Jeff Teague confronted elite competitions all through his NBA profession from 2009 to 2021. The previous All-Star encountered the legendary level guard in his prime 12 months with the Atlanta Hawks.
Teague defended the largest names in basketball, together with Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving. His in depth expertise offers invaluable insights which have offered his opponents with the best challenges.
Teague not too long ago revealed his hardest matchup on the look of the podcast. James Harden is likely one of the prime Teagues’ lists the place probably the most tough opponents are contained.
“He (Harden) was, along with Derrick Rose, probably the most tough participant within the NBA. You could not contact him, so he is free to succeed in the foul line. He shot that stepback,” Teague defined.
Harden’s peak scoring season left an enduring impression on the defenders. His means to tug fouls whereas sustaining elite capturing made him virtually not possible to decelerate.
“Man, when he averaged like 35 factors, he was unbelievable. There’s nothing you’ll be able to actually do,” Teague added.
The previous Houston Rockets star’s stepback three-pointer grew to become his signature weapon. The defender struggled to compete for his shot with out committing a foul, creating an not possible dilemma.
However for Teague, Derrick Rose gained extra recognition regardless of his completely different enjoying model. The Chicago Bulls star’s athletic offense created its personal defensive problem.
Rose’s mixture of velocity, energy and fearlessness made him unable to cease throughout his MVP season. His means to assault Rim mercilessly used up the protection on the opposite aspect.
Tom Thibodeau’s heavy second rotation in Chicago amplified Rose’s affect. Demanding coaches hardly ever rested their Star Level Guards and compelled their enemies to guard their vitality for an extended time frame.
“You already know that Thibs performed solely 48 occasions within the sport for 50 minutes, however simply as he does not get drained.
“He was at all times prepared, by no means despatched a sport and was at all times in offensive mode,” noticed Teague.
Teague believes Rose’s profession trajectory reached historic heights with out damage. The earlier MVP’s potential locations him among the many royals of the purpose guard in Teague’s estimation.
“For me, if he wasn’t injured, he is the perfect five-point guard ever. What made him particular was his velocity, his velocity, his energy, his means to make these floaters and difficult photographs, and he was fearless,” defined Teague.
Rose’s signature floater grew to become an unstoppable weapon throughout his prime. His means to surpass the tall defenders whereas sustaining unbelievable athleticism has left him out of his friends.
