Why Teague is a fit for the Bulls

I'm not going to try to sell you on a rookie point guard who only spent one year in college and was selected 29th overall in last week's NBA Draft. But what I will tell you is Marquis Teague is not a 'waste of a pick' or a player who can't help the Bulls right now. But it might take some convincing for coach Tom Thibodeau to give this kid a fair shake in practice, considering Thibs isn't exactly a fan of inexperience, especially at the point guard position. But if we can get past our preconceived notions of what a traditional rotation looks like, Teague may play a worthy role here.
First, let's start with the fact that the Bulls, at one point this past season, carried three backup point guards to Derrick Rose, none of whom seemed to be able to carry the load in the end when it mattered most. I've seen enough of the veteran combination of C.J. Watson and John Lucas III in the playoffs to realize that sometimes experience doesn't mean much in crucial situations. I've also seen enough of Kirk Hinrich when he was with the Bulls and elsewhere to shrug at the thought of bringing him back. (I apologize to Hinrich lovers everywhere, but I just don't see it.) So call me crazy, but I actually think Teague is going to play a role next year. He might not be the starting point guard on Opening Night, as the Bulls seem intent on signing a veteran, but he may play himself into a role at some point given the uncertainty of Rose's return date.
Secondly, Teague has talent. It may be somewhat raw right now, but it can be honed and molded into what the Bulls need. I don't see this strictly as a future project. Had Teague stayed in school, he'd be a top ten pick in the draft next year. The way I look at it, Teague is a bargain at No. 29.
Teague's older brother, Jeff, who plays for the Atlanta Hawks, has proven to be a worthy opponent for the Bulls, giving Rose and company fits in the second round of the 2011 Playoffs. Marquis played with his brother many times growing up and, according to their mother Carol, the basketball court is the one place the two get ultra competitive with each other, otherwise they are 'very close.' Marquis has no doubt learned a lot from Jeff, just like he's sure to learn a lot from Rose. Both Teague and Rose were coached by John Calapari. Both have an aggressive, attacking style of play and competitive spirit.
Something tells me they may work well together.
In talking to Thibodeau at the Bulls press conference introducing Teague, I asked him if he sees the game changing, moving away from a traditional style of rotation where you have two guards, two forwards and a center. Could he envision Teague and Rose playing together?
"Absolutely," answered Thibodeau. "You see teams playing two point guards all the time. We may be in a situation where Rose and Teague are on the floor at the same time. The game is changing in that way."
I know what you're thinking. This isn't LeBron and Wade. Rose and Teague are too small to matchup well against bigger opposing lineups. Then again, I sat and watched Jrue Holliday and Lou Williams light up the Bulls in this year's Playoffs while playing at the same time, and those two are fairly undersized. Whatever works at any given time.
The point is, with coaching and development, Teague may be useful to the Bulls next season. He's already following in Rose's footsteps as far as doing what he needs to do to prepare for life in the NBA. His mother tells me that Marquis' older brother Shawn Jr. is going to move in with the Bulls rookie in Chicago to help him adjust to being on his own in a league that can eat you alive if you don't know what you're doing. Much like Derrick's older brother Reggie Rose, Teague will have some one looking out for his best interests so he can focus on improving his game. Being from Indianapolis, Marquis looked up to Rose (Jeff used to play against Derrick in AAU ball) and I have a feeling Rose will embrace the role of mentor well.
While Carol Teague says watching Marquis and Jeff play against each other in the NBA will be "the greatest moment of all," I say watching Rose show Teague the ropes in Chicago may make for some pretty interesting moments as well.
So, keep expectations tempered of course, but don't count Teague out just yet.
My instinct tells me the kid can play.