“I’m cooking them. I’m a franchise guy. Fans had my jerseys in Milwaukee; they had none of that.” Brandon Jennings did not hold back one bit while challenging his peers -Jeff Teague, Ty Lawson, and Lou Williams -from the 2009 draft class. The 2009 NBA Draft produced stars like James Harden and Stephen Curry, but the point guard debates run deeper than just the top picks. Jennings and Teague carved out their own legacies, but who had the better run?
Jennings’ take started a to and fro of challenges and words. While there might never come a day when these stars once again step on the hardwood to prove their worth, one way of figuring out whose claims stand stronger is a plain and simple comparison between these two stars.
And today, we have Jeff Teague and Jennings on the stand against each other. A quick look at their college stats would make you want to side with Teague, as Brandon had a rather subpar performance at college. During his college basketball career, Jeff played two seasons for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, averaging 16.4 points per game. Meanwhile, Jennings averaged just 3.3 ppg through his two college seasons with the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons. However, the tables turned when the two stars landed in the big league.
Comparing Jeff Teague and Brandon Jennings’ NBA careers
Jennings holds a slight edge, averaging 14.1 points per game, while Teague averages 12.2. And let’s not forget his legendary 55-point game as a rookie – one of those jaw-dropping performances that still holds a special place in NBA history. But while Jennings had flashes of brilliance, Teague’s consistency over the years set him apart.
Jennings put up double-digit scoring numbers for his first six seasons, but after that, his production took a noticeable dip. Teague, on the other hand, didn’t exactly come out of the gate firing. His rookie season saw him averaging just 3.2 points per game, followed by 5.2 in his second year—not the kind of numbers that scream future star. But then, something clicked.
Jennings delivered early, averaging double-digit points for six seasons before declining. Meanwhile, Teague’s slow start gave way to eight straight seasons of solid production.
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 11: Jeff Teague #0 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates after hitting a shot against the Washington Wizards during the second half in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center on May 11, 2015 in Washington, DC. The Atlanta Hawks won, 106-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Teague brought the same consistency to his playmaking, running offenses with precision for nearly a decade. Teague ran the offense with control, averaging 7.1 assists per game for seven straight seasons from 2013 to 2019. Jennings started his career as a dynamic scorer, but after six seasons, his numbers saw a steady decline.
Now, when it comes to accolades, Teague may not have the flashiest resume, but he still stands ahead. An All-Star selection and an NBA championship with the 2021 Bucks hold more weight than Jennings’ 2009-10 All-Rookie Team honor.
Teague played 12 seasons, outlasting Brandon Jennings, who played nine. And the difference in their postseason records? Massive. Teague made the playoffs 10 times, while Jennings had only four postseason appearances. The contrast between these two players is clear, but if there’s one thing Jennings never lacked, it was confidence. No matter the numbers, he always carried himself like he belonged among the greats. No wonder he has been issuing challenges like anything.
Recent updates in Brandon Jennings vs the NBA Draft Class ’09
Jennings is making headlines again, and this time, it’s not about his legendary 55-point game as a rookie. While appearing on the livestream video program Playback, Jennings clapped back at critics who claim that’s all he ever talks about. But instead of letting it slide, he went on the offensive, taking shots at his fellow point guards from the 2009 NBA Draft class and throwing down some bold challenges.
Jrue Holiday, Jeff Teague, Ty Lawson, and Marcus Thornton were all in Jennings’ crosshairs, as he didn’t hold back in comparing their careers to his own. But the strongest jab was reserved for Holiday, as Jennings didn’t mince words about why he believes he was snubbed from the 2013 All-Star Game.
“Only reason Jrue Holiday made it to the All-Star team over me [in 2013] was ’cause [then-76ers head coach] Doug Collins was a d—rider, sending fruit baskets telling people to vote for Jrue,” Jennings said. That wasn’t the end of it. Jennings doubled down, not only challenging Teague and Lawson but even pulling Lou Williams who wasn’t even part of the 2009 draft class, into the fire.
“I wanna play Jeff Teague, Ty Lawson and Lou Will one-on-one,” he declared. “I’m cooking them. I’m a franchise guy. Fans had my jerseys in Milwaukee—they had none of that.” Lawson, however, wasn’t about to let that slide. During a livestream on his channel Ty’s Takes with Ty Lawson, he made it clear that he wasn’t impressed with Jennings’ claims.
“Bruh, you [were] cool, I let it slide when you said you [were] the best guard to come out. All right, whatever. Now you’re saying 2009 Draft class. Lightning never strikes in the same place twice, and neither do you.” And just in case there was any doubt about where Lawson stood, he doubled down. “You [weren’]t nicer than me in the NBA.”
In the end, Jennings’ confidence is unmatched, but when it comes to career longevity and accolades, Teague holds the edge. But does brilliance outweigh steady success?
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