Milwaukee Bucks: Jeff Teague finding seamless transition into backup role

With a glaring hole in the backcourt, the Milwaukee Bucks recently signed veteran guard Jeff Teague after being waived by the Orlando Magic last month.

Coming off a subpar stint with the Boston Celtics that saw him get traded and waived after 34 games, Teague was certainly not the first choice for many to fill one of Milwaukee’s vacant roster spots. However, the team desperately needed to bring a backup point guard into the fold, and he fit the bill.

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Although it comes in a small sample size of just three games, the early returns on the veteran are surprisingly welcoming.

He has given them another capable ball handler that can score and dish out the basketball when necessary. This was certainly the case in Milwaukee’s ugly 122-121 loss against the Golden State Warriors this past Tuesday.

Despite the defeat, Teague looked fantastic off the bench by chipping in 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor, including 2-of-2 from distance. Also dishing out three assists, the guard undoubtedly made the most of his 15 minutes of action.

While stellar outings like these will not become the new norm for Teague anytime soon, he did display what he is capable of bringing to the table as a solid rotational piece. Furthermore, he is still in the early stages of getting acclimated to his new team.

Jeff Teague credits his teammates for his easy transition to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Teague’s seamless fit has been impressive, considering he has hardly gotten any practice in and admitted that he is still learning his teammate’s names. Speaking to the media after Tuesday’s defeat, Teague discussed how this unit has done everything to make him comfortable in the new system:

"“With this group they’re so unselfish, and everyone plays well together. It’s a lot more comfortable to be on the floor with them. You know you’re going to get opportunities, and they just want everyone to be successful. You’re hoping to get the ball and vice versa. If I see somebody open, I’m going to try to get them the ball. It makes my transition here really easy.”"

While his teammates have done their part to get him involved, Teague’s familiarity with Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer has likely helped get him acquainted quickly also. The two were together for three years with the Atlanta Hawks, highlighted by a 60-win season and Teague’s lone All-Star appearance during the 2014-15 season.

Teague recently opened up about how he specifically wanted to sign with Milwaukee last offseason to reunite with his former coach, but that never panned out. Several months later, the guard’s wish has been granted, and he is making the most of the opportunity. Budenholzer is someone that holds faith in Teague, and he will continue to play a decently sized role for them in the second unit moving forward.

While it is still far too early for a genuine assessment of his play, Teague has started things off on the right foot in Milwaukee without question. As long as he can continue to take on his share of ball handling duties and spark some offense off the bench, he will be a great fit on this roster.