Jeff Teague faced elite competitions throughout his NBA career from 2009 to 2021. The former All-Star encountered the legendary point guard in his prime year with the Atlanta Hawks.
Teague defended the biggest names in basketball, including Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving. His extensive experience provides valuable insights that have presented his opponents with the greatest challenges.
Teague recently revealed his toughest matchup on the look of the podcast. James Harden is one of the top Teagues’ lists where the most difficult opponents are contained.
“He (Harden) was, in addition to Derrick Rose, the most difficult player in the NBA. You couldn’t touch him, so he’s free to reach the foul line. He shot that stepback,” Teague explained.
Harden’s peak scoring season left a lasting impression on the defenders. His ability to pull fouls while maintaining elite shooting made him almost impossible to slow down.
“Man, when he averaged like 35 points, he was incredible. There’s nothing you can really do,” Teague added.
The former Houston Rockets star’s stepback three-pointer became his signature weapon. The defender struggled to compete for his shot without committing a foul, creating an impossible dilemma.
But for Teague, Derrick Rose gained more recognition despite his different playing style. The Chicago Bulls star’s athletic offense created its own defensive challenge.
Rose’s combination of speed, strength and fearlessness made him unable to stop during his MVP season. His ability to attack Rim mercilessly used up the defense on the other side.
Tom Thibodeau’s heavy moment rotation in Chicago amplified Rose’s influence. Demanding coaches rarely rested their Star Point Guards and forced their enemies to protect their energy for a long period of time.
“You know that Thibs played only 48 times in the game for 50 minutes, but just as he doesn’t get tired.
“He was always ready, never sent a game and was always in offensive mode,” observed Teague.
Teague believes Rose’s career trajectory reached historic heights without injury. The previous MVP’s potential places him among the royals of the point guard in Teague’s estimation.
“For me, if he wasn’t injured, he’s the best five-point guard ever. What made him special was his speed, his speed, his strength, his ability to make those floaters and tough shots, and he was fearless,” explained Teague.
Rose’s signature floater became an unstoppable weapon during his prime. His ability to surpass the tall defenders while maintaining incredible athleticism has left him out of his peers.