Utah Jazz: 3 standout performers from the Salt Lake City Summer League
Utah Jazz guard MaCio Teague
Unlike the other two players on this list, Teague has not seen a minute of NBA action in his young career. However, if his 26 points on 50% shooting from the field during the Utah Jazz Blue’s demolition of the San Antonio Spurs’ Salt Lake City Summer League team on Wednesday night are any indication, he’s deserving of an opportunity.
Teague was a critical component of Baylor’s NCAA championship this year, alongside soon-to-be Utah Jazz rookie Jared Butler. Teague’s primary skill is arguably the most valued ability in the NBA today: his absolute cannon of a three-point shot. He went 4/10 from three-point range over the course of the Salt Lake City Summer League, flashing a quick, fluid release reminiscent of NBA shooting specialists.
Concerns about Teague revolve largely around his size. At 6’3, he’s fairly small as a 2 guard, but he doesn’t play like a traditional point guard either, as he made evident with his 0.67 assists per game over the course of his Salt Lake City Summer League play.
With a slim frame, he’s also demonstrated some difficulty finishing around the rim, and defending. Shooting specialists make more hay in today’s NBA than they ever have in history, but, Teague’s limitations may still lead to difficulties securing a regular rotation spot in the league.
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Still, that three-point shooting has the potential to travel far. If MaCio Teague ever manages to secure an opportunity in the NBA, and a hot shooting streak happens to coincide with that opportunity, we may soon be talking more about his strengths than his weaknesses.