Chicago Bulls rookie Marquis Teague has a long way to go

The Chicago Bulls will need all the help they can get in the backcourt as they await Derrick Rose's return from a torn ACL, but it may be a while before rookie point guard Marquis Teague figures in those plans. Teague appeared in Chicago's preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, but saw just four minutes of action, missing both of his shots and turning the ball over twice. After the game, Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau outlined Teague's long road to playing time.

"You have to learn how to be a pro first," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "Then you have to practice well. Then you have to learn the league. Then you have to learn your teammates. Once you do those things and know how to do your job, you may get an opportunity to play. But it's a big step going from college to pros. Everything is based on performance."

(via Chicago Tribune)

Teague, for his part, said that he would always cherish his first appearance in an NBA uniform, but acknowledged that he has many things to work on. Teague zeroed in on "defensive fundamentals" as an area where he needs to improve, and Thibodeau's Bulls to pride themselves on defense. Teague also said that he needs to adjust to the pace of the game while at the same time learning new plays and offensive sets.

Teague was the starting point guard on Kentucky's national title winning team last season, 10 points, 4.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game.