie.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Keep in mind, KAT is averaging more assists in fewer minutes per game than Wiggins, so it's not just Andrew making plays....

I actually see a lot of benefits of swapping Teague for Culver in the starting lineup, but at some point defenses are going to basically dare him along with Graham to beat them from outside as they load up on Wiggins and KAT and force them to pass. And that's where it could get problematic. Teague, while a reluctant shooter, is certainly more of a threat out there than Culver.

Two of the past three games I have noticed they are doubling up on Wiggins and not Towns, but the team as a whole has done a pretty good job of spacing for kick outs and teams are honoring our spacing, even for Okogie.

But eventually folks will scheme better in my opinion, especially as the season progresses.

One thing a little counter-intuitive about Milwaukee's defense the last couple of seasons is that they have allowed more 3-point attempts than any other team in the league. Yet, they were #1 in team defense last year and #8 so far this year. How can this be when the whole goal these days is to get teams to shoot long and mid-range 2s? They focus intensively on getting the right opponents to shoot 3-pointers. So they will willingly give up 3's to the Grahams and Culvers of the world if it means they shut down KAT and Wiggins. I think other teams are going to start looking into this strategy as well.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Keep in mind, KAT is averaging more assists in fewer minutes per game than Wiggins, so it's not just Andrew making plays....

I actually see a lot of benefits of swapping Teague for Culver in the starting lineup, but at some point defenses are going to basically dare him along with Graham to beat them from outside as they load up on Wiggins and KAT and force them to pass. And that's where it could get problematic. Teague, while a reluctant shooter, is certainly more of a threat out there than Culver.

Two of the past three games I have noticed they are doubling up on Wiggins and not Towns, but the team as a whole has done a pretty good job of spacing for kick outs and teams are honoring our spacing, even for Okogie.

But eventually folks will scheme better in my opinion, especially as the season progresses.

One thing a little counter-intuitive about Milwaukee's defense the last couple of seasons is that they have allowed more 3-point attempts than any other team in the league. Yet, they were #1 in team defense last year and #8 so far this year. How can this be when the whole goal these days is to get teams to shoot long and mid-range 2s? They focus intensively on getting the right opponents to shoot 3-pointers. So they will willingly give up 3's to the Grahams and Culvers of the world if it means they shut down KAT and Wiggins. I think other teams are going to start looking into this strategy as well.

Milwaukee also emphasizes defending the rim and they've done it better than anyone else in the league over the past couple seasons. They're willing to give up more three-point attempts while they deter teams from getting layups.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Keep in mind, KAT is averaging more assists in fewer minutes per game than Wiggins, so it's not just Andrew making plays....

I actually see a lot of benefits of swapping Teague for Culver in the starting lineup, but at some point defenses are going to basically dare him along with Graham to beat them from outside as they load up on Wiggins and KAT and force them to pass. And that's where it could get problematic. Teague, while a reluctant shooter, is certainly more of a threat out there than Culver.

Two of the past three games I have noticed they are doubling up on Wiggins and not Towns, but the team as a whole has done a pretty good job of spacing for kick outs and teams are honoring our spacing, even for Okogie.

But eventually folks will scheme better in my opinion, especially as the season progresses.

One thing a little counter-intuitive about Milwaukee's defense the last couple of seasons is that they have allowed more 3-point attempts than any other team in the league. Yet, they were #1 in team defense last year and #8 so far this year. How can this be when the whole goal these days is to get teams to shoot long and mid-range 2s? They focus intensively on getting the right opponents to shoot 3-pointers. So they will willingly give up 3's to the Grahams and Culvers of the world if it means they shut down KAT and Wiggins. I think other teams are going to start looking into this strategy as well.

Milwaukee also emphasizes defending the rim and they've done it better than anyone else in the league over the past couple seasons. They're willing to give up more three-point attempts while they deter teams from getting layups.

Yup, Brook Lopez is the poster boy for drop coverage. He's been perfect for that team in the way he protects the paint on one side and stretches the floor on the other.

But they do try to stop good three point shooters too. It's the mediocre ones they willingly give open looks to, something I fear more teams will eventually catch onto with the Wolves. This is a strategy that often manifests itself more intensely in the playoffs, but with the advent of analytics and large coaching staffs, I have to believe we start seeing some more exaggerated coverage schemes on the likes of Okogie, Graham, and Culver. In fact, I would seriously consider guarding Graham with a Center if I were an opposing team.

[Wolvesfan21]

Milwaukee is also great at rebounding with their size, to be a great defending team you need to rebound well. Forcing the lower percentage shot is only part of the battle. Giannis basically on his own makes that defense top 10. Just because of his length and athleticism, no easy layups, rebounds extremely well. Throw in a few more good defenders and they are where they are.

I will take the open 3 look from Culver and Graham all day everyday. Okogie I'm not sure on. From the corner yes. I just don't think Culver and Graham will continue to shoot at their current percentages all year. They'll turn it up some. Grahama has proven he can shoot well, he'll get their. Culver is a Rook but he looks like he's coming along nicely.

[Coolbreeze44]

Cam, Q, and Wolves - you are all correct with your Milwaukee takes. They staunchly defend the paint and they clean up on the glass. Q is right in that they try to funnel 3 point attempts to the lower percentage shooters. Some games it doesn't work and when it doesn't they tend to struggle. But they have a very unique approach to defense. Watch the way they guard Harden next time they play. Remember the old Ball-Man-Basket approach to defense? They completely throw that out the window. They force him right, and then they actually will guard him from behind. At first I was wondering what the hell they were doing, but they've actually had some pretty good success with it.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Looks like Teague and Saunders follow this board.....

[Lipoli390]

Teague's presence on the court tends to slow and stifle ball movement. Teague's approach doesn't seem to fit well with the ball and off-ball movement we need to get the most out of Towns and Wiggins.

Moreover, I don't see Teague as part of this team long term. Therefore, I think we're better off experimenting more with Culver at PG alongside Towns and Wiggins. If that means we lose more games than we would with Teague starting, that's OK because we need to look ahead. I see this season as a developmental one. If we also happen to make the playoffs with a 7th or 8th seed, then great. But the primarily focus this season should be on things that help evaluate and develop the team for the next few seasons after this one with the goal of becoming a top 4 seed contending for a title.

[Coolbreeze44]

Looks like Teague and Saunders follow this board.....

Yeah, CoolBreeze is normally ahead of the game. :(,