Back in 2021, a lot of people were pleased and surprised to see Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks go far in the playoffs and win the championship. Turns out, former NBA guard Jeff Teague had a different mindset then, which led to a blunt message for then-head coach Mike Budenholzer.

Milwaukee Bucks, Jeff Teague
Apr 24, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague (5) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward Anthony Tolliver (43) and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Teague was selected 19th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2009 NBA Draft after a successful college career at Wake Forest. He spent the first seven seasons of his professional career with there and established himself as a solid starting point guard.

Milwaukee Bucks, Jeff TeagueJun 23, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague (5) puts up a shot against Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) in the second quarter during game one of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
After leaving the Hawks in 2016, Teague had brief stints with the Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Boston Celtics before signing with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. With the Bucks, Teague finally won an NBA championship, providing veteran leadership and playmaking off the bench.

Since retiring in 2021, Teague has transitioned into coaching, taking over as the head coach of his alma mater, Pike High School, in Indianapolis. He has also worked as a regional scout for the Hawks, utilizing his extensive NBA experience to identify and develop young talent.

Former Milwaukee Bucks Star Jeff Teague’s Blunt Message Told Mike Budenholzer After Brooklyn Nets Loss in 2021

Milwaukee Bucks, Jeff TeagueMay 13, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague (5) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) defends in the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

With his playing days now over, Teague has since shared a lot of stories during his time in the NBA. In a video shared by The Volume on X, the former Bucks point guard shared to Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green what he said to Budenholzer after losing to a Brooklyn Nets team with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in it.

In that particular game, the Bucks lost big time to Brooklyn with a score of 125-86 just when the 2020-21 season was starting. Milwaukee just shot 44 percent from the field and under 30 percent deep, while the Nets drained 52 percent of their field goals and 50 percent of their three-point attempts.

Milwaukee Bucks, Jeff TeagueApr 15, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague (5) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Fortunately, the Bucks went on to win the championship that season, bestowing Teague with his one and only ring. If Budenholzer took his message seriously, Milwaukee wouldn’t have become champions years ago.
Milwaukee Bucks, Jeff TeagueBucks guard Jeff Teague is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels Friday.
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